It feels like just yesterday we were all collectively mourning the loss of a genuine pop culture titan. Yet, here we are, facing another November 12th, marking the anniversary of the day Stan ‘The Man’ Lee left this mortal coil back in 2018 at the age of 95. It’s a somber day, but one that demands a celebration of his truly monumental life and legacy. November 12, regardless of what part of the world you live in, will forever be celebrated for the life, the glory, and the legacy that Stan Lee has bestowed upon all of us who are part of the comic book community, industry, fandom, pop culture, and entertainment.
For many of us, especially longtime comic book readers and collectors, Stan Lee wasn’t just some guy in a credit panel, or the lovable old man making those all-too-brief, but always welcome, cameo appearances in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films. He was the architect of our modern mythology, the co-creator (alongside artistic giants like Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko) of the flawed, relatable heroes who taught us about responsibility, empathy, and the sheer wonder of the human spirit. Stan Lee gave us a reason to explore our creativity, to tap into our own resourcefulness when very few or no one would.
Stan Lee saw more than an opening to create a comic book company that would break the mould, but he realized early on that the world needed to read and see his brand of superheroes. He had the foresight to come to terms that for the comic book industry to continue on past WW2, there had to be the needed changes made in the storytelling, the character designs and how comic books were published for them to reach more people, make them more accessible and accepted by the general public who may not be fans of comic book at first but would most likely be after reading and seeing the superheroes he invented and co-invented alongside Jack Kirby.
Think about it. Before Stan Lee, superheroes were often one-dimensional, nearly perfect beings. Stan, in his infinite wisdom, decided to make them human. Spider-Man was a perpetually worried teenager with money problems and self-doubt; the Hulk was a troubled soul grappling with inner demons; the X-Men were outcasts fighting for a world that hated and feared them. These were characters we could see ourselves in, characters who made us feel less alone in our own struggles.
His impact is immeasurable. Stan Lee is in the same league as Walt Disney, as individuals whose creations are known the world over, and almost every single living human being in the free world knows of them. The vast, interconnected Marvel Cinematic Universe that dominates global cinema today is a direct result of his originality, vision, and creativity. From Marvel’s First Family in The Fantastic Four and the Avengers to Daredevil and Iron Man, the sheer scope of his co-creations is staggering.
But beyond the comic book characters, it was his infectious enthusiasm, his genuine love for the fans, and that iconic catchphrase, ‘Excelsior!’ that truly set him apart. He fostered a community, making fans feel like friends and part of a grand, shared adventure. He was a unifier, a motivator, and a special human being unlike any other.
Seven years on, the world still feels his impact. His stories, characters, and spirit live on, inspiring new generations of dreamers and creators. Anytime there are brand-new Marvel comic book titles released, we think of him, and anytime there are new movies from the MCU, we still wonder if he will have a cameo. The impression, the imprint, and the memory are there forever.
So today, let’s raise a glass, watch our favorite Stan Lee cameo, crack open a classic comic, and remember the man who gave us heroes who were just as flawed and complex as we are.
Thank you, Stan Lee. For everything. Excelsior!