Stan Lee fans were angered by an essay penned by Real Time with Bill Maher host, Bill Maher, which suggested Stan Lee's contributions shaped a society that was able to elect Donald Trump as President. Lee died Monday and was most known for his role as a Marvel comics creator.
Maher's essay, which was published on his blog Saturday, questioned the appeal of comic books in adult culture. "The guy who created Spider-Man and the Hulk has died, and America is in mourning. Deep, deep mourning for a man who inspired millions to, I don't know, watch a movie, I guess," Maher's essay began. It continued. "But then twenty years or so ago, something happened – adults decided they didn't have to give up kid stuff. And so they pretended comic books were actually sophisticated literature."
The essay, titled "Adulting," then took shots at comic book readers, who he seemed to insist could find a better use for their time. "The problem is, we're using our smarts on stupid stuff. I don't think it's a huge stretch to suggest that Donald Trump could only get elected in a country that thinks comic books are important," his essay concluded.
One Twitter user noted Maher's past controversies in a seemingly sarcastic tone against Maher's now-angry fans. "I was fine with Bill Maher when he was being racist and sexist and wanted to kill everyone in the Middle East but I draw the line at his making fun of Spiderman comics," the user wrote.
I was fine with Bill Maher when he was being racist and sexist and wanted to kill everyone in the Middle East but I draw the line at his making fun of Spiderman comics
— Christopher M (@mammothfactory) November 17, 2018
Artist Greg Capullo added to the conversation and made a joke of Maher's name. "I never speak on topics I know little or nothing about. Why? I never want to be the fool. In other words, I don't wanna make a Bill Maher out of myself."
Comic book writer G. Willow Wilson noted Maher's jabs at the comic book world did something no one else has been able to do: connect them. "Bill Maher has done the impossible: gotten the entirety of comics fandom to agree on something," she tweeted.
Bill Maher has done the impossible: gotten the entirety of comics fandom to agree on something
— G. is going to WisCon (@GWillowWilson) November 17, 2018
Maher has yet to comment on his controversial post and the backlash it has received.
Lee was laid to rest in a private funeral, but further memorial services will be held so his fans can honor him. "Stan was always adamant that he did not want a large public funeral, and as such his family has conducted a private closed ceremony in accordance with his final wishes," POW! Entertainment, Lee's company, told The Associated Press on Friday.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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