Superhero creator Stan Lee dies at 95
MARVEL Comics legend and Spider-Man creator Stan Lee has died aged 95.
Mr Lee had been unwell for a year and died just after he was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles yesterday. It is believed he suffered pneumonia.
As the co-creator of Spider-Man, Iron Man, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, Thor and The Incredible Hulk he shaped the world of superhero comic books.
He also made cameo appearances in many Marvel movies. Last night his daughter Joan paid tribute, saying: “He loved his life and he loved what he did for a living. His family loved him and his fans loved him.
“My father loved his fans. He was the greatest, most decent man.”
Other tributes poured in, including from Edgar Wright, executive producer on the Antman film. He wrote: “Stan Lee, RIP.
“Thanks for inspiring so many of us to pick up a pencil and put your dreams on to paper. Excelsior!”
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk wrote: “Rest in peace, Stan Lee. The many worlds of imagination & delight you created for humanity will last forever.”
Actor Seth Rogen also said on Twitter: “Thank you Stan Lee for making people who feel different realize they are special.”
Mr Lee was born Stanley Lieber – he chose his professional name by splitting his first name in half.
He was raised by Jewish immigrant parents in New York and pursued a career as a comic book artist.
It was through his uncle he became an assistant at what was then Timely Comics, which went on to become Marvel. In 1941 he had his first credit for a Captain America story and given the role of interim editor at 18.
He was determined to rival characters like Batman and Wonder Woman and in 1961 he wrote the Fantastic Four about astronauts with super powers.
They inspired the new title of Marvel Comics and Spider-Man was created. Marvel sold 50 million copies at its peak and he wrote all the copy for Marvel’s covers until he retired from editing in 1971.
Mr Lee is survived by daughter Joan. His British wife of 69 years, also Joan, died last year.