Comic Book legend Stan Lee passed away. He was 95. Lee has become the most popular figure in American comics. Lee started his career in the 1940s and is responsible for creating the Marvel Comics Universe in the 1960s. Lee was influential in the creation of Spider-Man, The Avengers, The X-Men and countless other Marvel characters. He eventually became the face of Marvel Comics for decades.

Stan Lee became the ambassador between comics and the public. In the early days, most critics did not take the art form seriously, Lee became one of the first comic artists to speak on college campuses.

His career started in 1941, when his work was first published in the fifth issue of Captain America Comics. Stan Lee left his mark in the 1960s, when his work entered into pop culture that made history.

Kevin Feige applauded Stan Lee and his work

Because of his status at Marvel, Stan Lee has become one of the highest-grossing film producers in history. He stayed with Marvel Studios as an executive producer for their films as well as those from Fox and Sony. Lee was one of the original people who fought to get TV and movie deals for Marvel. Stan Lee has made cameo apperances in 36 Marvel films.

His first cameo role was in the first X-Men film in 2000. His next cameo role will be in "Captain Marvel." Lee managed to film multiple cameo appearances with Avengers directors Joe and Anthony Russo before he died.

It's unclear when his final film appearance will be. All three of Marvel's latest box office hits were based on Lee's creations including "Black Panther," "Avengers: Infinity War," and "Ant-Man and the Wasp." All three have earned more than $3.7 billion.

Marvel Studios executive Kevin Feige was one of several Marvel employees to release a statement on Lee's passing.

Feige sent out a tweet saying that he had a major impact on his career and everything that is done at Marvel Studios. "Stan Lee leaves a legacy that will outlive everyone." Feige offered his condolences to Lee's daughter, family and countless fans who were inspired and touched by the comic book legend's creativity. Feige signed off on his tweet with Lee's most famous word "Excelsior!" A word that Lee has used for many years as a writer and editor.

He once said it in "Avengers: Age of Ultron." Avengers stars Chris Evans and Scarlett Johannson have shared their thoughts about the passing of Lee.

Marvel grows after Disney buyout

Disney originally purchased Marvel in 2009 and has since developed six of the top 20 global grossing films. Marvel characters are featured both on the big screen and the small screen. According to CNET, on the small screen, Marvel heroes can be found on ABC, Fox, Netflix, FX, Hulu and Freeform.

Stan found success in 1961 with Fantastic Four No. 1, which teamed him up with Jack Kirby. It introduced the comic book world to a new group of heroes that were differrent than what DC Comics was developing.

Stan Lee was married to Joan Lee for 69 years, she passed away at the age of 95. Lee's life began to take a nose dive as her death launched a power struggle among friends, managers, attorneys and advisors. In August, a judge approved a restraining order against Keya Morgan, following allegations of elder abuse. It will be interested to see how Marvel Studios moves forward without their inspiration and Marvel Comics CEO. Stan was eventually inducted into the Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame in 1994. In 2008, President George W. Bush awarded Lee the National Medal of Arts.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED