If you’re still coming to terms with the news that Stan Lee is no longer with us, you’re not alone.
Earlier this morning, it was reported that the Marvel Comics luminary had died at the age of 95 after he was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Now, the Internet at large is mourning the death of Stan Lee, who, together with Jack Kirby, launched Marvel back in 1961, before going on to create such iconic characters as Black Panther, Spider-Man, the X-Men and Fantastic Four. And that’s just scratching the surface, as Lee’s enduring legacy will live on for generations to come. Hell, if they’re right in saying we die twice – once when they bury you in the grave, and the last time someone mentions your name – then Stan Lee may well prove immortal.
Here’s a small sampling of the heartfelt tributes currently flooding social media, as the Internet prepares to fly its flag at half-mast in honor of the late, great Stan Lee.
I interviewed Stan Lee a bunch of times over the years — he always brought energy into the room and excitement. He thought video games were cool. A creative force that I was honored to have met and worked with. RIP. pic.twitter.com/1LFOx7YJtY
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) November 12, 2018
A lot of people throw around phrases like "the end of an era" but this actually feels like it. RIP Stan Lee. pic.twitter.com/27Q9X1dcEG
— Chris Killian (@chriskillian) November 12, 2018
He inspired millions with his myriad, “Marvelous” characters, from Spiderman to Black Panther, Thor to the X-Men. Legendary creator Stan Lee is dead at 95. But his stories will live on and continue to ignite the imaginations of generations to come. Rest with the stars, great sir.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) November 12, 2018
Stan Lee has left this world. His contributions are so many. Thank you for filling us with joy and wonder good man. Godspeed pic.twitter.com/SmXtEKGhQz
— TitusWelliver (@welliver_titus) November 12, 2018
DC Remembers Stan Lee (1922–2018): https://t.co/lYIPJIz0e8 pic.twitter.com/eoBgKFS2sK
— DC (@DCOfficial) November 12, 2018
Bob Iger: “Stan Lee was as extraordinary as the characters he created. A superhero in his own right to Marvel fans around the world, Stan had the power to inspire, to entertain and to connect" https://t.co/bOVyfsWgEI pic.twitter.com/l1yksacR6y
— Variety (@Variety) November 12, 2018
Rest in peace, Stan Lee. The many worlds of imagination & delight you created for humanity will last forever.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 12, 2018
So, while his characters were imbued with great power (and even greater responsibility), perhaps Stan Lee had the greatest superpower of all: imagination. It doesn’t take a soothsayer to realize that he’s fondly remembered by his family and friends, and we imagine these touching tributes will continue to flood social media over the coming days and weeks.
Indeed, this statement, from Disney CEO Bob Iger, really captures the spirit and legacy of Stan Lee:
Stan Lee was as extraordinary as the characters he created. A superhero in his own right to Marvel fans around the world, Stan had the power to inspire, to entertain, and to connect. The scale of his imagination was only exceeded by the size of his heart.
To Stan “The Man” Lee, may he rest in peace.
