Superheroes and hockey seem to have nothing to do with each other…possibly because they have nothing to do with each other. That’s all going to change: According to Variety, comic book legend and cameo superstar Stan Lee is creating 30 new superheroes based on NHL franchises. The superheroes will debut during January’s All-Star game, and will be cross-promoted across several platforms (TV, movies, books, Jumbotrons). Each superhero is based on a team’s mascot or their city, so the Anaheim Ducks’ hero “wears a wet suit and wields a spear while riding a surfboard.” (He’s from California, get it?) This utterly surreal news can’t help but make you wonder: Can superheroes sell hockey? Can hockey sell superheroes? And is Stan Lee just cashing in on his legacy?
Trying to launch a new mega-franchise from scratch is always a dicey proposition, especially when you consider that Lee hasn’t really created anything new and memorable in…well, a long time. (Unless you count Stripperella.) Still, I find myself hoping that this will take off, just because I really would love to see a comic book universe made up entirely of superheroes based on professional teams. Just think of the possibilities! The 49ers could have an ornery time-tossed prospector, with superpowered golden fists! The Lakers could have a wizard who controls water and no one likes him because he’s so full of himself! The Giants could have…a Giant. With lightning powers!
PopWatchers, how do you feel about the NHL superheroes?
This sounds weak to me, but on the other hand, this is for kids, and kids like this stuff.
NHL is pretty big already, but could always use a boost.
You must have missed Ninja Turtles then. Hockey and Superhero Casey Jones…….
This would be SWEET…and I can just imagine the Detroit Red Wings hero!
This sounds pretty cool. Almost anything would be nice to promote the great game of hockey.
I love this idea!! I am a HUGE hockey fan (I’m downright giddy that the season finally opened up today) so any exposure it can get works for me!!!
I’m from Toronto, and our home team – the Maple Laffs, I mean Maple Leafs, are perrenial losers and have not won the Stanley Cup since 1967. We would need the whole Justice League or every X-Men to make a winning team!
I was thinking much the same about your Leafs. Stan Lee will probably be the closest thing they come to the Stanley Cup for some time yet. Although I am sure there are plenty of people planning the parade route after last night’s win over the Habs.
I’m a Buffalo Sabres fan so reading your comment just put a big smile on my face. It’s nice to see someone from Toronto finally realize how much the Leafs suck.
the maple leafs super hero will be called the toronto makebelieves,
LOL @ “cameo superstar”. That he is!
Lol. I’m so looking forward to the Montreal Canadiens superhero!
I actually think this is awesome. I honestly can’t wait to see how possibly stupid it’s going to look.
I’m wondering how he’s going to decide between the Canadiens and the Canucks. And I have no idea what boring powers the Senators will have.
As a big fan of hockey I think it could be pretty cool. I really wonder what superpower the Habs will have!
Does no one remember The Mighty Ducks from back in the 90′s based on the hockey team that was named after the movie. They lived under Arrowhead Pond. That was so full of win.
Stan Lee whores himself out on projects all the time. It’s what he does these days. Everybody refers to Lee as the great creator of the original Marvel heroes and forgets that Jack Kirby was the one busting his hump to actually bring all those comics to life.
I’m sure the backstory for the Canadians and the Canucks will be fascinating.
I am a HUGE hockey fan, so this is AWESOME. Two of my favorite things collide! Can’t wait to see the Flyers superhero! I’m betting he flies!