Picking Up the Soapbox: A Tribute to Stan Lee

For those of you who visit this site regularly and enjoy reading my random thoughts here on the blog, you may have noticed a new banner at the top: STEVE’S SOAPBOX. You might already be familiar with the idea, and yes, I’m doing it on purpose. It’s my way of honoring the man who got me hooked on superheroes and writing about them: Stan Lee.

Every month, Stan had his STAN’S SOAPBOX column in every Marvel Comics issue. He shared news from the Marvel Universe, answered fan questions, and reflected on the everyday things that touched our lives. His ability to humanize stories and make people feel good was a superpower few possess today. His loss was deeply felt by anyone who had ever picked up a comic and heard him call out to all the “true believers.” And of course, his iconic sign-off, Excelsior! remains unforgettable.

I know I’m no Stan Lee, not yet anyway, and borrowing his greeting or sign-off feels too much like blasphemy. But I don’t think he’d have a problem with a small-time writer like me using his soapbox to raise my voice. I’m not trying to replace him; I’m picking up where he left off. Here, I’ll talk about the things Stan championed. I’ll share updates about my EVOREALM books, answer questions from readers, and occasionally offer my take on the world around us. Some opinions may be divisive, but they’re mine, shaped by the experiences that made me who I am, both as a person and as a writer.

I truly hope you enjoy these blogs and find something of value in them. I know most people come to this site for the 100 Superpowers List, and I love that. The fact that thousands of people each month use it to build their own superhero, sci-fi, or fantasy universes is something I never expected, but I proudly celebrate it. It shows me I’ve helped someone create something special. Just as Stan was an inspiration to me, maybe someday someone will say I inspired them.

I’m keeping the flame lit, Stan. I’m showing people the way, just like you did. And for this one time, let me send you off the way he always did:

EXCELSIOR!