On November 12th, 2018, the world lost one of it’s most beloved creators: Stan Lee. He was Marvel Comics’ primary creative leader for the past two decades and is most known for his cameos in Marvel movies. Stan Lee co-created some of the most renowned Marvel characters, including Spider-Man, Daredevil, the Fantastic Four, Thor, the Hulk, and many more.

Stanley Martin Lieber was born on December 28th, 1922. Stan Lee for short, spent part of his childhood in the Great Depression and was heavily influenced by books and movies as a kid. He loved to write and create heroic, realistic characters.

In 1939, Stan Lee became an office assistant for Timley Comics, which would go on to become Marvel Comics’. He was an editor for the company in the early 1940s and wrote his first creation in the early 60s. Lee was asked to write something that rivaled DC’s comics, so he co-created the Fantastic Four in 1961. However, Lee didn’t want to write just action and fight scenes; he wanted to create a story as realistic as possible. He gave his superheroes real problems and real personalities. Therefore, he made Fantastic Four the way he wanted, and it turned out a success. The popular comic then led to Stan Lee creating several other characters that are now cherished today.

Through these characters, Stan Lee has been able to touch the hearts of so many people. Although he passed away, the stories he left behind will still impact many people.

“He made my childhood,” junior Ian Finnigan said, “I wouldn’t have any heroes to look up to if he didn’t write comics.”

Stan Lee’s characters have been able to inspire and feed the imagination of many people. When Lee passed away, memorials all around the world were made in honor of him. Services were held, video compilations of him were constructed, and art pieces were made. Those who were fans of Marvel take his death as a huge loss, but they are still thankful for his achievements.

“My boys are big superhero fans,” Art teacher Amy May said, “We watch all of the Marvel movies. I’m thankful Stan Lee was able to give us new worlds to explore. He created so many role models, real or not, and he ended up becoming one himself. It’s sad to lose such a creative force.”

Not only has Lee’s characters and stories changed the lives of so many people, but his legacy will inspire the world in the times to come.

“He was an amazing story writer, and he inspired me. His comics changed the world,” said senior Willow Ritchison.

As long as people still read and watch his stories, Stan Lee will live on in the hearts of his fans forever. Excelsior!