Comic-Con: Interview with Stan Lee

Few people in the world require no introduction. I had a chance to meet one of them a few nights ago here at Comic-Con -- the man, the myth, the legend: Stan Lee. We spoke about his first videogame appearance in the upcoming Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2, what his favorite Marvel movie is, and even managed to sneak in one of those "who would win in a fight" questions.

Mike Nelson, 1UP: So how many Comic-Con appearances does this make?

Stan Lee: *laughs* Oh, I don't know. I've been to so many, some that are much smaller than this, and others all over the world. I've been to the one in New York, but I don't travel too far (living in Los Angeles since 1980) so this is the only one I really go to anymore.

MN: So you're in your first videogame.

SL: Yeah! And you know something, I haven't seen myself in it yet and it is driving me crazy, and if they don't show me soon, I'm not going to do any more interviews *laughter*.

MN: So what was the process for you, did they just bring you in for voice work?

SL: About a year ago they brought me into the studio and wrapped me in all sorts of electrical things, had me assume all sorts of poses, and then they said "ok, you can go now."

MN: So going through the process, has your admiration of the work that goes into videogames grown?

SL: It has always grown. Every year it gets more impressive, technologically...I mean, right now these videogames can compare favorably to any movie, but they're more than a movie because you're part of it. Years ago when I was writing these books, I never in a million years could have conceived that there was going to be anything like a videogame later on.

MN: Speaking of movies, do you have a personal favorite that you like more than others? Like, Spider-Man 2 instead of Spider-Man 3?

SL: Oh, I love them all. I'm prejudice. Each Spider-Man I liked better than the last. I loved Iron Man, I can't wait to see Iron Man 2. I thought the X-Men was superb. I thought the Fantastic 4 was pretty good, the Hulk was pretty good, I can't wait to see Venom, Thor, Captain America, and The Avengers...I mean, it is just so damn exciting.

MN: So do you know what your cameo will be for Iron Man 2?

SL: Yes, I do, and I've already done it but I can't tell you what it is. But, it is comparable to what I did in Iron Man where I was mistaken for Hugh Heffner. So, it's comparable, but not quite the same, so you can chew on that for awhile *laughs*.

Tina Sanchez, 1UP: What does it feel like creating these characters and then seeing them in movies and in videogame form?

SL: It feels good, next question. *laughs* It's almost unbelievable. I co-created these characters years ago, and since the first Spider-Man movie came out, I've started to get used to it.

MN: Do you have a favorite memory of a fan approaching you about your work?

SL: Every one of them is a great memory. You know, some people say they don't like to sign autographs or they don't like to meet fans. I don't understand that. I mean, when you have someone come up to you and say "I like your work" or "I admire what you've done" or "I'm a fan" I mean, it's such a gratifying experience, you know. I love it. Speaking of, what took you so long to come over here and talk to me. *laughs*

MN: So, last question and this is just for fun. Who would win in a fight between the Hulk and Superman.

SL: If I was writing the story?

MN: If you were writing the story.

SL: The Hulk! *laughs* Why are you not surprised?

MN: Well, at least describe how Superman could possibly have a chance?

SL: Oh, he'd have a chance. I mean, Superman can pick up a locomotive according to some things I've seen. He can do really anything the Hulk can do. But if I was writing the story, I'd probably give the Hulk chunk of kryptonite.

MN: Well, he is green, so maybe he could coat himself in kryptonite?

SL: Yea, that could be good, that could be good. You're obviously a comic book writer. *laughs*