Comics king who gave us Hulk and Spider-Man dies aged 95
‘Pioneering force in the superhero universe’
THE world’s most renowned comic book creator, Stan Lee, died yesterday at the age of 95.
In a career spanning almost six decades, the legendary writer dreamed up superheroes which came to dominate the movie world, including Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk and the X-Men.
Last night Hollywood stars flocked to social media to pay tribute, with actor Robert Downey Jr, who plays the title role in the Iron Man films, writing: ‘I owe it all to you.’
Lee, who founded Marvel Comics with Jack Kirby in 1961, helped create some of the comic world’s most iconic superheroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Black Panther, Daredevil and The Avengers.
Born Stanley Martin Lieber, he wrote under pseudonyms to make it appear as if Marvel had more writers.
One pen name was simply his first name split into two and in the 1970s, he legally changed his name to Stan Lee.
In recent years, the Marvel brand expanded into Hollywood, creating a multi-billion-dollar film franchise. Lee was known for making brief cameo appearances in the films.
In Spider-Man, he could be seen dodging falling debris and rescuing a woman when a building collapsed. In Fantastic Four, he made an appearance as a postman. Films starring Lee’s characters have grossed an estimated $20billion (€17.9billion).
Wolverine actor Hugh Jackman said the world had lost a ‘creative genius’. ‘Stan Lee was a pioneering force in the superhero universe,’ he tweeted. ‘I’m proud to have been a small part of his legacy and to have helped bring one of his characters to life.’
Actor and Spider-Man star Tom Holland said on Instagram: ‘How many millions of us are indebted to this guy, none more so than me. The father of Marvel has made so many people so incredibly happy. What a life and what a thing to have achieved. Rest in peace, Stan.’
Josh Brolin, who plays Thanos in the Avengers films, said Lee ranked alongside author Dr Seuss. ‘To those of us who have been so deeply affected by the humanity of his imagination, the understanding of reaching beyond our potential and the necessity of tapping into our immeasurable imaginations, we thank you and are forever indebted.’
Deadpool’s Ryan Reynolds simply wrote: ‘Thanks for everything.’
The Walt Disney Company, which bought Marvel Entertainment in 2009, saluted Lee’s ‘unmatchable’ life and career.
‘Every time you open a Marvel comic, Stan will be there,’ it said. ‘Please join us today in remembering Stan “The Man” Lee.’ Chairman and chief executive Bob Iger added: ‘Stan Lee was as extraordinary as the characters he created. A superhero in his own right to Marvel fans around the world, Stan had the power to inspire, to entertain, and to connect. The scale of his imagination was only exceeded by the size of his heart.’
Marvel’s long-time rival, DC Comics, issued its own tribute to the ‘true legend’.
DC publisher Dan DiDio said: ‘Without Stan Lee’s fertile and creative mind, endless energy and work ethic, comic books would have been completely different from what we know and enjoy today. He helped to create worlds that were both fantastic and relatable at the same time. We’ll be forever richer having him with us.’
DC chief creative officer Jim Lee added: ‘He paved the road for me and other creators for more than half a century.’
The cause of Lee’s death is not known, but earlier this year he battled pneumonia. Lee’s wife, the model Joan Lee, died last year. The couple had been married for 69 years, and he was devastated.
Lee once said: ‘When I was young, there was one girl I drew; one body and face and hair. It was my idea of what a girl should be. The perfect woman.’ Describing the moment he fell in love with his wife, he added: ‘I took one look at her – and she was the girl I had been drawing all my life.’ By lunchtime, he claimed, he had proposed. He is survived by his daughter Joan.