Comic book icon Stan Lee passed away today at the age of 95.
Lee – born Stanley Lieber – has left behind a lasting legacy in comics. He is arguably the most well-known comic book creator ever. Even to the general public, his face and trademark sunglasses are instantly recognizable.
Lee worked at Marvel Comics when he was still a teenager. When paired with his frequent collaborators, Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he created some of comics’ most recognizable characters. His list of creations include Iron Man, Black Panther, the Fantastic Four, Dr. Strange, the Hulk, the Avengers, the X-Men, and of course, Spider-Man… to name a few.
Just Imagine, Stan Lee…
In the early 2000’s, Lee briefly switched over to Marvel’s chief competitor DC Comics. There, he created the Just Imagine line; stories that reimagined DC’s top heroes.
Under the pen of Lee and Joe Kubert, Batman became Wayne Williams, a wrestler who also fought crime.
Stan Lee’s Batman. Art by Joe Kubert
More recently, Lee became known to the public for his frequent cameos in Marvel movies.
He was a creator with an endless imagination and a personality that was larger than life.
Lee’s legacy in comics and popular culture will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Stan Lee.