What if it actually works out?

Brief Anecdote

Stan Lee tells a lively, joking account of how Spider-Man was created, with laughter, applause and crowd reactions throughout.

Main plot

1. Stan is given the assignment to invent a new superhero after Fantastic Four (and possibly X-Men).
2. While brainstorming powers, he notices a fly on the wall and lands on the idea of wall-crawling. He jokes through potential names — “Flyman,” “Mosquito Man” — before settling on “Spider-Man.”
3. He intentionally gives the hero personal problems and makes him a teenager — a radical and unusual choice at the time — so the character will feel real and relatable.

4. The publisher initially rejects the idea:

   “People hate spiders,” “Teenagers can only be sidekicks,” “Superheroes don’t have personal problems.”

5. Discouraged but unwilling to abandon the idea, Stan places Spider-Man in the final issue of Amazing Fantasy.

6. The issue sells surprisingly well. The publisher rushes back and asks for a regular series.
7. Stan’s takeaway: if you believe in an idea, don’t let others dismiss it — do what you want and take pride in your work.

Highlights, jokes and audience reactions

• Comedic asides: Stan quips, “I’m not lying to you… I probably said it’d be groovy,” and makes a playful snort about making the hero a teenager because there were no teenage superheroes.
• The publisher’s blunt objections provide humorous contrast with the later success.
• The crowd punctuates the tale with applause, cheering and laughter — especially when Stan recounts the publisher’s turnaround after the Amazing Fantasy issue sold well.
• Closing punchline: Stan signs off with, “I’m Stan Lee,” reflects on 30 years writing for youth, and urges creators to develop a voice worth listening to.

Personalities appearing

• Stan Lee (speaker)
• Stan’s publisher (unnamed)
• Spider-Man (the character discussed)
• The live audience (applause/cheers/laughter)

Takeaway

The anecdote is both entertaining and instructive: innovation can feel risky, but persistence and belief in your idea can turn skepticism into success.