Marvel: Then And Now is an interview disc that was published by the Hero Initiative, the charitable organization dedicated to helping the comic book writers and artists of the Golden Age in their own golden years. Since most of the work back then was simply work-for-hire, they had no pension plans or 401k's, leaving some to be in dire straits now. The Hero Initiative does their part to raise money to help support these men and women who provided us with the basis of years of entertainment.

Held on December 2nd, 2006, Kevin Smith hosted a forum fundraiser that was to bring together Marvel legend Stan Lee and current Marvel Editor in Chief Joe Quesada. Since it's a rather auspicious occasion, they taped the discussion and sell the DVD with all profits going straight to Hero. But okay, it's a for a good cause. But is it worth watching?

Surprisingly, yes. I was afraid the disc would be too much of a copy of Stan Lee's Mutants, Monsters & Marvels, but they covered a variety of topics and really stuck to the "then and now" structure. For every story that we've heard a hundred times (how Stan came up with Spider-Man) there are new pieces of information (Stan created Thor in his bedroom) and whole new arenas of debate brought up.

Stan brings up Civil War and gives his opinions on it which isn't something I've seen elsewhere. It makes sense since Stan was really the main event in the realistic fantasy genre that marvel has come to embody. Keeping in step with the current state of affairs, the trio talk about comics in the face of 9-11. This includes both 9-11 books specifically and the state of the industry and characters post-World Trade Center.

Not surprisingly, Smith is the one to bring up Marvel at the movies. Jumping off the mention of the Batman film, Stan goes into a story of his friendship with Bob Kane, creator of the Dark Knight himself. It seems Stan had a real friendship with Kane and it's always great to hear of the goings on between the two companies back in the day before all of the rabid fanboyism of today.

Spread throughout the night is Stan talking about his biggest creations like Fantastic Four, Hulk, Daredevil and of course that no-namer who dresses in rend and blue and acts like a spider. Some stories we know, but given Stan's spotty memory (remember, the guy isn't that far away from 100 years old) there are always new tidbits that arise.

Another great moment is Stan admitting his regret in not creating Wolverine. He gushes about the character (and not his watering down in recent years) and admits that even with all of the classic characters he's had a hand in, he wishes he had come up with our favorite Adamantium-laced Canuk.

Smith brings out some special guest stars including Black Panther writer Reggie Hudlin and X-Men movie producer Tom DeSanto. Interspersed on the disc are one-on-one interviews with Jeph Loeb and Brian Pulido.

This is far from the most action-packed disc you're ever going to watch, but there is some great stuff in here for not comics historians and anyone interested in the medium today. It's hardly stodgy, in fact it may be just a little too loose. But when all is said and done there was a lot of fun had and a lot of money raise for the Hero Initiative (especially with the auction at the end).

Since all proceeds go to a worthy cause, this disc definitely gets my approval. Jump over the Marvel: Then And Now site and order your copy today. It ships quickly and it's something to add to your collection for prosperity's sake.

If you want to learn more about the charity as a whole, you can go to the Hero Initiative website.