In Search Of Steve Ditko (2007)

BBC4 documentary hosted by self proclaimed comic book fan Jonathan Ross.
He charts the career of legendary Marvel comics artist Steve Ditko and seeks out the reclusive artist to possibly be granted an exclusive interview?

[@johnreed3405]

Steve Ditko passed away today. He was 90 years old. He will be missed and remembered.

[@victurs1093]

RIP Steve. Just so you know, he didn't die on the day this comment was made, but rather he was found dead two days after his death. I don't say it out of disrespect, but out of remembrance of the cool recluse weirdo that genius was. He was the real Question.

[@quemleumedeu2289]

​@BTIsaac Dumbass

[@michaelhughes8057]

John Reed you are right! He lived to a good age and he will be remembered for Spider-man, Dr. Strange and all the other host of characters he created, including The Creeper, Hawk & Dove, Squirrel Girl, etc.

[@markshaw7253]

vic sage was not a detective, Jack Kirby designed Spider-Man's costume, the Creeper had numerous powers, Mister A failed because it appeared during the infancy of independent publishing. I'm not saying Ditko didn't get screwed, but for God's sake, do SOME research! BTW, the only reason people know Ditko's name is that Lee printed the artist's names, which wasn't the custom at that time. During the fifties, Wayne Boring drew Superman. How much credit did he get? Also, Lee's words during that famous Spider-Man sequence were brilliant. A lot of Ditko 's problems stemmed (as shown) from iconoclastic behavior.

[@pooddescrewch8718]

His work will , anyhow

[@DoppelgangerShockwave]

R.I.P, Steve Ditko. Thank you for all your amazing contributions to the literary art world.

[@hattanalshutaifi4587]

The Rooster saddest is that despite co-creator of spider man and doctor strange Steve ditko is reclusive and mysterious comic creator and marvel legends in history of comic book to point he never had interviews nether involved fan convictions nor appear in documentary nor take photographs nor what he look like today

[@DoppelgangerShockwave]

The lack of interviews was his choice.

[@hattanalshutaifi4587]

The Rooster that kinda disappointing his fans especially marvel fans especially spider man and doctor strange fans

[@DoppelgangerShockwave]

Oh well. That's life.

[@hattanalshutaifi4587]

Collins Ongaya yes I understand how you feel but you know Steve ditko was perhaps the most mysterious and enigmatic comic creator to point there no information about his early life background and despite his popularity and fanbase he never shown fan conversion nor giving autographs nor giving interviews or public or tv appearance nor giving explanation for his character like doctor strange and Spider-Man inspiration behind nor he allowed being photographed and even what he look like in later life before his death such shame and waste

[@bandag78]

I love the way they respected his privacy.

[@brandonquenneville7330]

No i do not respect Ditko's privacy.... take the pic... and life goes on... we as fans respect that more than an Old Man's privacy

[@bandag78]

Why?

[@brandonquenneville7330]

duuuu

[@comichaul]

Brandon, do you want people to respect your privacy in day to day life?

[@ScottAlanBecker38]

Brandon Quenneville You deserve nothing. Steve Ditko isn't your personal property.

[@ramsysone]

Steve's nephew, Mark Ditko, is my friend and former co-worker. I heard lots of stories about Steve's generosity and humility from him.

[@lakiog1938]

Care to share some?

[@mapinguarimonster]

I would love to hear of the stories

[@michaelhughes8057]

Reynard Ramirez. God bless you and thanks for sharing this story. You are lucky and blessed to have known and worked with Mark Ditko, his nephew! Lucky for you!😀😁

[@michaelhughes8057]

@@mapinguarimonster I would too, Gulherme! 😀😄

[@alessiodelcastillo1613]

RIP Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, the Fathers of Spider-Man. Thank you for creating the greatest superhero of all time and inspiring generations to come and for making everyone feel special and have a boy they can relate to in Peter Parker.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Without Romita, Spider-Man wouldn't be what it is.

[@peace8381]

@@lyndoncmp5751 Shut up idiot ! Without Steve Ditko Spider-Man would not even exist. And John Romita would have not the opportunity to work in that title in the first place.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@@peace8381 I shall repeat, without Romita, Spider-Man wouldn't have blossomed, reached its zenith and became what it did. It would have just carried on along the same level, not going progessing and changing for the better.

[@mobzilho9904]

@@lyndoncmp5751 Romita didn't do a damn thing

[@Moodboard39]

@@lyndoncmp5751 wtf

[@AlanAntimatter]

R.I.P. Steve Ditko. Your legacy will live forever.

[@richb3014]

Goodbye Steve. Thanks for everything.

[@benvids]

“Marvel has now grown into a corporation of over 500 workers.” And 11 years later...

[@Dear1Stupit1Dog]

just curious how many worker are there in marvel today?

[@gabrielp9646]

@@Dear1Stupit1Dog Probably way less than 500. Keep in mind: They´re are talking about Marvel Comics, not about Marvel Studios.

[@MentalMonkey2525]

It's truly sad what Marvel has become. I fucking hate it.

[@heh9719]

New warriors!!

[@Moodboard39]

@@MentalMonkey2525 is crappy now lol

[@supreme-dictator-donald-tr6611]

Now all Spiderman comics have Steve Ditko credited as co-creator

[@davidlindsay9564]

But Stan's shouting from every rooftop it was all him has made the world think otherwise. shame.

[@toyhunter2903]

The credits were since the very first appearance of Spider-Man. In the comic Amazing Fantasy #15 from 1962. In the first page appears ...Stan Lee & S.Ditko 😉👍

[@davidlindsay9564]

@@toyhunter2903 but i think it was removed for a long while.B lake Bell's book about Ditko is really good. Ditko of course didn't like it, but I think its great, and doesn't do Steve wrong at all. But as far as Stan and Steves credit it was there in the 60s but then wasnt. It didn't say created by Stan Lee (only) but of course everything marvel said "stan lee presents" so thats more of his edging people out.

[@loranenzo8225]

​@@davidlindsay9564 the title where you see Stan Lee present is completely different this title is written everywhere in Marvel comics even though Stan has not even created characters like the Punisher, Ghost Rider or others

[@loranenzo8225]

​@@davidlindsay9564the problem you say that Steve and Jack were never credited when that is false the problem in the story Stan Lee received a lot of recognition me who loves Stan Lee Steve ditko also deserves recognition and great tribute compared to Stan and Jack that they received tributes from some comics fans ditko is completely forgotten because Stan and Jack contributed so much to the comics industry that Steve ditko is for me in the shadow of Jack Kirby and Stan Lee.

[@radiorain5665]

God rest his soul. Ditko's work and influence will probably live on forever. I always thought it was a testament to the brilliance of his design, that Spider-Man's costumed has remained largely unchanged throughout these long years. It's a timeless design. That visual creation alone is one of the greatest contributions to popular culture. It's sad that I've had to explain who Steve Ditko was to so many after his passing.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

It was Romitas Spider-Man that became the iconic Spider-Man.

[@peace8381]

@@lyndoncmp5751 Nope !

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@@peace8381 Yep.

[@BjKManGa]

Rest in peace Steve Ditko and thank you for everything you did for comics.

[@alfieshadbolt8379]

R.I.P Steve Ditko, you will forever be missed 😢😭

[@revinhatol]

Excelsior.

[@MotownWes]

What a great documentary. Mr Ditko absolutely co-created Spider-Man. 50/50 right down the middle with Stan Lee. I’m glad you got to meet Mr Ditko. He’s a legend. I would have loved to see an actual interview with him. He’s as important as Kirby and Lee.

[@jzga1]

RIP Steve Ditko, forever now immortal.

[@stephenterranova8455]

I really pray Mr. Ditko had a chance to watch this loving tribute and feel appreciated and affirmed b the folks who truly love and cherish his work.

[@davidsnow2420]

Ditko was my favorite artist as a kid. Dad bought me Spiderman #8 & it was my first comic. Was hugely disappointed when Steve left Spidey, but he produced his most amazing work for Warren in Creepy & Eerie. Brilliant & surreal.

[@ryantimony6669]

His art for the Warren mags was superb! Those ink washes...!

[@michaelhughes8057]

David I agree! My mother bought me my first Spider-man Comic #3 when I was a kid. Although I liked Romita, I missed Ditko when he left the title & Marvel. He will always be missed. RIP Steve Ditko and thank you!

[@juanaguirre9331]

RIP Mr.Ditko, You were a legend.

[@PyroNexus22]

"Joe Quesada The guy, who ruined Ditko's most famous creation, Marvel Comics"

[@assassingio9847]

RIP Steve Ditko you were an artist of one of a kind and your contributions to the comic book world and in the art in general will always be remembered.

[@DoctorPerverto]

36:09 *[DRAMATIC USE OF LIGHTING INTENSIFIES]* Also RIP Steve Ditko. It is truly a sad day for all of us.

[@Peremptor]

He lived life on his own terms... very few of us ever get close to that.

[@TheRealStevieB]

I will never understand why he was such a recluse but I guess that was what he wanted. Spider man would never have been as successful if Steve hadn’t designed Spider 🕷 mans costume. He was definitely the co-creator of Spidey. RIP Steve. Thank you for all the wonderful work and memories.

[@robd1329]

I agree. When your that private..more people end up bothering you. He should have done interviews near the end of his days to clear things up!

[@tonypine3434]

there's a spider called a brown recluse so maybe he's dedicated himself to the role

[@terryscifi6771]

One of my favourite documentaries.

[@SuperShah201]

rest in peace, Steve Ditko. you inspired and entertained so many people across years.

[@DaleColeman]

RIP Steve. Thank you for all that you've given us.

[@MisterCastro5]

All in all, I will forever be grateful for creating some of the best characters in comics in my childhood.

[@pepelepeau]

I am so saddened by his passing today! 7/6/2018... I love SPIDERMAN! So much respect for you and your talent! Rest in Peace!

[@mayam6196]

I got mad love for Steve Ditko ... he an Legend as Jack Kirby as welll ..I look up to them for making me an artist as well ..

[@cozener1]

RIP Steve Ditko. A true comic book legend.

[@Azraeel11]

Steve ditko died and no one reported, not even remembered in any marvel movies featuring Spiderman or Doctor Strange.

[@Azraeel11]

Stan lee died and even DC universe were giving their respects to him. Not to disrespect stan lee, but at least acknowledge artists like steve ditko.

[@PaulDozierZZoMBiE13]

Wow. Alan Moore was downright cordial. Never seen that before. He must really love Jonathon Ross. lol This was fun to watch, thanks for sharing it with those of us who live across the pond. Never even knew this doc existed. Cheers!

[@RighteousBrother]

He was charming when I met him, but there again that was before his wizard days.

[@ramoncastanos6320]

R.I.P Mr. Ditko. Thank you very much for many comic book characters creation. Your legacy will always live on.

[@johnjohnson3809]

R.I.P Uncle Ben

[@jacobcampos3114]

John Johnson RIP Steve Ditko

[@samuelbarden4790]

In one of Ditko's reprints, he said Joe Gill and him should have stayed on Captain Atom. Ditko's return to Captain Atom and creating a new Blue Beetle was a part of the Marvel creative way and the design are as cool has Ditko's Marvel stuff. It would always be hard to beat Ditko's Spider-man or even his redesign on Iron Man. There is also his horror shorts with Archie Goodwin which matches his Marvel work. I know everyone likes to say, he left Marvel and became Ayn Rand. One of the funniest moments in one of Ditko's essays about comics was the original art essay. He spoke about the return of original art not simply a black and white thing, even tho he received no Spider-man artwork. The response was either you are with us or against us (paraphrasing), which Ditko thought was, "It was like everyone was a bunch of Mr. A's!" (Verbatim.)

[@MMZERO9]

RIP Steve Ditko. 😢😭

[@z.a.9587]

Jonathan Ross - A perfect documentary - How did you get the BBC to fund ?! - Well done - Recognition for Steve Ditko . 🙂

[@robd1329]

Well never know why Ditko was so private. He should have come out near the end to say it how it was and clear things up. It will now always be a mystery

[@lindar2345]

I have two letters from Steve Ditko. We had a brief back and forth about 10 years ago, but he was hard to get through. They did it the right way, trying to see him in person. RIP Dits.

[@davidlindsay9564]

Stan did NOT insist on Ditko getting movie credit Sam Raimi is the one who insisted.

[@toyhunter2903]

Stan Lee is a liar!

[@lyndoncmp5751]

John Romita didn't get any credit in any movie, even though Mary Jane was his visual creation, which they tried to emulate with Kirsten Dunst. Spider-Man 2 is pure Romita.

[@ostrava6315]

How do you know that?

[@davidlindsay9564]

@@ostrava6315 It's well known that Raimi insisted.

[@zoso73]

@@davidlindsay9564 it's well known that Raimi insisted? Or did Raimi personally tell you?

[@GregStallion]

R.I.P. Steve. I've watched this doc so many times with my best friend.

[@daustin8888]

Stan Lee's face on the thumbnail of a Steve Ditko video is the epitome of irony

[@vanthdreadstar8039]

This is awesome. I love the shadows in the interviews. Brilliant. I had heard before that Steve didnt make an appearance in this documentary, but it brought me a great deal of joy that both Jonathan and Neil were able to speak with him.

[@YannickTMessiah]

But it's very lame that they simple didn't said a thing about the conversation. Such a pointless ending, it's like - Yes, we talked to Ditko and he answered to all of our questions - Great! And what did he said? - Oh, it doesn't matter, it's not like if this is important to our doc right? - IT IS!!!

[@mikearchibald744]

@@YannickTMessiah You have a point, maybe that shouldn't have been the title and just left out the ending since the 'search' seemed to take all of five minutes.

[@YannickTMessiah]

@@mikearchibald744 The title is not my issue with this actually, it's not a matter of unachieved expectation about "the search". The point is, how in the fuck can you make a documentary about someone, get to see this person, ask whatever everybody always wanted to know, and, in the end of everything, not give these answers (that you now have) to the audience?! This is probably the stupidiest thing I've saw in my whole life, tremendously absurd! I was not even believing it until the very end.

[@Moodboard39]

@@YannickTMessiah guy is private dick head

[@dadahyena]

Thank you so much for sharing this; Steve Ditko still remains one of the biggest influences on my comics work (not to mention several generations of comic artists as well!) and one of the most unique artists and storytellers ever.

[@JohnHenrySheridan]

A huge fan of silver and bronze age Marvel myself. This is amazing (no pun intended)!!!

[@jbsuperman]

R.I.P Steve Ditko. Thanks for all the wonderful creations and gorgeous artwork. The world is a little less brighter now :-(

[@lyndoncmp5751]

He's iconic, but his art can never be called gorgeous.

[@phatstax2011]

I love that the creative talent chose to play the Grateful Dead's epic "Dark Star" during the discussion about whether or not, psychedelic substances, had any influence on Ditko's Dr. Strange. Kudos to the BBC for choosing the truly authentic, rather than the more commercial, "psychedelic rock " of the era.

[@TheLewisLegend]

RIP Steve Ditko was only watching this doc a couple weeks ago, thanks for the entertainment

[@parkb5320]

To me, Steve Ditko, at the very least should, without question be credited as the co-creator of Spider-man. Everything that make Spider-man popular comes from Steve. Stan may have had the idea, but it’s like the Bob Kane-Bill Finger situation. Bob Kane came up with the idea of Batman but if you ever saw Kane’s original idea for Batman’s costume, he looked more like Robin than the Batman we know. Would Batman have ever been seen as the weird creature of the night if Bill Finger hadn’t stepped in and said, “Maybe this idea would look better?” Same thing with Spider-man, what would Jack Kirby’s Spider-man costume have looked like? Knowing the King, I’m sure his Spider-man would still have been popular, but the character would have been completely different from the awkward teenage we know and his costume probably would have looked more like a Captain America or Daredevil type than the full mask Ditko created for him.

[@Clay3613]

Kane swiped Batman from numerous sources, he came up with nothing.

[@Moodboard39]

Bill just came with costume ideas, thats it. Still not the creator of Batman

[@budgethornet7498]

@@Moodboard39 he did a significant more than that, even bob admitted it

[@VanishedPNW]

Behind every "genius" (Jobs, Zuckerberg, Edison, Stan Lee, Bob Kane, the founders of the USA) are the people who are doing the dirty work, laying the bricks and making it happen. In many cases, they do far, far more than the "genius" out front ever bothers to publicly acknowledge. It's up to the historians and the fans to foil the "lone, genius-creator" myth. In some rare instances, yes--the genius creator has their own idea, and they build their dream from the ground up and on the backs of nobody, generally because nobody believes in them, etc. Tucker Auto comes to mind. I am inclined to believe that Batman is Bill Finger's baby, and Spiderman, Ditko's. The use of baby is deliberate here, because Stan Lee and Bob Kane are the "idea" donors. They produced a baby, and their proteges bottle-fed, diapered and raised that baby and made it into what it became. Lee deserves credit, but Ditko likely deserves far more than he has ever gotten. Stan Lee is wrong if he thinks he "created" something simply by "thinking it up." The word create literally means to produce, and he didn't really do that. Sure, he published the comic, but he did not truly create the character. It sounds like Lee designed, wrote most of, and shaped the Spiderman character. Lee was an important part, keeping his talented artist nurtured and offering up his own ideas, but it was Ditko who built the machine. Same goes for Bill Finger and Bob Kane, with Kane offering even less input and less guidance. Bill Finger literally created Batman from the word "go." I say all this because too often real genius goes uncredited, while charlatans and hucksters stand on the shoulders of the innovators who got them their spot at the bowl, and do what they do best: sell an idea. in this instance, the idea that they alone created something. Surely Stan Lee DOES deserve a lot of credit. Absolutely. Without him, Spiderman wouldn't exist. However, doesn't Steve Ditko deserve maybe even a bit more credit than Stan? Lee often takes sole proprietorship over things that he did not truly create all on his own. Sure, there's a million people out there starving to take credit for great things, but does anyone really believe a guy who created "the Question" would go around saying he created something if he did not? A character whose literal purpose is to break things down into black and white, good v. bad. Most casual comic fans likely believe he drew every panel and wrote every word, and that's bogus. Bob Kane is even more notorious for this behavior, and his story is difficult to support. It's always funny to me that every time true genius is identified, there's hungry eyes waiting in the wings to harness their brilliance. Maybe this is just how great teams are built, and how great ideas become ubiquitous, this set up the engineering genius and the man savvy enough to convert ingenuity to currency, I'm not sure. Perhaps it is a good thing, overall. I only wish the the genius "engineers" of the world received more limelight and more kudos. There's not many people out there who can sell a truly terrible idea, there's a million people out there who can sell brilliance. Which one is more valuable, the seller or the creator? The answer may just be like the elegancy of Spiderman and Batman: it's complicated.

[@michaelhughes8057]

Right Clay from the Mark of Zorro, The Shadow, a character in a horror movie, The Bat Whispes, a Pulp Superhero called The Bat, etc.

[@GraveMistake1]

Stan Lee imagined the character of Spider-Man and Steve Ditko in collaboration with Stan’s idea brought it to fruition. Both were essential for creation of the character.

[@toyhunter2903]

Jack Kirby helped with early concepts of Spider-Man. In fact Jack Kirby drew the very first cover of Spider-Man....Amazing Fantasy #15

[@michaelhughes8057]

In fact, B McMinn Kirby claimed to have come up with the name of Spider-man in the 1950's, while working @ MLJ Comics w/ Joe Simon while creating the superhero, The Fly!

[@Vindsvelle]

For those curious: THIS is the Stan Lee interview - wherein he refuses to give co-creator credit for Spider-Man to Ditko at 49:25 - to which Alan Moore refers in the video (YT refuses to let me paste _anything_, so bear with me): "ALAN MOORE - talks about Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko", uploaded Oct 1, 2012 by user Adam Baker.

[@isabelteles521]

RIP Steve Ditko. Obrigada, de Portugal!

[@tribemaster101]

Igualmente

[@Ryno87]

Thanks for the upload, great documentary. Love Ditko’s work.

[@josephel5856]

Enjoyed this documentary immensely. Thanks for posting

[@minicooper1998]

RIP Steve Ditko

[@75JUNAKI]

I want this video to spread in the Spidey community it's a great documentary

[@coreyshelp7241]

If ditko was the first to draw spidey . tocreate the visual we all know then he without a doubt created 75% of the stuff...

[@xvRUghi990]

So in the same day i saw a one hour doc on Kirby and one hour doc on ditko. Both free on youtube. We live in amazing times especially with black panther and avengers 3 on the horizon!

[@XxSilverTheHedgehog1]

RIP, Steve Ditko...we’re all gonna miss you.

[@beldub01]

RIP Steve, your legacy remains with us.

[@vilstef6988]

In the Dr Strange movie, how the film makers captured Ditko's mystic vision was just boggling!

[@kevingiven3463]

I'm disappointed that they didn't talk about Captain Atom. He was my favorite Charlton character until E-Man came along.

[@leorianr]

Descansa en paz Steve Ditko, un genio muy desconocido a pesar de ser un pilar de la industria.

[@darrenbermingham]

Thanks very much for uploading this.

[@Thierrothierro]

RIP, Mr. Ditko. You were undoubtedly a genius.

[@clarkvaughan]

Kirby loved straight lines. Ditko loved curves. Both were beyond great. RIP to the kings.

[@GolDRoger-zd3wm]

RIP John Romita, I loved his part in this documentary.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

The definitive Spider-Man artist as far as I'm concerned.

[@alexlivalentine]

Thanks for uploading this. A legend. ♡

[@klajdiballanca32]

This was beautiful!

[@kennedydegale1477]

I love Alan Moore but sometimes he scarys me

[@emilianoromano4652]

kenan degale yeah me too

[@alexcarter8807]

I know Alan Moore from the original Judge Dredd in 2000 A.D. Excellent work.

[@FlyingTiger2099]

America merely adopted Alan Moore. British comic fans were born in his work...

[@GabyGeorge1996]

Alan Moore looks like Rasputin

[@bud389]

British fans merely adopted Steve Ditko. American fans were born in his work.

[@sonofsound]

still one of my favorite beeb specials. RIP to the hermit master, he did it his way and changed the world

[@OldSchoolPosse]

RIP Steve Ditko 🙏

[@braxtonwages195]

You rule, Jonathan Ross. Recognizing the Ditko.

[@Mgm1976-j9w]

Thanks for posting this! :)

[@anthk.4846]

Steve Ditko the man that brought spider man to life.

[@BlackMoore82]

Ditko, Kirby, and Romita Sr deserve all the credit in the world.

[@demetriusdillard2863]

R.I.P. Steve Ditko, Jerry Robinson, John Romita, Sr., and Stan Lee.

[@Changetheling]

RIP, Master Ditko.

[@jetcrosofz1987]

Rest In Peace Steve Ditko.

[@CarynDPrescott]

Rest In Peace Mr Steve ✏🖌🕯

[@CMYKrtist]

Thank you so much! I´m looking for every info about this unkown author for the general public but more important than the shown-face of Marvel.

[@Arkham756]

Ah! Steve Ditko my artist. RIP you will be never forgotten…

[@pickingmybum]

thanks for uploading the full thing

[@scarlettpheonix8387]

11:57 Wait a minute Steve Ditko also created Hawk/Dove and the Creeper?I thought Steve Skeates created them,I guess you learn new things every day.R.I.P Steve Ditko.

[@bozojoe197]

He was born in my hometown. We love him here.

[@hahahahaha288]

Where is he from?

[@robd1329]

No one gives a shit

[@liberalbias4462]

@@hahahahaha288 Pennsylvania.

[@artknight8023]

Stan and Steve miss you😫😤😩😰😓😓🤧🤒🤒👜

[@followthewhiterabbit2549]

Jack Kirby: Hold my beer !

[@comicbookninja5268]

RIP to a master genius.

[@the-nothingman]

Rest In Power Ditko

[@darkknightfan7520]

We'll miss you steve. Thank you so much.

[@DEricKesler]

This was delightful. I’ve read and enjoyed Ditko’s work with both Marvel and Charlton. I’m familiar with both Hawk & Dove and the Creeper, but I’ve not read the initial appearances of these DC characters. I’ve absolutely got to locate a collection of Mr. A.

[@Artisan1979]

30:54 It was issue 38. John took over the book with #39

[@CullenHartley]

Excellent documentary!

[@alandhopewell]

Wonderful documentary.

[@WilliamByronIs]

*sigh* I will miss this man tremendously.

[@leonohs]

The true creator of spiderman

[@56postoffice]

Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, the Three Horsemen of Marvel, the House Of Ideas. *RIP*

[@toyhunter2903]

If Stan Lee came with the idea of Spider-Man and Steve Ditko came with the idea of Doctor Strange. Why the fuck Stan Lee appears first in the credits of Doctor Strange?

[@EggPlanet492]

I'm not sure it's fair for Jon to repeatedly claim that Stan "only relatively recently" decided to give out co-creator credit for some of his most famous works. Perhaps Stan could have created as much publicity for those artists as he did for himself in those days, but the credit line is RIGHT THERE, in those early books: "written by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko." This is no Bob Kane/Bill Finger situation. And Stan made significant strides to create not so much a Walt Disney persona for himself, as much as a "bullpen" image in his responses to fan letters - of a bunch of guys having a ball making comics together, and that Merry Marvel Marching Society record demonstrates that. The problem was that Stan was such a showman and brand-builder that he stood out above the rest in the eyes of the press, and the artists simply were not that kind of person. In regards to whether Steve is in fact a "co-creator" or not, I like to believe that he is, but I understand Stan's apparent reluctance here. Comics are a collaborative medium - they're not a novel, where the writer can come up with an idea and then proceed to write whatever he wants. With comics, it becomes difficult to draw the line for where original "creation" begins, and collaboration starts, because an artist is obviously necessary from the get-go. Stan's original idea - a socially awkward teenager who gains the powers of a spider, abuses them, and in paying the price learns to become a superhero - appears very fleshed out, and it was only then that he approached artists to help him bring it to life. He even went to Kirby first, didn't like his approach, and THEN went to Ditko. I think Stan's answer is fair - "Spider-Man wouldn't have succeeded without Ditko, but then I would have simply created something that didn't succeed." It becomes very muddy. So while Steve certainly plotted even the bulk of later Spidey stories, with Stan simply giving vague overviews, in terms of actual creation of the original idea? I think both sides have their points. Steve created many iconic ASPECTS of the character, while the first mental INCEPTION of the character seems to belong to Stan. It almost becomes an argument of definitions and semantics, rather than who did more creatively.

[@anthonylogiudice9215]

Kirby orginally came up with an idea of the Spider or Spiderman in the 40's but it didn't make the cut. Stan Lee came up with the concept of Spider-man being a teenager who lives with his aunt and uncle. Le contributed to the dialogue and captions. Full stop. That is it. The direction of the stories and development of the character of SM and the rogue gallery of villains including Green Goblin were all Ditko. Even the identity of the GG was alluded to by Ditko in several issues where you see Osborn in the background and the silouette of the unmasked GG matched Osborn's. One issue had him punching out Spider man with one blow. Ditko always believed Osborn to be GG. Stan Lee made it seem like he was the one who came up with the idea and Ditko was opposed to it and that disagreement led to Diko leaving Marvel. Another falsity by Stan Lee once again.

[@djwaters22]

Whats wrong with having your name as the artist? Thats an honor.

[@jasonbean5981]

I was disappointed that the Charlton years were brushed right past.

[@daveconleyportfolio5192]

Understood. But the realities of TV dictated a three-act play: the Marvel work that made him relevant, the Randian philosophy that made him intriguing, the meeting that paid off the show. But I did like Alan Moore's comment about the dreamlike quality of the Charlton work. Blue Beetle #5 haunted me for years until I saw it again in college and realized that I hadn't imagined the damn thing.

[@davidlindsay9564]

The Warren horror stuff too.

[@YannickTMessiah]

@@davidlindsay9564 YES!

[@FragItAll]

That.......was beautiful.

[@gjmaztr7]

Excellent Docu_video...interesting that Stan Lee's Letter to Steve Ditko saying 'your the co-creator' of Spiderman is dated 8/19/99...1month Plus a Few wks. after my wedding...But I'm thankfull, i can draw Spiderman the Ditko way and the Romita Way....but loved Ditko's Dr. Strange, and Hulk versions too.