Everett, Wash.

Published: Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Marvel at superhero stamps

WASHINGTON - Endowed with superhuman strength, yet looking different as day and night, the Amazing Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk will stand shoulder-to-shoulder as the Postal Service launches its latest set of superhero stamps.

The 20-stamp set premieres Thursday at Comic-Con, the comic book and pop culture show in San Diego.

The 41-cent stamps honor the creations of Marvel Comics, and also include Sub-Mariner, The Thing, Captain America, the Silver Surfer, Spider-Woman, the Invincible Iron Man, Elektra and Wolverine.

In addition, 10 of the stamps highlight covers of comic books featuring the characters.

Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Hulk and others, said he is "thrilled" to have his characters on postage stamps.

"The only problem is this won't get me a discount at the post office," he joked.

Lee refuses to name a favorite character: "That's like asking a parent who is his favorite kid."

Dan Buckley, president for publishing at Marvel Entertainment, says the stamps are a "great honor."

"It just proves we're a part of American history, part of the fabric of society," he said of the widely read comics.

This is the second set of superhero stamps, following last year's set featuring the creations of DC Comics.

© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA