Marvel Icon Stan Lee Dies at 95

Stan Lee, famed of co-creating the iconic superheroes Spiderman, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men, has passed away at the age of 95.

Lee, having written as many as a half-dozen titles or more a month, helped build Marvel Comics into the powerhouse the world knows today-- producing stories that spoke to young readers in a way that had never been done before. The titles Lee authored included those featuring the Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, Daredevil, Captain America, and the Avengers — all of which have been turned into major features.

Lee himself left Marvel — after one of several changes in management — in 1972, but he retained the title chairman emeritus throughout his life. Although not directly involved with the company, Lee received producing credits — and appeared in cameos that always sparked laughs from fans, with appearances in movies including “Deadpool 2” and “Guardians of the Galaxy 2.”

Born Stanley Lieber (and choosing his professional name by splitting his first name in half), Lee became an assistant at what was then known as Timely Comics, which eventually became Marvel.

Envying the success of DC Comics, with such characters as Batman and the Justice League, Lee was allowed to create something in the superhero genre. Teaming with artist Jack Kirby, Lee conjured up a new kind of hero — plagued with flaws, insecurities, even romantic problems. Many were outsiders in ways with which young readers could identify. For decades, Lee helped create stories and give voice to many unlikely heroes.

His wife of nearly 70 years, Joan, died last year. Lee is survived by his two daughters.