by Matthew Russell - Posted 4 days ago
Welcome, my CryptoComics Compatriots. If you’ve been anywhere near the comic book world lately, you’ve probably heard about Stan Lee: The Final Chapter, a Kickstarter-funded documentary that claims to expose the dark truth about Stan Lee’s final years.
The film, led by Jon Bolerjack—one of Lee’s former assistants—has raised a lot of eyebrows, and not just because of its $300,000 funding goal. Let’s break down everything that’s going on, the legal history behind these claims, and why this documentary is causing such a stir.
Born Stanley Martin Lieber in 1922, Lee grew up in New York City during the Great Depression. His love for storytelling and adventure came from reading books and watching films, which later influenced his approach to writing.
Stan Lee began his career in the comic book industry at just 17 years old when he joined Timely Comics in 1939, the company that would later become Marvel. His first published work was a text story in Captain America Comics #3 in 1941.
During World War II, he served in the Army as a member of the Signal Corps and later as a writer of training manuals, films, and even slogans, earning the unique military classification of 'playwright.'
After the war, he returned to comics and helped revolutionize the industry by co-creating some of its most enduring characters alongside artists like Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko.
In addition to his work in comics, Lee also had a passion for radio and co-hosted a show where he discussed the world of superheroes. His influence extended far beyond print, as he became a pop culture icon through his numerous cameos in Marvel films.
From delivering witty one-liners in Spider-Man to playing a FedEx delivery man in Captain America: Civil War, Lee’s appearances were beloved by fans. His final cameo, in Avengers: Endgame, was a touching tribute to his legacy.
Lee wasn’t just a writer; he was a showman. He became Marvel’s editor, publisher, and ambassador, engaging directly with fans through his famous "Stan’s Soapbox" column, where he signed off with his iconic catchphrase, "Excelsior!" This phrase became synonymous with his larger-than-life personality, and his impact on the comic book industry and pop culture as a whole remains immeasurable.
This catchphrase, "Excelsior!" became a rallying cry for fans worldwide. Lee often used it as a sign-off in his editorials and public appearances, explaining that it meant "ever upward." He chose the word to inspire positivity and progress, and also to differentiate himself from competitors who couldn’t easily copy his signature phrase.
Over time, 'Excelsior!' became synonymous with Lee’s boundless enthusiasm and larger-than-life personality, cementing his legacy in pop culture.
However, his later years were far from the heroic stories he wrote. Despite his declining health, Lee continued to make appearances at conventions and in Marvel films, cementing his status as a pop culture icon. His cameos became a beloved tradition, with fans eagerly anticipating his next appearance.
From a witty librarian in The Amazing Spider-Man to a Watcher informant in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Lee’s roles reflected his playful nature and deep connection to the universe he helped build. His final cameo in Avengers: Endgame was a fitting tribute, allowing him to take one last bow in the cinematic world he had inspired.
Later, I will give my personal opinion and questions regarding the documentary, but for now, I will say that my 2 personal favorite cameos are Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer when he is trying to get into the wedding, and in Captain Marvel when he is reading Kevin Smith’s Mallrats (his first cameo).
It seemed to come full circle there for me. Let me know in the comments below, what your favorite cameo was.
Stan passed away on November 12, 2018, at the age of 95 in Los Angeles, California. His cause of death was reported as cardiac arrest with underlying respiratory and congestive heart failure.
His passing came just over a year after his wife, Joan, whom he had been married to for nearly 70 years. Lee is survived by his daughter, J.C. Lee.
His final years were marred by controversy, with numerous allegations of elder abuse, financial manipulation, and lawsuits involving those in his inner circle. Despite these struggles, Lee's legacy remains untouchable.
His work shaped modern superhero storytelling, and his influence will live on in every Marvel movie, comic, and fan who picks up a book inspired by his vision.
Stan Lee: The Final Chapter is being produced by Jon Bolerjack, who claims to have witnessed firsthand the mistreatment and exploitation that Lee faced in his final years. The documentary promises to shed light on the people who allegedly manipulated and abused Lee, highlighting financial fraud, isolation, and other forms of elder abuse.
However, the film itself has come under scrutiny. Critics argue that Bolerjack, as someone who was close to Lee, may have also played a role in the very exploitation he’s now exposing.
The documentary is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, with a goal of $300,000. While many fans are eager to learn the truth, others have questioned the high funding amount, especially since similar documentaries have been made for much less.
There’s also the issue that the Kickstarter rewards do not include a copy of the film itself, leading some to speculate whether the project is more about profit than justice.
The claims of elder abuse against Stan Lee are not new. In fact, legal action was taken against multiple people who were close to him. Here’s what we know:
Lee’s former business manager, was arrested in 2019 and charged with multiple counts of elder abuse, including false imprisonment, grand theft, and financial exploitation. Authorities accused him of isolating Lee from his family, taking control of his finances, and manipulating him for personal gain.
Another former business associate, was sued in 2018 by Lee himself for fraud and financial elder abuse. Lee accused Olivarez of making unauthorized transactions and taking advantage of his declining health.
The cases against these individuals raised awareness about elder abuse, especially in high-profile figures like Stan Lee. However, Stan Lee: The Final Chapter does not appear to have played a role in any legal proceedings. There is no verified information that footage from this documentary was used as evidence in court.
While many believe that the documentary is a necessary expose on the mistreatment of a beloved cultural icon, others are skeptical. Here are the main concerns:
Why Now? – If Bolerjack had evidence of abuse, why wasn’t it used to help Lee when he was alive?
Funding Transparency – The $300,000 goal is much higher than similar documentaries, leading some to question how the funds will actually be used.
Bolerjack’s Role – As someone who worked closely with Lee, some fans question whether Bolerjack himself was complicit in Lee’s mistreatment.
I want to point out the fact that this section is purely my opinion alone. I have looked into all the controversy, read the comments on various platforms and watched the Kickstarter campaign closely.
I met the man twice and he was a legend in my eyes, and will always remain that. I would personally nominate him for sainthood if I could. The first time was when I was younger, around the age of 10 (I can’t remember exactly how old I was at the time). It was during a convention LONG before conventions were about Pop Culture.
The second time was after Jared and I were getting eComics (what would later go on to become CryptoComics) and I stood in line “patiently” waiting for my turn to see him again. I brought up the fact that we met and after explaining the situation, he remembered me and we laughed as if we were old friends. He actually finished the story of how we met when I was about half way through it. He treated me like an old friend even though I was star-struck by seeing him again.
So, when I heard about a documentary about him, I was totally onboard until I opened up Kickstarter and started looking around it.
Let's start with the court cases of Elderly Abuse. I have personally worked in a nursing home. In fact, my first job ever was in one. I’ve seen first hand what Elderly Abuse looks like and it is evil at its purest. So, to see it live and then wait 6 years after his passing is (once again this is my opinion) despicable.
I understand that some people do not have the intestinal fortitude to stand up to a bully, let alone on behalf of a friend. But he followed Stan Lee for years before his passing. How was there not a single moment of courage during this time?
Why did he say nothing to Stan Lee, or the police while it was happening?
Typically, individuals aren't legally required to report a crime unless they are designated as mandatory reporters or are in situations where not reporting could imply involvement. However, some states—such as Texas—have specific laws that classify the failure to report certain crimes as a misdemeanor.
Was there any particular actions in any states that could now prosecute Jon Bolerjack for not stepping up?
If he had a camera and was filming this as shown in the documentary, why did he not produce the film earlier. There were 2 separate court trials concerning this very topic and none of the footage was ever shown in court. This could have potentially led to the conviction of both Keya Morgan and Jerardo Olivarez (both acquitted of any wrongdoing).
I am not saying that they were guilty of any wrongdoing as the documentary has not been released and we have not seen the footage that was recorded. What I am saying is that if there was abuse caught on camera, it might have changed the outcome of the trials.
This brings up another question; is this even true? Keep in mind that both court cases ended with a not guilty verdict. Is this someone just trying to gain a financial benefit off of Stan Lee's famous name? If thats the case, who was actually taking advantage of Stan Lee? Truthfully, we won't know until the video is released and the dust settles.
Let’s open up a discussion on our Discord Channel where fans, creators, and curious minds can respectfully discuss the topics raised in Stan Lee: The Final Chapter. Whether you have thoughts, questions, or just want to hear different perspectives, you’re welcome to join us.
We ask that everyone keep the conversation civil and respectful. Please avoid personal attacks, threats, or anything that could be considered defamatory. Let’s keep this space constructive and focused on learning and discussion.
