Legendary Marvel Comic-Book Writer Stan Lee Dies at 95

Legendary Marvel Comic-Book Writer Stan Lee Dies at 95

By Tess Farrand, Staff Writer

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018

“Another definition of a hero is someone who is concerned about other people’s well-being, and will go out of his or her way to help them — even if there is no chance of a reward. That person who helps others simply because it should or must be done, and because it is the right thing to do, is indeed without a doubt, a real superhero” – Stan Lee

Stan Lee, the legendary comic-book writer and editor, passed away Monday at the age of 95.

Lee had a massive imprint on the industry, co-creating beloved characters like The Fantastic Four, X-Men, the Hulk, Thor, Daredevil, and Spider-Man, among a list of many others. Lee worked his way up from comic-book writer, to editor-in-chief for Marvel Comics, to eventually Chairman. Over fifty major Hollywood movies based on Marvel characters have hit the big screening, grossing a combined $12 billion domestically. The most recent of which in the Marvel Cinematic Universe would frequently include cameos of Stan Lee, mostly used for comedic effect.

Lee came twice to the MOVIEGUIDE® Annual Faith & Values Awards Gala & Report to the Entertainment Industry. The first time was when SPIDER-MAN (2002) was up for an award not only because it was exciting, but also because Aunt May recited the entire Lord’s Prayer in her hospitable bed with the Green Goblin crashing into her room when she said “deliver me from evil.”

Stan told MOVIEGUIDE® Founder and Publisher Dr. Ted Baehr that he wanted to win the Epiphany Prize with the next Marvel movie. The Epiphany Prizes® is awarded to movies with clear Christian faith and values that help people know God and make him known. Whether it was Stan’s desire to win the Epiphany Prizes® or not, the next Marvel movie was X-MEN 2, which included the Christian Nightcrawler character who quoted the Bible, recited the Lord’s Prayer and said Hail Mary. Stan did not understand that garnishing the movie with Christian dialogue is not the goal of the Epiphany Prize®. The goal is to recognize movies and TV which had integral stories and dialogue that helped the audience to know God and understand God better.

“Frankly, when we talked,” Dr. Baehr said, “it was clear that Stan was trying to impress his wife, Joan.”

Stan and Dr. Ted Baehr spoke many times throughout the years, including as recently as Spring, 2018.

Before writing, editing, and publishing comic book stories, Lee’s life started with humble beginnings. Lee grew up in Washington Heights, New York. He landed his first job at a comic magazine at 17.

Since his early career days, Lee spent much of his time perfecting his creative process into an innovative approach to storytelling. The Hollywood reporter recalls Lee’s process, “His way of doing things at Marvel was to brainstorm a story with an artist, then write a synopsis. After the artist drew the story panels, Lee filled in the word balloons and captions. The process became known as ‘The Marvel Method.’”

Stan Lee in CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR

Lee also went through some hard times in his final years too, as the LAPD investigated claims of elder abuse, and Lee filed a lawsuit against an ex-business manager. Despite all the chatter, celebrities attached to the Marvel franchise and fans alike express their condolences via Twitter.

Tom Holland, who recently wrapped filming on the next SPIDER-MAN installment relayed,

Rest In Peace to the legendary Stan Lee ♥ pic.twitter.com/H3JVPZY0hP

— Tom Holland Source (@tomhsource) November 12, 2018

Professing Christian and actor Hugh Jackman, of the WOLVERINE movies touchingly said, “We’ve lost a creative genius. Stan Lee was a pioneering force in the superhero universe. I’m proud to have been a small part of his legacy and. . . to have helped bring one of his characters to life. #StanLee #Wolverine”

We’ve lost a creative genius. Stan Lee was a pioneering force in the superhero universe. I’m proud to have been a small part of his legacy and. . . to have helped bring one of his characters to life. #StanLee #Wolverine pic.twitter.com/iOdefi7iYz

— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) November 12, 2018

Just last year, after 69 years of marriage, Lee’s wife Joan passed away. Lee is survived by his two children. Lee through his characters leaves behind a legacy of bravery, heroism and sacrifice that will continue to live on for years to come.

Please pray for Lee’s family as they begin this time of mourning.

Dr. Ted Baehr with Stan Lee.