Stan Lee passed away at 95 years old on November 12, 2018.

The comics giant had a direct impact on anyone interested in pop culture. If you’ve ever played a video game, watched a fictional movie, or (of course) read a comic book, chances are it was inspired by Stan.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would not exist if not for Stan Lee. Yes, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird co-created them. But these two were fans of comics. In the first issue of the original Mirage Series, Matt Murdoch (aka Daredevil and Stan Lee creation) is directly involved with the origin of the TMNT.

In his 95 years, Stan Lee (Born Stanley Martin Lieber) was a writer, editor, war veteran, salesman, and cameo star. But these titles don’t do the man justice. He was a creator. He created characters and universes that have been passed on to new artists and writers that breathe new life in to them.

From his 2002 book, Excelsior!: The Amazing Life of Stan Lee-

 “I was able to create people, eliminate people, transform people — do anything I wanted in my own little comic book universe. With power such as that, it’s truly incredible that I’ve managed to remain the same shy, humble, self-effacing person that I’ve always been.”

The always charismatic Stan Lee was never shy about his enthusiasm. The story goes that is you would ask him what his favorite Marvel movie was, he would say “All of them!”

His life wasn’t without controversy. At points, his relationship with some of his other Legendary co-workers like Jack Kirby was tumultuous. Steve Ditko and Stan would create my favorite single issue comic of all time, Amazing Spider-Man #33, while not being on speaking terms. However, while it is fact that these people fought like crazy, I’ve always felt that this was blown up as years passed. Check out this phone call from 1987 for Jack Kirby’s birthday. Start at the 19 Minute mark to hear 2 giants talk after the heat died down.

The man was outspoken for equal rights and against racism at a time where that was considered taboo. He created Black Panther, who was the first black superhero with powers. He used “Stan’s Soapbox” to denounce racism as well.

Stan Lee felt strongly about having his characters do the right thing, even when they were beaten to their lowest. The man loved creative people. There are so many stories of artists and writers from after his time who would visit the man and tell the stories of his excitement over their projects.

Roy Thomas met with Stan 2 days before his passing. They, of course, talked about comics. Lee’s last words to Roy were… “God bless. Take care of my boy, Roy.”

He was referring to Spider-Man.

Even as I look around my apartment, I see his mark. He was truly an original with an imagination we all wish we could keep. Even late in his life, his excitement was contagious. He was married to his wife, Joan Lee, for 69 years before she passed last summer. Joan was the voice that propelled Stan into the legend he is. Stan was sick of comics and was going to quit. Joan encouraged him to create something he was interested in. He could have been fired, but who cares. He was going to quit anyway. Stan took her advice, and created a super team called the Fantastic Four. He was never fired.

To cover his entire life would take a book. To cover his creative output, you’d need an entire comic publisher. This is a tough thing to write for me, personally. Stan “The Man” Lee has been a creative hero of mine. I never got to meet the man, and now never will. I got to be in the same room as him once, and I hope I magically contracted some of his super powers just by being in radius. His imagination has opened entire universes that will last forever. We’ll always be reminded Stan. Marvel has filmed at least 4 cameos for their upcoming movies (Avengers 4, Captain Marvel, Spider-Man: Far From Home and… ?) so we can take solace knowing he’ll be around in some way for a bit longer. His excitement for heroes, comics, pop culture, and life is contagious and we should all hope to carry his level of enthusiasm in whatever we choose to do.

“You know, I guess one person can make a difference. ‘Nuff said.” — Spider-Man 3, 2007

We love you Stan.

Excelsior!