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Stan Lee papers, 1926-2011

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Lee, Stan, 1922-
Title
Stan Lee papers
Dates
1926-2011 (inclusive)
Quantity
127.06 cubic ft. (197 boxes)
Collection Number
08302
Summary
The papers of Stan Lee, an American comic book writer, editor, publisher, and former president and chairman of Marvel Comics.
Repository
American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3924
Laramie, WY
82071
Telephone: 3077663756
ahcref@uwyo.edu
Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.

Languages
English
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Historical Note

Stan Lee is most recognized as the creator of the popular comic book heroes Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, and the Fantastic Four. In 1939, Lee joined Timely Comics Group. His early work included writing the Captain America comic strips. In the 1950s, Timely began producing comics under the name of Atlas Comics. In 1961, these comics began to be released as Marvel Comics. It was at this time that Stan Lee emerged as an industry leader when he created a new kind of super hero, including Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk, who were powerful yet realistic and meaningful. In 1972, Lee became the publisher of Marvel Comics Group, and Marvel grew to be the leading producer of comic books in the world. In 1981, Lee moved from New York City to Los Angeles to develop Marvel’s television and motion-picture concepts. He also helped form Stan Lee Media. This Internet site introduced the Web comic series, the 7th Portal. Stan Lee was born Stanley M. Lieber on December 28, 1922, in New York City. He entered service with the United States Army in 1942 as playwright where he created training films and wrote instruction manuals. He was discharged in 1945. He married Joan Boocock in 1947.

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Content Description

The Stan Lee papers include manuscripts and working drafts of many Marvel Comics productions including the Spider-Man daily comic strips and Vera Valiant as well as a host of other comic book lines such as the Silver Surfer, the X-Men, Captain America, the Tomorrow Chronicles, the Fantastic Four, and the Incredible Hulk. Also included is fan mail and correspondence. Much of the correspondence is between Lee and business associates regarding the management and operation of Marvel Comics Group and its production of comic books and other publications. There are numerous magazine and news articles about Stan Lee and Marvel Comics Group, and there are other professional and photograph files that relate to Stan Lee, Marvel Comics Group, and the comics industry. Also included are audio-visual materials including audiotapes, DVDs, and numerous videotapes of Stan Lee interviews and Stan Lee events such as presentations, autograph sessions, conventions, and talk show appearances. There is a small amount of material related to Lee's Internet site, Stan Lee Media.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Copyright Information

The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.

Restrictions on Use

Statement on Potentially Harmful Language and Images Found in Collections

The American Heritage Center aspires to approach all areas of our work in ways that are respectful to those who create, use, and are represented in our collections. For a variety of reasons, however, users may encounter offensive or harmful language or images in some of our finding aids, catalogs, and collection materials.

Note that the AHC does not censor or alter contents of the collections as they provide context and evidence of a time, people, place, or event. Therefore, we encourage users to bring questions and concerns about descriptions in our finding aids to our attention via email or anonymous web-form. For more information, read our full statement.

Preferred Citation

Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Stan Lee Papers, Collection Number 8302, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Alternative Forms Available

Existence and Location of Copies

Digital reproductions of select material from this collection are available at https://digitalcollections.uwyo.edu/luna/servlet/uwydbuwy~196~196.

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Administrative Information

Related Materials

There are no known other archival collections created by Stan Lee at the date of processing.

Acquisition Information

The Stan Lee Papers were donated by Stan Lee at various times between 1981 and 2011.

Processing Note

The collection was processed by Emily Christopherson in April 2014 and John R. Waggener in May 2007.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Container List

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Comic books, strips, etc. - United States.
  • Comic strip characters in motion pictures.
  • Comics.
  • Popular literature - United States.
  • Spider-Man (Fictitious Character)
  • Superheroes.

Corporate Names

  • Marvel Comics Group.

Form or Genre Terms

  • Audiotapes.
  • Videotapes.

Occupations

  • Publishers and publishing.
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