The Hulk, Spider-Man, Black Panther, Iron Man and many more all had their start somewhere with someone— Legend Stan Lee. Tragically,  Stan Lee  died at 95 years old today at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. He was born on Dec. 28, 1922, served in World War II, experienced the Cold War, witnessed the Civil Rights Movement and lived through many other historic events, carrying his talent for comic books with him.

Lee’s comic book tale began in the mid 20th century. Marvel Comics was founded in 1939 under the name Timely Comics, but later changed its name to Marvel in the 60s. He joined Timely Comics at 16 years old and was promoted from an editorial assistant to an editor in 1942. Despite Lee’s original name being Stanley Martin Lieber, he used the name Stan Lee as a pseudonym for the comics he produced. His first comic book to write was Captain America Comics #3, “Captain America Foils the Traitor’s Revenge,” back in May of 1941.

Lee has influenced many Marvel characters that we know and love today. He has even served a small role in most Marvel movies with a cameo in those films. Although Lee has moved on, his memory and inspiration will stay with us forever.

There will never be another Stan Lee. For decades he provided both young and old with adventure, escape, comfort, confidence, inspiration, strength, friendship and joy. He exuded love and kindness and will leave an indelible mark on so, so, so many lives. Excelsior!!

— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) November 12, 2018