One of the chief architectures of modern pop culture—both on and beyond the paneled pages of comic books—the legendary Stan Lee has passed away at the age of 95.
Multiple sources have shared the sad news of James' passing, including The Hollywood Reporter. The cause of his death has not been announced at this time.
To say that our world wouldn't look the same right now without Lee's creative input is not an exaggeration. During his decades as a creative force at Marvel Comics, Lee co-created a lengthy roster of superheroes that have inspired and influenced generations of comic book readers and movie viewers, with characters such as Spider-Man, the Hulk, Iron Man, and Doctor Strange becoming key elements in our cultural DNA. Some of Lee's most memorable creative collaborations were made with talented artists such as Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, who designed the timeless visual styles that we still see on screen today in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Beyond being a writer and editor, Lee was an ambassador of the superhero genre, a synonymous symbol of not only Marvel Comics, but the world of comic books as a whole. For years, viewers of Marvel films have kept an eye out for Lee's inevitable cameos, whether it be a passerby saying a few words of wisdom to a hero who needs to hear them, or something more comical, such as being denied access to Sue Storm and Reed Richards' wedding.
Through his countless creations in the world of comics, Lee showed that anyone could be a superhero, that everyone had the ability to break down the walls of insecurities and fears and prejudices and become the best possible version of themselves, one that could help others with sheer will and determination (and, yes, maybe a little help from a radioactive spider).
Stan Lee may have passed away, but his influence will span centuries. The work that he did with Kirby, Ditko, Larry Lieber, and so many others will live on for generations to come. When you think Marvel, you think Stan Lee, and that's not going to change anytime soon. Our thoughts are with Lee's family and friends during this difficult time. In the tradition of how Lee would sign off at the end of his monthly Marvel Comics column, we conclude this remembrance with one word: "Excelsior!"
Raised on a steady diet of R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps books and Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Derek has been fascinated with fear since he first saw ForeverWare being used on an episode of Eerie, Indiana.
When he’s not writing about horror as the Senior News Reporter for Daily Dead, Derek can be found daydreaming about the Santa Carla Boardwalk from The Lost Boys or reading Stephen King and Brian Keene novels.
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