8 Amazing Ways Stan Lee Changed Comics Forever

5. Stan's Soapbox

"It seems to me that a story without a message, however subliminal, is like a man without a soul."

This was just one of the many brilliant quotes found with Stan's Soapbox column, which began in 1967 and ended in 1980. Lee was replying to readers who were railing against Marvel's continued commitment to rooting their stories in the real world and taking on genuine issues (sound familiar?), and did so with enough authority and class that it should have been the final word on the subject. Should have.

Letters pages are sadly no longer a recurring feature of comics, but during its 13-year run, Stan's Soapbox opened up a dialogue with readers and offered a valuable insight into how Lee's own beliefs shaped the House of Ideas, with the writer taking the time to rally against racism on multiple occasions, as well as calls for Marvel to shy away from the real world in its comics.

Lee's enthusiasm, energy and rationale are displayed in full view in these exchanges, and they're well worth tracking down for those yet to encounter them.