Stan Lee (pictured above, middle) has passed away at the age of 95.
The energetic and prolific writer was known for creating some of the most popular superhero characters the world has ever known.
His credits include the creation of Spider-Man (pictured above right), the Hulk, the X-Men (Wolverine above left), Black Panther, the Fantastic Four, and Daredevil, among many other characters.
The most successful movie franchise in the world right now is the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which includes such hit films as “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp.”
Without Lee, Marvel films would be nowhere near as successful as it is now.
In addition, comic books would have not become the culturally significant items they did, without Lee’s superhero creations.
Lee started in the comic book business back in 1939 and held the positions of writer, editor and publisher at Marvel.
Lee saw quite a change in the way comic books were viewed throughout his lifetime.
When he began his career, he wanted to become a novelist. Writing comic books did not command the same amount of respect — but Lee had to do it for the money.
When he was ready to quit the comic business, his wife, Joan Lee, convinced her husband to create one comic on his own terms — one he enjoyed, that contained real passion.
If he still wanted to quit after that, she would support him.
Lee ended up writing the first issue of “The Fantastic Four,” and an unprecedented creative run began for the writer.
“I used to think what I did was not very important,” Lee told the Chicago Tribune in 2014. “People are building bridges and engaging in medical research, and here I was doing stories about fictional people who do extraordinary, crazy things and wear costumes. But I suppose I have come to realize that entertainment is not easily dismissed.”
Joan Lee, who was married to the creative standout for 69 years, passed away last year, and Lee’s career has since become more entwined with negative news.
Following his wife’s death, Lee sued POW! Entertainment — a company he founded in 2001 — for $1 billion for fraud.
He then dropped the lawsuit weeks later.
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The writer also sued an ex-business manager, and the Los Angeles Police Department revealed over the summer that they were investigating reports of elder abuse against Lee.
In addition to his writing, Lee was also known to younger generations for his many appearances on film.
Marvel movies almost always contained fun cameos by Lee; one can find him in everything from “Deadpool” to “The Avengers.”
He had also managed to get bigger parts in other movies like, “Teen Titans Go! to the Movies” and “Mallrats,” which was directed by Kevin Smith. Lee was set to appear in Smith’s next movie, “Jay and Silent Bob Get a Reboot,” before his death.
Even in his later years, Lee brought a level of passion to his work and his interactions with fans that few others have ever matched. He also gave the world beloved characters that will forever live in pop culture.
Check out some of Lee’s appearances in front of the camera below:
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