Thinking about Stan...

   For what you might think it's worth, I don't see many blockbusters when they come out. Since theaters switched over to digital projectors it means I can actually get a better picture watching my older tube set at home (I have two side by side, a larger one specifically for watching widescreen movies and thus preserving the effect desired of using such large ratios). Ultimately, I catch most newer movies when my brother picks them up on DVD. So it has been with the entire run of Marvel's massive superhero movies. I have only recently completed the saga, well after everyone else on the planet has seen these surprisingly solid vehicles. 

   It was during the production of CAPTAIN MARVEL that comic book legend Stan Lee passed on. In tribute to him, the opening logo which features a number of scenes from the franchise substituted the numerous cameos Lee provided for the series. Seeing this, I was awed. It was a brilliant example of how one man supported so many. I suddenly realized what Stan had done. First as a comic book writer, then as an editor, and later as a producer, Stan had given employment to literally thousands and thousands of people. Possibly millions of people. He gave people jobs, and because of that houses and cars and the good Lord knows what else. These motions further employed countless men in the fields of construction, electronics, the automotive industry, food, clothing, baby care, you name it. Companies were built upon his work, thus employing even more people. The movies produced from his earlier works likewise employed uncounted legions from technicians to ticket-takers and projectionists. It was staggering to see the empire that had sprung from "a guy who wrote comic books." This is how the American system works, and long after his passing Stan will still be employing people, however indirectly. 

   While I certainly respected Lee and what he'd done in his field, I was never a huge fan of the man. My frame of reference for comic books is almost exclusively based in cinematic adaptations. Until recently, that largely meant the DC universe which I was mostly familiar with because of those various products going back to the 1940's. For me, the Marvel universe is largely limited to a string of more recent movies and a few TV versions from before that. Because of this, Stan never meant as much to me as he did to those who actively gobbled up comic books. He means a bit more now. Getting a rough idea of how many people owe their jobs, even their livelihoods to him was truly eye-opening. Most comment on him as a comic book creator, and deservedly so in that arena. I now see him as an industrialist. How many lives have been changed for the better by his efforts? 

   God bless you, Stan.

A Quick Look: ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET THE MUMMY (1956)

ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET THE MUMMY has long been a favorite of mine. In it, Bud and Lou find themselves mixed up with a murderous cult seeking to resurrect their mascot, Klaris the mummy, and set him loose upon the 20th Century. This entry is notable for a number of reasons. The boys call each other by their real names here, despite being listed in the credits as differently-named characters. It was the last mummy movie produced in-house by Universal until the 1990's. (Universal would release Hammer's color take on the material only a couple years later.) It was also the last film Bud and Lou made for Universal. They would make one other film together as a team, the largely forgotten DANCE WITH ME, HENRY. Lou would make one solo film, THE 3OFT BRIDE OF CANDY ROCK, before his passing. Bud would voice himself in a series of Abbott and Costello cartoons produced in the 60's. ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET THE MUMMY was truly the end of an era in American comedy. Bud and Lou had saved the studio several times, and leave behind a number of highly entertaining feature films -in addition to TV shows, appearances, and radio episodes. Here's to the boys!

I hope you're enjoying your Summer!

   Cartoon Cuties now has a blog of it's own. Going through my profile will take you to The Cartoon Cuties Log, where I hope to feature short stories as well as previews of artwork and updates on what we're doing with the book. Blessings to all who have checked out the new series. Hope you'll join me on the new blog!