From Wolverine to Spider-Man, Black Panther to the Fantastic Four, not many people will forget the world Stan Lee constructed and has subsequently left behind.
The Marvel creator died at the age of 95, but his legacy will continue to live on. Even though his career started with simple pen and paper, it has grown into so much more.
As the Marvel Universe expanded with more characters and storylines, it also reached new platforms with the launch of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2008 with Iron Man. Nineteen films later (with more coming), it has helped to introduce many people to Lee's world – one in which superheroes exists and good can triumph over evil.
Lee should also be credited with propelling the careers of Hollywood stars Chris Evans (Captain America), Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) and Chris Hemsworth (Thor), while also helping revive those of Robert Downey Jr (Iron Man) and Evangeline Lilly (The Wasp).
As the world mourns the loss of Lee, here are some of the touching tributes that have come from fans on social media:
Stan Lee was a man whose imagination fueled my own. I am forever thankful for not just the life-long entertainment he has provided me, but also the life lessons. He showed me that above all else, the greatest super-power was a kind heart. Thank you #ThankYouStanLee #Excelcior pic.twitter.com/13QPCzsgrj
— Eric Ortiz (@crbsideprophet) November 13, 2018
RIP Stan Lee and thank you for providing me and millions around the globe with an escape from their reality #Excelcior pic.twitter.com/3oNpBtDwbs
— Ahmed Nabeeh (@ahmednabieh28) November 12, 2018
You gave millions of children something to hold on to... You inspired hope, faith and courage with your characters... You were a legend and will never be forgotten...
— Danish Ahamed (@DanishAhamed11) November 13, 2018
I guess heaven needed a storyteller...
Thank you.... For everything...#RIPStanLee pic.twitter.com/KTnN1EhATQ
It not going to be the same without see Stan Lee for 2 second in every Marvel movie#StanLee #Marvel pic.twitter.com/ktHLS3fxSI
— Jords 🇯🇲🍜 (@jordanevassell) November 13, 2018
One of the first things I remember drawing was Spiderman. RIP Stan Lee #StanLeeForever #StanLee pic.twitter.com/aDKVnUhvG3
— Del Thorpe (@Delsdrawings) November 13, 2018
Those who worked closely with Lee as part of the MCU also took to Twitter and Instagram to share their thoughts.
Chris Evans who played Captain America wrote:
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!!
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) November 12, 2018
Robert Downey Jr, who kicked off the MCU as Iron Man, posted a photo of the two of them together:
Ryan Reynolds, who portrays Deadpool, posted:
Damn... RIP Stan. Thanks for everything. pic.twitter.com/TMAaDJSOhh
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) November 12, 2018
Hugh Jackman, who successfully played Wolverine in a number of X-Men films and has made three stand-alone origin films, wrote:
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
Josh Brolin, who played Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War and Cable in Deadpool 2, also took to Instagram:
And Samuel L Jackson (who has been seen in many Marvel films as Nick Fury) posted on Twitter:
Thank you @TheRealStanLee for the escape from this world & great joy inhabiting the ones you created!! You made so many believe in the good, the heroic, the villainous, the exciting, most of all, you were giving & gracious to us all. RIP
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) November 12, 2018
It's clear that Lee's impact on Hollywood and beyond is something that won't be forgotten any time soon.