TL;DR
A recent tutorial titled ‘I Did Not Kill Stanley Lieber: How to Draw (With 9front)’ clarifies that it is a guide on digital art using the 9front operating system, not connected to the late Marvel creator. The piece aims to clear confusion about the title and subject matter.
A new tutorial titled ‘I Did Not Kill Stanley Lieber: How to Draw (With 9front)’ has been published online, clarifying that its focus is on digital drawing using the 9front operating system. The title has caused confusion due to the reference to Stanley Lieber, the birth name of Stan Lee, but the creators confirm it is unrelated to the Marvel icon. This clarification is significant for audiences interested in digital art and open-source operating systems.
The tutorial, published on a tech and art platform, provides step-by-step instructions on how to create digital drawings using 9front, a free and open-source operating system based on Plan 9 from Bell Labs. The title, which references Stanley Lieber, has sparked initial confusion, with some readers speculating about a connection to Stan Lee. However, the creators have clarified that the title is a humorous or cryptic reference and not an indication of any relation to the Marvel legend.
According to the tutorial’s author, the focus is purely on demonstrating digital drawing techniques within 9front, including setting up the environment, installing necessary tools, and creating artwork. The tutorial emphasizes the flexibility and customization available in 9front for digital artists, particularly those interested in open-source software.
There has been no evidence or claims suggesting any involvement of Stanley Lieber or Stan Lee in the project. The title appears to be a creative or provocative choice, possibly intended to attract attention or provoke curiosity. The creators have issued statements reaffirming that there is no connection to the Marvel icon, and the tutorial is solely about digital art with 9front.
Clarifying the Purpose of the Tutorial and Its Title
This development matters because it clears up potential misconceptions about the tutorial’s intent or associations. For digital artists and open-source enthusiasts, understanding that the tutorial is a technical guide unrelated to Stan Lee prevents confusion and ensures the content is accurately interpreted. Additionally, it highlights the use of 9front as a viable platform for digital art, which may interest niche communities exploring alternative operating systems for creative work.

XPPen Updated Deco 01 V3 Drawing Tablet-16384 Levels of Pressure Battery-Free Stylus, 10×6 Inch OSU Graphic Tablet, 8 Hotkeys for Digital Art, Teaching, Gaming Drawing Pad for Chrome, PC, Mac, Android
Word-first 16K Pressure Levels: The upgraded stylus features 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity and supports up to 60…
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Background on the Tutorial and 9front’s Role in Digital Art
The tutorial emerged amid ongoing interest in open-source operating systems and their applications in digital art. 9front, a fork of Plan 9, is known for its minimalist design and flexibility, attracting a niche audience of programmers and artists. The title referencing Stanley Lieber appears to be a deliberate choice to generate curiosity or humor, but it has no direct link to the Marvel legend, who passed away in 2018. The tutorial is part of broader efforts to demonstrate how alternative OS platforms can support creative workflows.
Prior to this, most digital art tutorials focused on mainstream platforms like Windows, macOS, or Linux. The use of 9front remains niche but is gaining attention for its potential in specialized digital art setups. The clarification about the title helps prevent misconceptions that might have arisen from the provocative name.
“‘The title is meant to be tongue-in-cheek. There is no connection to Stan Lee or Stanley Lieber. We are simply demonstrating how to draw digitally using 9front.'”
— Tutorial author

Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet, Includes Training & Software; 4 Customizable ExpressKeys Compatible with Chromebook Mac Android & Windows, Black
Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet: Enjoy industry leading tablet performance in superior control and precision with Wacom's…
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Unclear Motivations Behind the Title Choice
It is not yet confirmed why the creators chose the title ‘I Did Not Kill Stanley Lieber’. Whether it was intended as satire, a cryptic reference, or an attention-grabbing tactic remains unverified. There is no indication of any hidden message or connection to Stan Lee beyond the provocative wording.
digital art tools for 9front
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Next Steps for Digital Art and Open-Source OS Community
The creators plan to release additional tutorials demonstrating more advanced drawing techniques on 9front. Meanwhile, the open-source community continues to explore the platform’s capabilities for creative applications. Clarifications about the tutorial’s title are expected to be acknowledged widely, and discussions about the use of provocative titles in technical content may increase. No further official statements are currently planned.

XPPen Artist 12 3rd 11.9" Drawing Tablet with Screen | X4 Pen 16K Pressure | Dial Wheels+8 Keys | AG Etched Glass Portable Art Drawing Tablet Compatible with Windows/macOS/Android/ChromeOS/Linux
Ultra-Portable with Revolutionary X-Dial Wheels: Weighing only 1.58 lb with an 11.9" portable screen, XP Pen drawing tablet…
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Key Questions
Is there any connection between this tutorial and Stan Lee?
No. The tutorial’s title is a humorous or cryptic choice and has no relation to Stan Lee or Stanley Lieber.
What is 9front used for in digital art?
9front is an open-source operating system based on Plan 9, and it is used by a niche community for various purposes, including digital art, due to its customization capabilities and lightweight design.
Why did the creators choose such a provocative title?
The exact motivation is unclear, but it appears to be a deliberate choice to attract attention or generate curiosity without any intended connection to Stan Lee.
Will there be more tutorials on 9front for artists?
Yes, the creators plan to publish additional guides focusing on advanced techniques and tools for digital drawing on 9front.
Is 9front suitable for professional digital art?
While niche, 9front offers flexibility and customization that can support digital art, but it remains less mainstream compared to Windows or macOS platforms.
Source: hn