The comic book and pop culture world in general mourns the loss of one of its greatest sons today with the passing of Stanley Martin Lieber, better known as Stan Lee. He was 95.

Stan was an American comic-book writer, editor, and publisher but he is best known as the co-creator of Spider-man as well as countless other comic book characters including Iron Man, the Hulk and Daredevil.

“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.” – Stan Lee, Playboy

Having served as Marvel Comics’ editor-in-chief and later its publisher and chairman, he helped build Marvel from a small, struggling comics house into a large multimedia corporation it is today and plays a huge part in the MCU having been revealed to be one of the Watchers.

“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 people, you’re doing a good thing.” – Stan Lee, The Washington Post

Despite no longer actively working on comic books with Marvel, Stan remained in the public eye mostly thanks to his cameo appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and other Marvel IPs. His most recent on-screen appearance was in Insomniac’s Spider-Man game and we should be able to have one last look of him on screen in next year’s conclusion to Infinity War. But for now, rest well Stan. Thanks for everything.

You will be missed.

Excelsior.