For millions of fans around the world Stan Lee was a real life superhero, the man who created many of the Marvel universe's best-loved characters, from Spider-Man and Iron Man, to Black Panther and the Avengers.
But sadly the comic book legend passed away yesterday, and since the tragic news broke, fans, celebrities, and actors have been paying their respects to the man who made it ok to be different.
One actor to pay tribute to the comics genius was Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, with whom Lee had formed a well-documented friendship.
The former WWE wrestling star shared a heartfelt post on his Instagram account, thanking Lee for his friendship and support, saying 'we lost a good one'.
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He wrote: "We lost a good one. What a man and what a life.
"Marvel's original superhero and co-creator of IRON MAN, SPIDER-MAN, THE HULK, X-MEN etc.
"When I first broke into Hollywood, years ago he was so warm and welcoming to me - I'll never forget it.
"He gave me very sage advice on navigating a career, that I'll always carry.
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"What a life he's lived and how awesome that his imagination and universe creation impacted generations around the world, and for generations to come.
"Rest in love, my friend."
Over the years the pair had formed a strong bond and Lee even introduced Johnson at last year's Comic Con in LA, during the actor's promotion schedule for the remake of the 1990s classic Jumanji.
At the time Lee said: "He is one of the best action actors in the business, one of the nicest guys in the business, one of the biggest, strongest guys in the business, and when you see him I want you to remember he was a 97lbs until I gave him all those instructions and how to build himself up."
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At the time, Johnson went on to thank him for these kind words.
He said: "Years had gone by, but at Stan's #LAComicCon I had the opportunity to hug him again and say thank you. I was also truly moved yesterday by his words regarding the career I've been fortunate enough to build."
Because of how close the two had become, there were always rumours about a possible starring role for Johnson on one of the Marvel films - rumours which the muscle-bound star joked about back in 2012 when he shared a photograph of himself in full Hulk mode for Halloween.
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Mark Ruffalo is a fantastic actor but think of the money Marvel could have saved on special effects by casting The Rock?
But sadly the comic-book supremo never got the chance to see his good friend enter the Marvel universe and bring another of his characters to life.
Films and comic books aside, the two were clearly incredibly missed and Johnson's message echoes those of so many who have shared their own tributes to the great man.
Lee was reportedly rushed to the Cedar-Sinai Medical Centre - not far from his Hollywood Hills home - on Monday morning. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
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The comics giant had been laid low with several illnesses in recent times, including problems with his eyes and a bout of pneumonia.
RIP Stan Lee.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/Dwayne JohnsonTopics: TV and Film, Celebrity, Feels, US News, US Entertainment, Marvel