Skip to main content

Stan Lee has died: Marvel Comics icon and legendary creator dead at 95

Stan Lee dead at 95, seen here attending Dr. Strange Premiere
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Stan Lee, legendary comic-book writer, actor, producer, and creator of some of Marvel’s best-known and most beloved superheroes, has died at age 95.

The comics legend was reportedly rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center early Monday morning where he later died. His death was initially reported by TMZ, which later confirmed the report with his daughter, J.C.

Recommended Videos

It’s difficult to overstate the effect Lee had on the world at large, not only when it comes to the once-partitioned comic-book genre, but also in relation to all things entertainment. His characters, which he co-created with multiple artists such as Jack Kirby, Larry Lieber, and Steve Ditko, span a litany of household names, including Spider-Man, Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, Fantastic Four, Black Panther, the X-Men, and countless other heroes, villains, and supporting characters.

Stan Lee portrait, signing copies of Amazing Marvel Universe
Getty Images

Lee began his indelible run with comics in 1939 when he co-created a slew of his best-known characters, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, and Black Panther. His work with Marvel helped transform the small company into the industry-leading comic-books publisher, later parlaying the brand into a movie-house titan that would become — under the guidance of Disney — one of the biggest, most profitable studios in history.

From humble beginnings, Lee and his cohorts helped craft powerful stories that not only wowed the imagination, but also touched on major issues of their respective eras, commenting on everything from fascism during the rise of Nazism in World War II to human rights, isolationism, and many other social issues. Unlike other comic book characters of the era, many of Lee’s creations struggled with their own personal flaws and insecurities as often as they tussled with costumed villains.

A younger Stan Lee, sitting in his office in front of comics
Getty Images

Characters like the X-Men faced persecution for their powers and threats from supervillains while simultaneously dealing with peer pressure, young love, and an assortment of other elements of typical teenage drama, for example. Similarly, when he wasn’t swinging through the streets of Manhattan as Spider-Man, Peter Parker tangled with bullies, went on dates, and simply tried to live a normal teenager’s life.

Although Lee later parted ways creatively with Marvel, his name continued to adorn the pages of comic books featuring heroes he co-created (as part of an arrangement he made with Marvel after his exit), and his presence was felt across the entire superhero landscape long after his active involvement with their adventures had ceased. In recent years, Lee famously made cameos in each of the films in Marvel’s ever-expanding cinematic universe.

Lee’s health had reportedly been in decline in the years before his death, forcing him to first cut back on, then cease entirely, his appearance schedule at comic conventions. Allegations of elder abuse had also circled Lee and his estate, with family and longtime associates engaged in bitter public disagreements over his care.

Lee is survived by his only daughter, J.C.

Ryan Waniata
Former Home Theater & Entertainment Editor
Ryan Waniata is a multi-year veteran of the digital media industry, a lover of all things tech, audio, and TV, and a…
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 gets a visual upgrade but stays wonderfully familiar
THPS 3 + 4

The year was 2001, and I was flat on my back in the middle of the street after bailing hard from a failed ollie.

Once I dusted myself off, I decided to try again, but in a safer, more digital aspect. Two decades ago, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 devoured my free time, and now the remake is back and doing the exact same thing. An excellent remake, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 brings two classic titles to a modern audience but adds little to the original experience in a way that leaves the game feeling curiously anachronistic.

Read more
Superman review: DC is back and better than ever!
Superman review: The Man of Steel soars to new heights
Superman readies to fight in Superman.

The new DC Universe made its theatrical debut with the release of James Gunn's Superman. Set three years after he revealed himself to the world as Superman, the film follows Clark Kent (David Corenswet) when he struggles to face threats at home and abroad and come to terms with his Kryptonian heritage, all while Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) tries to turn the public against him with a global conspiracy.

Starting right in the middle of the action, Superman kicks off the DCU with a thrilling blockbuster adventure filled with action, humor, heart, and life. It is easy to forgive the excessive expositional dialogue when the film delivers an exciting and thought-provoking tale that stays true to the comics while putting a new spin on the Man of Steel.

Read more
If you have to watch one Disney+ movie this July 2025, stream this one
The cast of Saving Mr. Banks

Unlike most streaming services, the movies available on Disney+ tend to conform to a fairly standard mold. You've got a lot of big franchise films and a lot of movies aimed at children, and not a whole lot in between.

If you're looking for something a little more robust, or at least aimed at adults, you might want to check out Saving Mr. Banks. The movie tells the story of Walt Disney's quest to adapt Mary Poppins and his various attempts to woo the author of the book series it's based on, P.L. Travers. While the film is undeniably a little hagiographic, here are three reasons you should check it out.

Read more