Stan Lee, the man who created the X-Men, the Avengers and Black Panther died at the age of 95 on Monday.
Lee, born Stanley Lieber on December 28, 1922, began his career in 1939 and joined the Marvel Comics in 1961.
Lee, the face of comic book culture in the United States, breathed his last in Los Angeles. He had suffered a number of illnesses in recent years.
In a statement, Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company said Stan Lee was as extraordinary as the characters he created.
“A super hero in his own right to Marvel fans around the world, Stan had the power to inspire, to entertain, and to connect,” said Iger.
He added that the scale of Lee’s imagination was only exceeded by the size of his heart.
“Marvel and the entire The Walt Disney Company salute the life and career of Stan Lee and offer their undying gratitude for his unmatchable accomplishments within their halls. Every time you open a Marvel comic, Stan will be there,” he added.
Lee is considered as one of the most legendary names in the history of comic books and the leading creative force behind the rise of Marvel Comics. He co-created iconic fictional characters such as Spider-Man, X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, and many more.
Those superheroes have been adapted into blockbuster films, most of which were made after Disney acquired Marvel in a 4-billion-dollar deal in 2009.
Marvel also paid tribute to Lee on its website by putting on one of Lee’s famous quotes, together with his photo.
The quote goes, “I used to be embarrassed because I was just a comic-book writer while other people were building bridges or going on to medical careers. And then I began to realize: entertainment is one of the most important things in people’s lives. Without it, they might go off the deep end. I feel that if you’re able to entertain, you’re doing a good thing.”
Those who were once involved in Marvel film making mourned the death of Lee on social networks together with Lee’s fans.
Chris Evans, the American actor known for his superhero roles as the Captain America and Human Torch, said on Twitter that 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!!” Evans tweeted.
“Awww man, heartbreaking. R.I.P. to a true pioneer and legend,” tweeted Australian filmmaker James Wan, who directed many of the “Saw” and “Insidious” movies as well as helming “Aquaman,” an upcoming superhero film based on the character by Marvel rival DC Comics.
(With agency inputs)