You might assume that the life of a 95-year-old would be relatively sedate. Not so for Marvel Comics icon Stan Lee, who has spent the last year embroiled in a variety of worrying stories.
They range from the LAPD being called to his house to investigate a complaint of elder abuse, reports of money being siphoned from his personal bank account without his permission, conspiracies involving his daughter’s inheritance being stolen from her by con-artists and, just the other week, a truly bizarre story involving Lee’s blood being stolen in order to create a special ink to sign comics with.
Amidst all this, Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn has now stepped up to offer whatever support Lee needs, saying the following on Instagram:
My heart is with @therealstanlee right now. I hope he’s okay. I’ve heard a lot of disturbing reports lately about his care and hope he can live these late golden years with the dignity and respect he deserves, surrounded by love. I’m always here for Stan in any way he needs me. Just let me know.
It’s a touching message, and one I’m sure Lee appreciates. Judging by a recent video released in which the comic book legend angrily threatens legal action against those impugning the names of his friends, this is hitting the family (and Lee in particular) pretty hard.
The troubles seem to have begun with the death of his wife of 70 years, Joan Lee, last year. This upheaval in his personal life coincided with a bout of pneumonia, and from all accounts, the combination of these events sent some pretty suspicious vultures circling around the enormous Stan Lee fortune.
It’s reassuring that those who’ve worked with him are ready to step into things and help him out, though. Over his decades-long career, Lee has defined the modern superhero and the fruits of his creativity have never been more visible in the world than right now. I just hope that all this drama can come to an end and that Stan Lee can enjoy his life and regain his generally sunny disposition.