Broken Arrow, Oklahoma – Seven‑year‑old Benny Johnson is competing in the national Stan Lee Super Kids contest, a competition that transforms inspiring youth stories into original superhero comics. Benny, who is homeschooled with his mother Mary Johnson, entered the contest to honor his late father, a devoted comic‑book collector who passed away from brain cancer a few years ago.
Family inspiration behind the entry
Mary Johnson says her husband’s love of comics and superhero action figures filled their home with imagination. “His dad was actually the inspiration for me entering him into the competition,” Mary explained. Even during his illness, the father spent time with Benny, watching television together from his hospice bed. Mary believes her husband would be “over the moon” to see Benny’s progress in the contest.
Contest format and Benny’s standing
The Stan Lee Super Kids competition invites children ages five to 17 with uplifting stories to submit online. Winners advance through multiple rounds – group winners move to quarterfinals, then semifinals, and finally the championship round. Benny is currently ranked among the top five contestants in his group, putting him in contention for the grand prize.
Prize package and charitable component
The overall champion will receive a $25,000 cash award, a trip to Los Angeles Comic‑Con, and a professionally illustrated superhero identity created by the Stan Lee Universe creative team. In addition, the competition supports the Stan Lee Foundation, which promotes literacy and education across the United States. Voters can cast one free vote every 24 hours, and additional votes can be purchased, with proceeds benefiting the foundation.
Homeschooling and keeping memory alive
Mary and Benny homeschool, and Mary keeps photos of Benny’s father in their learning space so the memory remains a daily presence. “His dad and I wanted to homeschool, so it’s important for me to continue doing that with him and definitely make sure his dad stays in his memory,” she said.
Personal heroes
Benny’s favorite superhero is Spider‑Man, while his father’s favorite was the Hulk. The family hopes the competition will not only give Benny a platform to showcase his own bravery but also preserve his father’s legacy for years to come.
How to support Benny
Community members can learn more about the contest and vote for Benny on the Stan Lee Super Kids website. Each vote helps Benny advance further and contributes to the foundation’s literacy mission.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
