The Origins of Stan Lee's Superheroic Legacy: Stan Lee's First Character, The Destroyer
Stan Lee, the legendary co-creator of many of the most beloved and iconic superheroes, began his journey in the world of comic book superheroes with one particular character. This character, Kevin 'Keen' Marlow, known by the alias The Destroyer, marked the beginning of Lee's long and storied career in shaping the comic book industry.
About The Destroyer
Stan Lee's first original super-powered character, The Destroyer, premiered in Mystic Comics 6. Kevin 'Keen' Marlow was a journalist who was secretly operating as an agent working behind enemy lines. This ordinary man found himself in the most extraordinary situation when he was captured and sent to a concentration camp.
In a desperate bid to escape, Marlow met an anti-Nazi scientist named Eric Schmitt. Schmitt, using whatever resources he could gather from the camp's trash, crafted a primitive version of the Super Soldier Serum. This serum, injected into Marlow, gave him a macabre, skull-themed costume and a set of superhuman abilities.
The Role of The Destroyer in World War II
With these newfound powers, Marlow, now known as The Destroyer, began using his skills to battle Nazis and fight against fascist ideologies. The Destroyer became a symbol of hope and resistance for many Americans and those outside the United States who were fighting against the oppression of Nazi Germany.
Stan Lee's Journey: From Captain America to The Destroyer
While it is well-known that Stan Lee's collaboration with Jack Kirby on the creation of the Fantastic Four marked the beginning of the golden era of Marvel Comics, it is less commonly known that Stan Lee's first comic book character creation was actually The Destroyer. This character made an appearance in a Captain America issue, a fact often overlooked in the annals of comic book history.
Stan Lee was equally adept at taking on various roles in the comic industry. While he took on fill-in work for characters like Captain America, it was the creation of The Destroyer that truly showcased his talent for crafting complex and compelling narratives.
The Impact of Stan Lee's Work
The legacy of Stan Lee extends far beyond the sales charts and the impact his characters had on popular culture. His creation of The Destroyer, and later his colossal work on the Fantastic Four, Marvel superheroes, and beyond, is a testament to his genius and his ability to inspire and captivate generations of readers.
As Stan Lee once said, Himself. He created himself first. He created our childhoods and inspired many MANY people. That in itself is a superpower. His contributions to the world of comic books have left an indelible mark, and The Destroyer remains a key part of that rich and legendary history.