Recalling a visit with ‘heroic’ Stan Lee
MEETING Stan Lee was a lot like meeting Mr. Rogers or those who lived on Sesame Street. It felt as if he were not a real person but a mythic figure — a superhero out of costume. Tony Stark on his day off.
And I hoped he would be a nice person. I worried that the guy behind so many heroic images could have gained a massive ego. He was an old individual by any measure, 94 years. Sitting to talk with yet another journalist wouldn’t alter his career by a single atom.
We were introduced one morning in November
2016 at Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. (Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network) on the Strip. He had this wonderful, wide smile and was still mentally sharp. His fast welcome was, “You cover Vegas? That’s a great gig!”
Lee had a purpose for this appearance, as he accepted a proclamation from Clark County Commissioner Larry Brown for Stan Lee Day in the county.
Before that ceremony, as we chatted, Lee handed me a little pin. Two hands clasping. One black, one white, above the word RESPECT.
This is what he wanted to talk about, a simple lapel pin that his daughter, J.C., had conceived after the shootings of police officers in Dallas the previous July that left five officers dead. Of course, there would be other shootings to follow, but that event in particular inspired Lee’s efforts.
“We designed this to show a moment of solidarity,” he said. “All cultures and colors need to live together, and I want to remind people of how important it is to respect each other.”
Lee was also excited about the upcoming film “Black Panther,” starring Chadwick Boseman, which fit his pattern of using common personalities from all cultures for his heroes.
“I’d like to think all of my work, all of my characters are inclusive,” he said. “They were meant to be. We never make any mention of color in the stories I’ve written. But we do have a black character, Black Panther, in a movie we’re working on that will be out next year.”
Lee’s work in Las Vegas is also reflected at the Marvel Super Heroes 4D Zones he helped design at Madame Tussauds at The Venetian. His popular characters live on in that museum, and through Sunday, guests can enter that space free of charge.
And Lee’s RESPECT pins are still available at www. handsofrespect.com. As he said, “It’s $10 for two. Keep one, and give away the other.” I’ll wear mine, with a final call of “Excelsior!” to a truly heroic man.
‘Dialogue of equality’
Celine Dion’s new fashion line is no act, except that she’s doing some acting to launch the collection.
The Colosseum at Caesars Palace headliner and international superstar has a new line of gender-neutral clothing for children called Celinununu. She is shown in an action-packed video being chased by police officers, captured and handcuffed.
While on the ground, she assures, “It’s OK. It’s OK. I’m Celine Dion.” Near the end, one of the arresting officers responds to Celine’s claim by saying, “Yeah, girl, and I’m Beyonce.”
This abduction is because Celine had earlier sneaked into a maternity ward and blown magic glitter in the form of the company’s blackand-white stars and crosses. The babies are then magically swathed in Celinununu stark, clean designs. (The vibe is similar to the cover art on David Bowie’s final album, “Blackstar.”)
It is the first design line for the artist, who is scheduled to close her groundbreaking residency at the Colosseum on June 8.
Nununu is a company known for its contemporary alternatives to traditional children’s fashion. The new line’s motto is “Celinununu unites two forces by one voice: fashion has the power to shape people’s minds. Inspire your children to be free, and find their own individuality through clothes.”
In branching out to her new project, Celine posted on Instagram, “I’ve always loved nununu and what they represent. Partnering with them to encourage a dialogue of equality and possibility makes so much sense.”
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at jkatsilometes@ reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @ Johnnykats1 on Instagram. As of 9 p.m. Tuesday:
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