Stan Lee

Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber; December 28, 1922–November 12, 2018) was an American comic-book writer, editor, publisher, and producer whose voice helped define modern superhero storytelling. Raised in New York City, he built his career inside Timely Comics, the family-run outfit that evolved into Marvel Comics, eventually becoming the company’s most visible creative leader.

Working closely with artists and co-creators such as Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, Lee helped introduce a generation of characters that reshaped pop culture—among them Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four, Black Panther, Daredevil, and Doctor Strange. His 1960s approach favored flawed, relatable heroes and everyday problems, a tone that made Marvel’s universe feel more human. In the 1970s, he also pushed against industry censorship, contributing to shifts in the Comics Code Authority’s rules.

From the 1980s onward, Lee championed Marvel’s expansion into film and television, and after stepping back from day-to-day Marvel duties in the 1990s, he remained its beloved ambassador. He became a fixture for audiences through cameo appearances in major releases, including Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2, Spider-Man 3, Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, and The Incredible Hulk.

Honored with inductions into the Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame (1994) and the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame (1995), Lee also received the National Medal of Arts in 2008. He continued creating and appearing on screen until his death at 95, leaving an enduring legacy as “The Man.”