The Marvelverse is in mourning. Both superhero and fan alike are at a loss for words. Marvel’s greatest hero has died.
Stan Lee died in hospital on Monday, November 12. At 95-years-old, he did not leave this world a frail old man. Rather, he left it as an icon, a legend.
Lee began his career in 1939, working for what was then Timely Comics. As writer, editor and occasional illustrator, Lee was growing bored of his work and was actually preparing to leave. That is until history came knocking on his door.
For years, DC Comics then known as National Comics dominated the market. Gotham City Metropolis set the scene for the comic book world. That all changed in the 1960s, when Lee was asked to come up with a team of superheroes that could compete against the Justice League.
It is at that moment that a new era of comic book heroes was born.
With the help of artists Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, the Marvel universe sprang to life. The Fantastic Four came first, followed by iconic characters such as Spider-Man, Daredevil, the Incredible Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, the X-Men and many others.
These new heroes not only sprang to life between 1961 and 1964 but also surpassed DC Comic Book’s superheroes.
Through the years, Lee’s work saw his superheroes appear both in television shows and the cinematic world. No longer were Spider-Man and the rest of the Marvelverse restricted to the pages of a comic book.
While his career was not all smooth sailing, he will always be remembered for his contribution to the world. His work touching the hearts and souls of scores of children and adults. His comic characters, while gifted with unique and powerful gifts, were all too human. Reminding everyone that no matter our challenges, we must stand up against evil and fight the good fight.
Farewell Stan Lee. Excelsior!
