Farewell, father of superheroes
MARVEL legend Stan Lee ( below), who revolutionised pop culture as the co-creator of iconic superheroes like Spider-Man and The Hulk who now dominate the world’s movie screens, has died. He was 95 years old.
Lee died early Monday morning in Los Angeles, according to US entertainment outlets including The Hollywood Reporter.
He had suffered a number of illnesses in recent years.
“My father loved all of his fans,” his daughter told Hollywood monitor TMZ. “He was the greatest, most decent man.”
The New Yorker, known for his distinctive tinted glasses and impish grin, frequently appeared at fan events where he was revered.
Lee ended up in the comics business by accident, thanks to an uncle who got him a job when he was a teenager filling artists’ inkwells and fetching coffee.
“I felt someday I’d write the ‘ Great American Novel’ and I didn’t want to use my real name on these silly little comics,” he once said, explaining why he had forsaken h is given name, Stanley Lieber.
Lee rose through the ranks to become a comics writer, making millions of superhero fans dream of his fantastic universes and humans with extraordinary powers, and eventually led the Marvel empire for decades as its publisher.
From Spidey to Black Panther to the X-Men and the Fantastic Four, Lee collaborated with other authors and illustrators to put his lively imagination on the page. Iron Man, Thor and Doctor Strange would follow – and today, all three heroes have multi-film franchises that rake in hundreds of millions of dollars. Lee has appeared in cameo roles in nearly every Marvel movie – including as a bus driver in Avengers: Infinity War, a film that united many of the indelible characters he brought to life. “Awww man, heartbreaking. R.I.P. to a true pioneer and legend,” tweeted Australian filmmaker James Wan. “My youth wouldn’t have been the same without him. So grateful to have met the guy, and told him how thankful I was for his work. #stanlee” Tributes also poured in for the Marvel Comics legend from others touched by his creations including: Hugh Jackman, who played Wolverine: “We’ve lost a creative genius. Stan Lee was a pioneering force in the superhero universe. I’m proud to have been a small part of his legacy and... to have helped bring one of his characters to life. #StanLee #Wolverine” Robert Downey Jr, who played Iron Man: “I owe it all to you, Rest In Peace Stan ...”
Chris Evans, who played Captain America: “There will never be another Stan Lee. For decades, he provided both young and old with adventure, escape, comfort, confidence, inspiration, strength, friendship and joy. He exuded love and kindness and will leave an indelible mark on so, so, so many lives. Excelsior!!”
Tom Holland, who played Spider-Man: “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.”
Mark Ruffalo, who played The Hulk: “You let us be extra human... superhuman even. I am deeply honoured to have been a small part in the Stan Lee constellation.”
Evangeline Lilly, who played The Wasp: “I believe with all my heart that #StanLee would want to be celebrated today. Even through your tears, let’s flood the internet with all the artwork, good, great or awful, that’s ever been created in Stan’s name.”
Kevin Feige, head of Marvel Studios: “No one has had more of an impact on my career and everything we do at Marvel Studios than Stan Lee. Stan leaves an extraordinary legacy that will outlive us all. Our thoughts are with his daughter, his family, and his millions of fans. #ThankYouStan #Excelsior!”
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences: “Today, we lost a real-life superhero. Stan Lee, thank you for everything.” – AFPRelaxnews