Comic creator of the beloved Marvel Universe, Stan Lee, died at the age of 95 on Nov. 12, 2018. Lee was an American writer, editor and publisher that has left a legacy for generations of comic book and Marvel lovers.

Lee started Marvel in 1961 with Jack Kirby. Kirby was an American comic book artist, writer and editor that is regarded as one of the most influential creators in the realm of comics.

The two began their universe of Marvel with the “Fantastic Four,” according to Marvel.com. Lee’s innovative approach of appealing to adult readers, rather than primarily focusing on children, changed the world of comics.

Not only did Lee create the “Fantastic Four” franchise, but he is also credited for superheroes like Spiderman, X-Men, Black Panther, Guardians of the Galaxy, Thor, the Hulk and many others.

Most people do not know that Lee considered quitting the comic book business, but after he found success and passion in his revolutionary take on comic books, he couldn’t give it up.

Through advertising and targeting comic books to both kids and adults, the stories became more relevant. People could connect with the characters and appreciate how intertwined the stories are in the universe.

All of his work was a large part of the childhood of millennials and Generation Z. Understandably, the children who were obsessed with Marvel and its entire universe were utterly heartbroken about the news of his death. Many of those fans can be found here at Washburn.

“He’s the grandpa I never had,” said Jennie Wilson, sophomore marketing major.

Katrina Hinjosa, freshman nursing major, said she cried when she heard the news.

“I was heartbroken when I found out he passed away. I watched ‘Iron Man’ when it first came out, and he was such an inspiration to me. I’m going to miss seeing him featured in his movies,” Hinjosa said.

Lee always made a point to be involved with his movies as much as possible. He made cameos in many of his films and had a lot of fun with it, which is one of the reasons why his fans loved him so much.

His first cinematic Marvel cameo was in the 2000’s movie “X-Men.” Lee played a hot dog vendor in one of the scenes, according to Insider.

Lee’s cameos in both of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films were fairly noteworthy among avid comic readers, Marvel fans and those on Twitter.

Lee’s final cameo was in the 2018 movie “Venom.” Near the end, he is seen walking a dog. 

Lee brought something special into the world of superhero comics. Many Americans and people from all over have connected with Lee and his creative, fun-loving self. His cameos in popular films and interesting take on comics in the early 1960s will remain legendary in the world of superheroes.

Many will miss the light that he put out in the universe we live in, but also the universe he created.