Legendary comic writer Jim Shooter passed away. Starting his career as a teenager, Shooter submitted a remarkable script for Adventure Comics to DC, impressing them so much that they hired him without realizing he was just 13 years old. After graduating high school, he landed a job at Marvel and eventually became the editor in chief. Known for being one of the most contentious editors-in-chief in Marvel’s history, Shooter’s tenure produced some of the greatest works in comic history. Some might argue against me, but I firmly believe that Jim Shooter is the best editor-in-chief Marvel has ever had, surpassing even Stan Lee’s contributions to the company.
Stan Lee, a prominent figure in the comic book world, has earned legendary status not only due to his significant contributions as an author and editor but also because he was a beloved presence in many fans’ favorite movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, it’s important to note that Lee’s role in Marvel’s success might have been overstated. While he was crucial for Marvel, much of the actual creative work was done by others, particularly artists who followed what is known as the Marvel Method. In this approach, Lee provided general ideas and plot points, leaving the bulk of the storytelling to the artists. This misconception that Lee was the primary writer persists, but it’s essential to acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by writers like Jim Shooter, who is widely regarded as the author of Marvel’s best comics ever. Shooter, in my opinion, deserves more recognition and I’m tired of people underestimating his impact.
Jim Shooter Took Marvel to New Places
Jim Shooter’s life in comics came to an end with his passing. Shooter assumed the position of Marvel editor-in-chief in 1978 and served until his dismissal in 1987. While there are many criticisms that can be leveled against Shooter, some of which — such as his stance on gay characters — were indefensible, he was notoriously known as a demanding and sometimes harsh figure within Marvel’s offices. Creators who worked with him during the ’80s have shared numerous stories about Shooter’s temperament. Despite his challenging demeanor, he set high standards for those he collaborated with, and when these standards weren’t met, he would often react strongly.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that the work produced during Shooter’s tenure at Marvel significantly impacted the comics industry. While Shooter may have been tough on talent, that talent generated groundbreaking works that transformed comics forever. Shooter’s Marvel played a crucial role in steering the industry towards a more mature direction.
To fully appreciate why Shooter’s Marvel was exceptional, let us compare Uncanny X-Men under his leadership to Uncanny X-Men following his departure. During the early to mid ’80s, Uncanny produced some of the greatest stories ever written in comics. After 1987, while the quality remained good, we did not see another masterpiece like “Dark Phoenix,” “Days of Future Past,” or “The Brood Saga.” Instead, we received “Inferno,” a story that paled in comparison to its predecessors.
Although Shooter could be difficult, the work that creators produced under his guidance made it all worthwhile.
Discussing Stan Lee and Jim Shooter might seem a bit biased, given Lee’s role in creating Marvel’s iconic characters of the ’60s and his subsequent promotion to editor-in-chief at Marvel. During his tenure, artists like Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Roy Thomas, the Buscemas, among others, produced exceptional work. However, it’s important to question whether any of it is as impressive as the works of Frank Miller (Daredevil, Uncanny X-Men), Chris Claremont (Uncanny X-Men, X-Men), John Byrne (Fantastic Four), Jim Starlin (Thor, Avengers), and Roger Stern (Avengers). While the Silver Age comics were fantastic, they largely followed Lee’s style because it was popular at Marvel, and Lee had a significant influence over the entire line due to the Marvel Method, which made his job easier. Lee played a crucial role in shaping what Marvel could become, but he should be recognized more for his editing skills rather than his writing abilities (I firmly believe that Jack Kirby was the greater writer). That said, Jim Shooter’s tenure as Marvel EIC was on another level. Shooter was demanding towards talent, yet this toughness yielded some of the best comics ever produced. Shooter grasped something that Lee also understood — deliver top-notch stories to the fans, and success will follow. Shooter executed this better than anyone before or after him.
Shooter Has No Competition When It Comes to Being the Best Editor in Chief
Stan Lee significantly transformed Marvel Comics, giving them the power to challenge DC’s dominance in the superhero genre during the 1960s and 70s. This shift was largely due to Lee’s contributions as Editor-in-Chief. While Lee was exceptional at his role, it was Jim Shooter who truly excelled. The comics produced during Shooter’s tenure were consistently impressive, with very few misses. Although I have a fondness for the Golden Age of Marvel, if given a choice, I would rather read DC’s Silver Age comics. While I appreciate Lee’s work, Shooter was undeniably superior in his role at Marvel.
It seems that Shooter’s complex nature may have contributed to the exceptional quality of his work for Marvel. His challenging demeanor towards creators pushed them to deliver their best work, which resulted in some of the greatest stories ever told within the Marvel universe. There’s no doubt about it — Shooter’s tenure was instrumental in crafting the most memorable Marvel tales.
Shooter ensured that each month, fans received the highest quality comics possible by pushing the creators to their limits. He recognized something crucial that later editorial teams (such as Quesada, Alonzo, Cebulski, and Brevoort) apparently overlooked — the creators are working for us, the fans. Shooter made sure this point was clear to the creators as well, leading to an unprecedented level of quality in Marvel’s stories.
Stan Lee did a commendable job, but when it comes to Marvel, Shooter outshone him.
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2025-07-07 02:10