116 Comic Mythmaker (Stan Lee)

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Who was Stan Lee?

Stan Lee (December 28, 1922 – November 12, 2018) was an American comic book writer, editor, and publisher who co-created some of the most iconic superheroes in history. As the creative force behind Marvel Comics, Lee transformed the comic book industry and popular culture with characters that continue to inspire millions worldwide.

Born Stanley Martin Lieber in New York City, Lee began his career at Timely Comics in 1939, which would later become Marvel. In the early 1960s, alongside artists like Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created legendary superheroes including Spider-Man, Iron Man, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, Thor, Hulk, Black Panther, and the Avengers. Lee revolutionized comics by giving superheroes relatable flaws, emotions, and personal struggles, making them more human and accessible to readers.

As Marvel’s editor-in-chief and later publisher, Stan Lee became the face of the brand, known for his energetic personality and trademark catchphrase, “Excelsior!” His iconic cameo appearances in Marvel films helped cement his legacy across generations.

Beyond storytelling, Lee championed diversity in comics, creating groundbreaking characters like Black Panther, the first Black superhero in mainstream American comics, and advocating for social issues through his “Stan’s Soapbox” editorials.

Stan Lee passed away in 2018 at age 95, leaving behind a cultural empire that spans comics, television, and blockbuster films. His creative vision shaped modern superhero storytelling and established him as one of the most influential figures in entertainment history.