Watch With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story

With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story is a powerful and compelling documentary that explores the life and career of one of the most influential figures in the history of comic books and pop culture. Directed by Terry Dougas, Nikki Frakes, and Will Hess, the film features interviews with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, along with never-before-seen archival footage and photographs.

At the heart of the film is Stan Lee, the legendary writer, editor, and publisher who co-created some of the most beloved superheroes of all time, including Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and many others. The filmmakers delve deep into Lee's childhood and early career, tracing his humble beginnings as a writer of pulp fiction and westerns to his groundbreaking work at Marvel Comics in the 1960s and beyond.

Throughout the film, we see Lee's creative genius at work, with fascinating insights into his writing process and his collaborations with some of the most talented artists in the field. We also get a sense of his incredible energy and enthusiasm, as he tirelessly promoted his characters and the medium of comic books to audiences around the world.

But the documentary also offers a more personal side of Lee, examining his family life and his relationships with his wife and children. We see how his family was a constant source of inspiration and support, and how his love of storytelling was intertwined with his love of people.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is its exploration of Lee's impact beyond the realm of comic books. We learn about his efforts to break down barriers and promote diversity through his characters, as well as his advocacy for free speech and creative expression. And we hear from a diverse range of voices, including actors, directors, comic book artists, and other industry insiders, about how Lee's work influenced their own careers and inspired generations of fans.

The documentary also offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the comic book industry, including the rivalry between Marvel and DC Comics, the rise of comic book conventions and fandom, and the groundbreaking changes that Lee made to the medium. We see how Lee's approach to storytelling and character development transformed the industry, as he brought complex, flawed, and relatable heroes to the forefront.

Overall, With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of comic books, pop culture, or storytelling in general. It offers a compelling, engaging, and deeply personal look at one of the most innovative and influential figures in the industry, and reminds us of the power of imagination, creativity, and human connection.

With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.