STAN LEE (1923 - 2018)

Stan Lee, the legendary writer, editor and publisher of Marvel Comics has died at the age of 95.

Despite retaining zero rights to the characters he helped create and receiving no royalties, he remained a renowned comic-book creator and brand ambassador for Marvel till this day.

The Manhattan-born Lee began his career at what was then Timely Comics in 1939. Publisher Martin Goodman tasked Lee with creating a new superhero team to rival DC Comics’ Justice League. In 1961, Lee collaborated with artist-writer Jack Kirby on the Fantastic Four, Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, Silver Surfer and X-Men. With artist-writer Steve Ditko he created Spider-Man and the surgeon Doctor Strange to huge success. Though in later years, Lee was involved in a couple of court cases regarding the credit for creating those iconic super heroes. 

Most people will know him from his wacky bit parts in the Marvel superhero movies, Lee in real-life however needs a superhero badly as he has been experiencing his fair share of health, business and personal family problems for the past year. Still Marvel and comic fans worldwide will forever be indebt to Stan Lee aka Stanley Martin Lieber for his creative storytelling and vision.

May he rest in peace.  

(Excerpts from Hollywood Reporter, CNN)