On Monday, the world received the devastating news that Stan Lee, comic book legend and creator of universes, passed away. We remember Stan for his infusion of real-world issues such as racism, bigotry, belonging, compassion, and justice into his comics. We also remember that way he endowed his super hero characters with human flaws; something not done before his work. Throughout his monumental career with Marvel comics, he created or co-created such iconic characters as Spider-Man, Thor, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four (just to name a few). Through these characters, Lee demonstrated that an outcast can be special, and that anyone who stands up for the rights of others can be a hero.
On Monday, the social media world made its love and appreciation for Stan Lee known:
Here are some iconic Stan Lee quotes:
“I used to be embarrassed because I was just a comic book writer while other people were building bridges or going on to medical careers. And then I began to realize: entertainment is one of the most important things in people’s lives. Without it, they might go off the deep end. I feel that if you’re able to entertain, you’re doing a good thing.” – Marvel Tribute Page
“We tried to make our characters as human and empathetic as possible. Instead of merely emphasizing their super feats, we attempted to make their personal life and personal problems as realistic and as interesting as possible. We wanted to make them seem like real people whom the reader would like to spend time with and want to know better.” Huffington Post, 2012
“If Shakespeare and Michelangelo were alive today, and if they decided to collaborate on a comic, Shakespeare would write the script and Michelangelo would draw it. How could anybody say that this wouldn’t be as worthwhile an art form as anything on Earth?” – Stan Lee: Conversations
“You know, my motto is ‘Excelsior.’ That’s an old word that means ‘upward and onward to greater glory’. It’s on the seal of the state of New York. Keep moving forward, and if it’s time to go, it’s time. Nothing lasts forever.” – Playboy interview, 2014
“Life is never completely without its challenges.” – Playboy interview, 2014
“Another definition of a hero is someone who is concerned about other people’s well-being, and will go out of his or her way to help them — even if there is no chance of a reward. That person who helps others simply because it should or must be done, and because it is the right thing to do, is indeed without a doubt, a real superhero.”
‘Nuff said!
-George, FTPL
