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24. September 2025
Stan Lee Returns From Beyond In Mind-Bending Ai Hologram Experience
The Legacy of Stan Lee Lives On in AI-Powered Hologram at Comic Con
For fans of Marvel comics, the news that Stan Lee, the legendary creator behind iconic characters like Spider-Man and the X-Men, had passed away in 2018 was a devastating blow. However, it seems that his legacy is about to take on a new life – or rather, a digital one.
This year’s Los Angeles Comic Con will feature an AI-powered hologram of Lee, allowing fans to interact with a life-size avatar of the beloved comic book icon. The technology behind this hologram was developed by Proto Hologram, a company that specializes in creating realistic and interactive holographic experiences.
The rights to Lee’s likeness are owned by Kartoon Studios, which has big plans for “rapid commercial expansion of its Stan Lee IP,” including collectible cards, a revamped wax statue at Madame Tussauds in New York City, and now, the AI-powered hologram. The hologram will be on display in a special 1,500 square foot booth at the con, where fans can pay $15 to $20 for a photo op or short conversation with Lee.
The power behind this hologram lies in the use of artificial intelligence (AI). By employing advanced machine learning algorithms and natural language processing, these holograms can generate human-like conversations, respond to questions, and even display emotions. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with celebrities, historical figures, and fictional characters.
According to Bob Sabouni, head of the Stan Lee division at Kartoon Studios, the team behind the hologram has taken great care to ensure that the AI avatar stays true to Lee’s spirit and intent. “We’ll never put words in his mouth that aren’t in line with things he spoke about in his lifetime,” Sabouni told The Hollywood Reporter. “Fortunately, with decades of footage capturing his thoughts on so many subjects, we can build a voice that stays true, not always word for word, but always faithful in spirit, context, and intent.”
This is crucial, as AI-powered holograms are prone to hallucination – the tendency to generate responses that aren’t based on actual data or facts. Sabouni’s assurance that the team will stick to Lee’s recorded words and ideas gives fans hope that this hologram won’t be a cheap imitation.
However, there are also concerns about the ethics of creating an AI avatar from someone who has passed away. Some have raised questions about the exploitation of Lee’s image for commercial gain, particularly in light of his own struggles with elder abuse during his lifetime. Lee was often taken to comic book conventions and events without his consent, where he would be forced to pose for photos and answer questions about his work.
As the AI-powered hologram of Stan Lee takes center stage at Comic Con, fans will have the opportunity to engage with him in a way that feels both nostalgic and unsettling. Will this be a tribute to his legacy, or simply a money grab? Only time will tell. One thing is certain, however: the technology behind this hologram is advancing rapidly, and we can expect to see more AI-powered avatars in the future.
From celebrities to historical figures, these holograms have the potential to change the way we experience and interact with them. As for Lee’s estate, it seems that they are committed to using this technology to promote his work and legacy in a way that feels authentic and respectful. Whether or not fans will feel the same way remains to be seen.
In the meantime, Comic Con attendees will have the chance to pay their respects to Stan Lee in a way that feels both modern and nostalgic. The future of AI-powered holograms is complex and multifaceted, but one thing is clear: the legacy of Stan Lee will continue to live on in all its digital glory, inspiring a new generation of fans and innovators alike.
As for what’s next for Proto Hologram and Kartoon Studios, there are big plans in the works. The company has announced that they will be expanding their IP to include more collectible cards, a revamped wax statue at Madame Tussauds, and even a potential TV show or movie featuring Lee as an AI avatar.
While some may see this as a cash grab, others see it as an opportunity to bring the beloved comic book icon back to life in a way that feels both authentic and innovative. As the technology behind AI-powered holograms continues to advance, we can expect to see more projects like this one in the future.
The legacy of Stan Lee lives on, both in our hearts and in the digital realm. The impact of AI-powered holograms will be felt for years to come, changing the way we experience and interact with celebrities, historical figures, and fictional characters.