Stan Lee, a real life legend

Piece by Eddie on 14/11/2018

“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

Regardless of whether or not you consider yourself a comic book fan or even a fan of superhero movies that have taken over the world over the last decade, the legacy of real life legend Stan Lee should mean something to you.

Passing away this week at the grand old age of 95, Lee helped create and develop a plethora of worlds and characters that have become a key part of not only pop culture but everyday living, a lasting body of work that has stood the test of time and if anything is only gaining in respect and love as the year’s carry on.

I myself have never read a single comic but having been a movie fan since I can remember, the works of Lee have entertained me since the day I walked into the cinema to watch Sam Raimi’s 2002’s Spiderman.

Lee had long been a champion of the moustache and aviators

As a youngster this was an amazing experience, an at the time ground-breaking event film that took me and many others to a superhero filled world that has now turned into something that’s nothing short of a phenomenon.

While the direct and clearly evident legacy of Lee’s works is to be found in Marvel films and comics we know and love, it’s the perhaps less known inspiring nature of Lee’s works that has changed the face of entertainment and in particular movie making for the better, for all fans to enjoy.

In the light of Lee’s passing it was evident that a large collection of Hollywood’s biggest players looked up to Lee’s works of boundless imagination and heart as foundations of which they launched their careers on, inspired and energized by the creators spirit and works that eventuated into the very heart and soul of their creative offerings.

Tributes and heartfelt remembrances from the likes of Hot Fuzz/Shaun of the Dead director Edgar Wright, Aquaman helmer James Wan and Avengers: Infinity War directing duo the Russo Brothers were but a few examples of some of the world’s most imaginative creative minds paying their respects to a fellow artist that has been their throughout not only their entire careers, but their childhoods, planting the seeds of imagination that is now able to be brought forward through the magic of cinema.

Lee appearing in one of his trademark Marvel film cameos

It’s absolutely possible that without Lee these creative souls and many others may never have found themselves in the position they are in today but thanks to his hard work and commitment to entertaining, it’s a bleak possibility we never have to live through.

It’s an amazing life to leave behind, a life filled with sharing of creativity and imaginings with millions of others and while the world will be a different place without Lee’s instantly recognisable and heartfelt smile (and trademark aviators), his beloved works and his unquantifiable ability to inspire others will mean that Stan Lee lives long into the future, gone but certainly not forgotten.

For all you’ve done to make the world a brighter and more playful place, I say thank you Stan Lee.

An always happy go lucky Lee was a fan favourite at panels around the world

What are your favourite works of Lee? How about your favourite cameo? I’d love to hear about what Stan Lee meant to you so leave me a comment in the section below!