July 1969

"It suddenly occurred to us to take a totally useless survey of how many of Bullpen bigwigs are sporting beards these days.
When we got thru counting we realized that almost a cool ten percent are fuzz-faces! Wanna know who?"

From Captain America, Vol. 1, No. 115

June 1969

"Here's an announcement we make with mixed emotions. Jack (King) Kirby and family are moving to California.
In fact, by the time you read this, the King will already be settled on the shores of the blue Pacific!
But, don't panic, pilgrim - he'll still be doing his bit for the Bullpen, same as ever."

From Incredible Hulk, Vo. 1, No. 116

May 1969

"Speaking of interesting visitors - and we've had 'em all, from famous director Federico Fellini, to prize-winning playwright William Gibson, to the master satirist Harvey Kurtzman..."

From Amazing Spider-Man, Vol. 1, No. 72

April 1969

"We don't know if you're a far-out radical, or Mr. Establishment himself - if you're a black militant or a white liberal - if you're a pantin' protest marcher or a Jolly John Bircher - but, whatever you are, don't get bogged down by kindergarten labels!"

From Fantastic Four, Vol. 1, No. 85

March 1969

"Everyone's talking about Bashful Barry Smith, the surprising new staffer we just imported from merrie old England!
Barry's artwork is just not to be believed!"

From Captain America, Vol. 1, No. 111

February 1969

"...Here's an amazing coincidence.
You aren't answering your letters, and I'm not buying your comics."

From Incredible Hulk, Vol. 1, No. 112

The Merry Marvel Marching Society

Also in 1965, Marvel created its own fan community with the Merry Marvel Marching Society, The club crystallized Lee's happy-go-lucky public persona. Announced in the January books, those who joined for the price of $1 received a package consisting of a membership card, stickers, a membership button, and a letter of introduction signed by 'The Bullpen Gang'."

From Stan Lee and the Rise and Fall of the American Comic Book, by Jordan Raphael and Tom Spurgeon

• Click the image to the right to download an mp3 of the MMMS's record... You'll never want to part with it!
  
• A great, image-packed article on the history of the MMMS by Terrence J. Brady
• Merry Marvel Marching Society vs Mary Marvel Marching Society
• Dograt.com's article on the MMMS's Flexi disc recordings, with mp3s
  
• YouTube slideshow of the first Flexi disc recording and Bullpen photos
  
• Jack Kirby's memories of the recording session, via Mark Evanier
• YouTube slideshow of the MMMS's history
  
• Fred Hembeck's December 15th, 2004 blog entry about Marvel's various fan clubs
• Bullpen Pages featuring MMMS rolls