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by NuyoRiquena on 05.09.10 
Stan Lee has been recognized and honored many times. Last year, he received the Scream Award for Comic-Con Icon, and both Los Angeles and Long Beach declared Oct. 2 “Stan Lee Day.” This year, Las Vegas declared May 8 “Stan Lee Day,” and I was on hand to witness the dedication as read by Robin Leach (Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous).
Johnny Brenden, of the Brenden Theaters and grandson to the late Ted Mann, takes the time to honor members of the entertainment world by dedicating a star at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas — similar to what his grandfather did in Hollywood. In May 2010, he chose Stan Lee.
So many companies have been run by people only interested in the money without the knowledge or compassion for the consumer (and in no place is this more prevalent these days than the video gaming industry). Given the impact Stan Lee has had on our industry, and the entertainment industry as a whole, I am of the opinion such honors are important. I was saddened their wasn't a larger video gaming presence in his honor since so many great titles have been produced based on his memorable characters. Coming to our rescue were Nyko Technologies and Activision! Both companies were present to show the gaming industries appreciation for Stan Lee and to help raise funds for various literacy charities; something close to the honoree's heart. I had the pleasure of meeting Stan Lee at his dedication in Las Vegas. The past year, this man celebrated his 87th birthday and the 70th anniversary of Marvel. I had briefly met Stan Lee at the 2009 San Diego Comic Con, but his handlers rushed him, stating how tired he was, so this time around, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
I immediately discovered the reasons behind the man’s success. Few people can rise to the level of iconic superstardom; they have to possess a bevy of traits rarely found in one being. Obviously, Stan Lee is talented and creative, and he is known as an idea man. He is also sharp, witty, and charismatic — and a bit flirtatious. Throughout the three-day event, he kept everyone entertained with his one-liners and comedic timing. For example, Stan Lee recorded a message to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences requesting an Oscar category be added for best cameo, based on his numerous cameo appearances. He recorded the message with a humor only he could deliver.
When we approached to conduct our interview, he said, “If I have one more interview, I’m glad it’s with a pretty girl.” I blushed. I don’t care if he is 87 or if he says it to all the girls; in that moment, it was me he said it to, and that was enough. After the interview (which Amra “Flitz” Ricketts conducted, a contributor from affiliate site Nerdiest Kids), Stan Lee thanked Flitz for a great interview, stating, “You’re a great interviewer. Lousy person, but great interviewer.” While Flitz was far too awestruck to have known what just happened, the moment was not lost on the few of us who overheard his quip. It was a defining LOL moment for me.
Stan Lee is and always will be one of the best things to happen to comics, and his genius has poured into the film and video gaming worlds as well. Even more impressive than his seemingly endless list of accomplishments is the list of current and future projects. One such new project was the formation of the Stan Lee Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting literacy and education. Most people are already aware of the recent releases of Time Jumper, a digital comic book in which Stan Lee is also the voice of Lee Excelsior, and Heroman, the anime and manga he created. Despite hiccups in the event because of some of the coordinators, having the opportunity to meet and speak with Stan Lee (and others such as Bob Layton and David Michelinie) was absolutely awe-inspiring and worth every minute. Stan Lee mentioned in his interview he wanted to be here in 20 years to see where comics will be, and I truly hope for the same. As Stan Lee would say, "Excelsior!"
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