Tributes have been pouring in from around the world following the death of Marvel creator and comic book legend Stan Lee.
The 95-year-old died at Cedar-Sinai Medical Centre, not far from his Hollywood Hills home, and his death will leave a huge hole in the worlds of comic books and superhero movies.
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Lee created many of the Marvel universe's most well-known and best-loved heroes, co-creating the Fantastic Four with artist Jack Kirby back in 1961 before the pair went on to produce such classics as the X-Men, the Incredible Hulk and Black Panther. In 1962, Lee and artist Steve Ditko also created Spider-Man, who would become the franchise's most popular hero. Many more followed.
Stars who knew Lee, and a few who don't, have been queuing up to celebrate his life and give thanks for the way he touched their lives.
Hugh Jackman, who appeared as Wolverine in the first of Marvel's cinematic adventures (2000's X-Men), and stayed with the franchise until 2017's Logan, tweeted that Lee was a 'creative genius', adding that he was 'proud' to have played one of the comics veteran's characters.
Avengers directors the Russo Brothers also responded:
Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds offered his thanks:
His fellow film star Seth Rogen offered his thoughts in a poignant tweet:
Captain America, Avengers, and Fantastic Four star Chris Evans quoted one of Lee's catchphrases ('Excelsior!'), which Marvel fans will recognise as the regular sign-off to his 'Stan's Soapbox' columns in the comics.
From outside of the world of films, tech-billionaire Elon Musk paid his respects too:
Former WWE Wrestler Mick Foley shared a picture of himself and Lee:
Lee was also held in high regard and respected by his rivals. Jim Lee, who works as the Chief Creative Officer at DC Entertainment, but rose to prominence as an artist on Marvel's Uncanny X-Men series in the late '80s and early '90s, also tweeted:
DC themselves said: "He changed the way we look at heroes, and modern comics will always bear his indelible mark. His infectious enthusiasm reminded us why we all fell in love with these stories in the first place. Excelsior, Stan."
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Disney - who bought Marvel in 2009 - CEO and Chairman Bob Iger said in a statement: "Stan Lee was as extraordinary as the characters he created,"
"A superhero in his own right to Marvel fans around the world, Stan had the power to inspire, to entertain and to connect. The scale of his imagination was only exceeded by the size of his heart."
RIP, Stan, and thanks for everything.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: TV and Film, US Entertainment, Marvel, Hollywood
