Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee, the man behind the most iconic superheroes, dies at 95

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Stan Lee
Stan Lee at the world premiere of “Spider-Man: Homecoming” held at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, Calif., on June 28, 2017. (BigStock Photo)

Stan Lee, the legendary writer and publisher for Marvel Comics, whose decades of work is still felt today in blockbuster superhero movie franchises, has died at age 95.

Lee’s creations — crafted alongside artists such as Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko — include a who’s who of heroes, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, Black Panther, the X-Men, Fantastic Four, Avengers, Ant-Man, Thor and many more.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lee, who was born Dec. 28, 1922, died early Monday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Marvel and The Walt Disney Co. issued a statement conveying “great sadness” over the passing of the Marvel chairman emeritus.

“Stan Lee was as extraordinary as the characters he created,” said Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO of Disney. “A super hero in his own right to Marvel fans around the world, Stan had the power to inspire, to entertain, and to connect. The scale of his imagination was only exceeded by the size of his heart.”

Across Twitter, a range of fans and celebrities paid their respects, including many who had portrayed characters on screen that were created by Lee:

Funko CEO Brian Mariotti, left, and Stan Lee. (Funko Photo)

Funko CEO Brian Mariotti, whose Everett, Wash.-based company produces pop culture figurines and more based on Marvel characters, shared a photo of himself with Lee, and said that everyone at Funko is “deeply saddened” to hear about Lee’s passing.

“Stan was a phenomenal creator whose artistic abilities took us to places beyond our imagination,” Mariotti said. “We honor Stan each day through the pop culture moments, characters and magic he gave us. Our thoughts are with Stan’s family and friends as the world mourns the master inventor of comics.”

Lee’s work is currently being celebrated in an elaborate Marvel exhibit at Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture.

“Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes” is MoPOP’s largest exhibition to date, with two levels and 10,000 square feet to tell a nearly 80-year story. The exhibit, which runs through January, features hundreds of artifacts including original comics art, movie costumes and props. Many items have never been displayed in public before now.

Brooks Peck, the MoPOP Curator behind the exhibit, shared a statement with GeekWire.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of comics icon Stan Lee,” Peck said. “His legendary energy and enthusiasm for comics raised that medium into the forefront of global popular culture. To use his own words, he was a ‘true believer.’ Besides being a brilliant promoter, Lee was a gifted storyteller. He is known, of course, for co-creating many of the most popular super heroes of the 20th century. But his greatest contribution to comics was how he infused his characters with human flaws, needs, and emotions. His characters are relatable, with realistic personal lives and problems.

“If Lee had a superpower, it would be his zest for life and sheer enthusiasm,” Peck added. “He will be greatly missed.”

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