Hey there, True Believers! A date has been set for "Excelsior! A Celebration of the Amazing, Fantastic, Incredible & Uncanny Life of Stan Lee," a tribute to the late comic book legend as presented by Kevin Smith, Legion M and Agents of Mayhem in partnership with Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment. Set to take place on Wednesday, January 30, at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre, the affair will feature both public and invite-only private events. As a part of the celebration's more intimate gathering, Mark Hamill, Deadpool co-creator Rob Liefeld, and Vincent D’Onofrio, in addition to several others, are excpected to speak on Lee's behalf. Other items listed for the star-studded tribute are an art exhibit by artist Rob Prior, a showcase of select costumes and props from Stan’s cameos and creations, a musical performance and a special moment of remembrance around Lee’s hand and foot imprints.
For the public event, fans of the comic book mogul will be given the chance to score tickets to the tribute beginning today at 5 pm PT via the Legion M website. Ticket packages include both a $150 and $200 dollar option.
While being a part of the event's big announcement, Smith stated the following:
“Thank you, Stan, for making me not only the boy I was but also the man I am today.” He then continued, “You had great power and you always used it responsibly, fostering billions of dreamers who all know your name – a name written in the stars for all time. You were not just the literary titan of comic books, you were our modern-day Mark Twain.”
As the Grand Poobah of the celebration, Smith will moderate conversations throughout the IMAX tribute with Hamill, Liefeld, THE DARK KNIGHT exec producer Michael Uslan, D’Onofrio, RZA, and Tom DeSanto, producer of X-MEN, and the TRANSFORMERS franchise, each scheduled to participate, among others.Once there isn't a dry eye left in the house, the event will wrap with a special video tribute to Lee as well as a live performance of the icon's favorite music and poetry. Net proceeds from the event will be donated to The Hero Initiative, a charity supporting comic book creators, artists and writers who've fallen on hard times.
“We are honored for this chance for Stan’s fans and friends to come together in a celebration of his remarkable life,” said Scott D. Williams, CEO of Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment. “Despite his passing, Stan’s name, work and legacy will continue to flourish and be revealed to the world. We are committed to honor Stan’s extraordinary life and work.” Williams then added.
Also wanting to lend his enthusiasm to the announcement, Champion, Stan Lee’s partner and trusted friend for over 18 years said: “Stan was a unique and unforgettable human being, truly adored worldwide. He loved coming to work and creating endless new ideas and stories and in spite of his genius he was a relatable and kind man that his admirers could relate to with ease. He will be dearly missed and his legacy will live on now and for many more generations to come.”
Lastly, David Baxter, producer of the event and VP of Development at Legion M added: “Stan Lee played a major cameo in all the lives of the fans he loved, be it through his writing, his acting or his personal interactions. We feel this tribute is a perfect opportunity for Stan’s beloved fans to unite with celebrities and friends of Stan to give the man the grand sendoff he deserves.” Agents of Mayhem founder Darren Passarello called it a “personal honor to be a part of this tribute.”
As a point of note, the Legion M website was unavailable at the time of this posting, meaning that fans could run into some issues when hoping to secure tickets to the event. Be sure to plan accordingly, refresh, and best of luck to you all.