Marvel legend Stan Lee dead at 95

By Travis Conant

Fans of Stan Lee are reacting to the tragic death of the forever-talented 95-year-old comic book writer.

Lee died in hospital after being rushed there from his Los Angeles home Monday Nov. 12.

Stanley Martin Lieber, most commonly known as “Stan Lee,” was born in New York City on Dec. 28, 1922.

Before Marvel Comics became the empire it is today, the company was called Timely Comics. Lee was hired as a writer with Timely Comics and worked alongside artist Jack Kirby in 1939. He became the interim editor in the early 1940s and in 1961 Lee was asked to co-write and release the first group of heroes: the Fantastic Four, for the newly renamed Marvel Comics company. The release of the Fantastic Four was to keep Marvel competitive with rival DC Comics. The Fantastic Four was released in 1961, and eventually inspired the release of some of the most well-known comic book heroes known today. Some of these include: Spider-Man, Hulk, X-Men and Thor.

Marvel Comics became a very popular franchise in the early 1970s causing Lee to later move to the West Coast to begin his career in the world of cinema.

The Marvel franchise’s first huge cinematic success came in 2008 with the release of Iron Man. Starring Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark. The movie is about a genius-industrialist who gets kidnapped. In order to escape captivity Stark creates a high-tech suit of armor. There have also been TV shows and movies released dating back as far as 1967 with the release of Spidey Super Stories all the way to the newest season of Netflix’s original Daredevil and the Spider-Man trilogy from 2002-2008.

Since the release of Iron Man movie, there have been 20 more superhero movies released and two set to be released in 2019.

With all the success Marvel has garnered over the years, it is still hard for some fans to believe the man behind some of the greatest superheroes is no longer here.

Windsor’s Rogue Gallery Comics book store owner Shawn Cousineau has been a Stan Lee fan since he was nine years old. Cousineau said he was crushed when he heard about Lee’s death.

“Without Stan Lee I wouldn’t be having this interview with you,” said Cousineau.

Cousineau has a large collection of comics from a variety of companies.

“Honestly, there are no words for what he means to this planet on a whole,” said Cousineau. “It’s already been said by everyone and I contemplated saying something on social media and taking a picture of Stan and stuff, but honestly I just spent the day reading comic books and playing Spider-Man. I think that’s the way Stan would have liked it.”

Cousineau said he met Lee twice and the experience was fantastic.

“The first time was outstanding, and the second time he actually remembered me from the first time,” said Cousineau.

David Shuker is also a Stan Lee fan. Shuker said he did not become a fan until he was 12 years old when he began reading the Marvel comics. He also said his favourite movie cameo was in the 2008 Spider-Man 3 movie.

During the scene Peter Parker is standing in front of a Billboard in New York City. The sign says “Spider-Man to receive key to the city… saves daughter of Police Captain.” Lee walks beside Parker, stops and says, “You know, I guess one man can make a difference.” Parker looks at Lee and smiles, Lee and continues saying “‘Nuff said,” and walks away.

Shuker said he believes Marvel is not going to stop because of Lee’s death.

“Stan Lee was only the beginning, there will be another one coming up right behind his spot, another legend,” said Shuker. “All I can say really is just keep reading those classic comics, keep learning about him even though he’s gone. Keep learning about what he did and learn about where he began to where he actually got into his life.”

Other fans took to Twitter to share their adoration and memories for the 95-year-old comic book creator. Some of those fans included on-screen hero actors Ryan Reynolds, Chris Pratt and Chris Evans.

In a tweet posted by Chris Evans, better known as Captain America on screen, Evans said:

“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!!”

Chris Pratt’s Twitter tribute read

“Thanks for everything Stan Lee! What a life, so well lived. I consider myself extraordinarily lucky to have gotten to meet you and to have played in the world you created.”

Ryan Reynolds tweated:

“Damn… RIP Stan. Thanks for everything.”

Lee may be gone, but the legacy he leaves behind lives on.