Monterey comic book store owner remembers Stan Lee

Comic book superhero creator and icon Stan Lee’s death has many on the Central Coast looking over the impact his works have made including one comic book store owner in Monterey, who says he would not be here if it were not for Stan.

When Travis Pratt learned Lee, creator of iconic heroes such as Spider-Man and The Incredible hulk, had died at the age of 95, like many, he took to social media to celebrate the real icon.

“It’s a big one, it really hits. I mean all over today, all on my timeline, Facebook, Twitter and everywhere, you see people talking about him and just the impact that he had on people,” said Pratt.

He met Lee a couple times at comic conventions in California. He says he did not get very long to talk with Lee, but they are experiences he will never forget.

“He was always so happy to be there, he loved meeting the fans,” said Pratt.

Pratt adds Lee’s influence goes beyond the comic book industry. From toys to TV shows and movies, his impact on culture will be felt for years to come.

“You can’t even measure it really. Stan had the idea for…co-created all these characters, and they’re known worldwide,” said Pratt. “You can’t go anywhere in the country and not have someone recognize Spider-Man.”

Pratt has owned Current Comics in Monterey for about five years now, and he says none of this would be here without the works of Lee.

“There would be no comics industry without Stan,” he said. “There’d be no comic shop anywhere in the world without Stan.”

Now, all the memorabilia seems even more special, all the stories even more meaningful and all the people Stan touched even more grateful.

“I wouldn’t be here without Stan, not doing this. No shop owner owner would be,” said Pratt.