by Aaron Einhorn
Stan Lee is regarded by many (rightfully or wrongly) as being the father of the modern superhero, and it is hard to deny the man’s influence, reach or significance to the history of comics. So, when he puts his name on some new superhero-related project, it gets attention.

Such is certainly the case with the new YouTube channel Stan Lee’s World of Heroes. An all-new internet channel focused on all things superheroic, Stan Lee’s World of Heroes is designed to be the premiere destination for all things related to heroes, villains, and the world of fandom. The channel features a variety of scripted and unscripted shows, and during Comic-Con, I was lucky enough to be able to sit in on a round-table interview with several of the creators involved with the start-up channel, including Adrienne Curry, Mark Hamil, Peter David, Jace Hall, America Young and Bonnie Burton.

First up, we got to talk to Adrianne Curry. Adrianne, known to many from America’s Next Top Model is, herself, a massive nerd – and was in fact dressed as Raptor Jesus during the interview. Adrianne’s contribution to Stan Lee’s World of Heroes is Adrianne Curry’s Super Fans, a docu-reality show about the most dedicated fans – those who are the epitome of the word “fanatic”. But Curry isn’t looking to make fun of these dedicated souls – she is trying to explore why they are inspired to do what they do.

Adrienne Curry

Next, we got the chance to talk to Bonnie Burton (Author, The Star Wars Craft Book) and America Young. Bonnie is in charge of Geek DIY, a craft show for all things geek. As the self-styled “Martha Stewart for Geeks”, Burton shows us how to make puppets, fake blood, robots and more. Her show features lots of awesome guests, including Wil Wheaton and Grant Imahara, and based on the interview, lots of googly eyes and glitter.

America Young is contributing to two shows. First off, there is her three-times-a-week news show Mask & Cape News, providing entertainment news around the superhero community. Mask & Cape News is already running on the channel, and you should check it out. Ms. Young’s other show is Geek Therapy, a scripted comedy about overdone geek problems. This is not a respectful look at geeks – this is pure comedy about problems that only geeks have.

Bonnie Burton and America Young

We also got to talk to the amazing Peter David (author, The Incredible Hulk, X-Factor) and Jace Hall. David is the writer of Head Cases, a comedy set in a bar frequented by super powered heroes and villains. The lead character is able to create incredible thunderclaps by hitting his head against objects. The problem? His head is not invulnerable. That gives you a good idea of what to expect from the show.

Jace Hall, on the other hand, is the Judge on FanWars, a courtroom reality show. We’ve all seen the courtroom dramas on mid-afternoon television, so we know the format. What we don’t know is the outcome when the case isn’t about property or a divorce, but is about who is the better Batman, Adam West or Christian Bale? Real fans argue out their case for a celebrity panel, and Jace Hall acts as the judge.

Peter David and Jace Hall

Our final interview was with Mark “Yes, I played Luke Skywalker and the Joker” Hamil, who is honestly about the nicest guy you’ll ever meet (if you’re lucky enough to meet with him). Mr. Hamil is committed to working with the new channel, but doesn’t yet have an assigned project. In the interview, he discusses the possibility of doing a call-in show, but quickly got off-topic discussing how big of a fanboy he is at heart, and what it was like being a part of both Batman: The Animated Series and Star Wars

Mark Hamil

Obviously, Stan Lee’s World of Heroes has a variety of other offerings as well, including Stan Lee’s Super.Model, Chatroom of Solitude, Bad Days, Stan’s Rants, Cocktails With Stan and more. Definitely check it out – I know I will.