What do we think of when we hear the word superhero? Spider-Man? X-Men? Iron Man, Fantastic Four, and so many countless others. And one more: Stan Lee.
Brilliant and legendary writer and creator Stan Lee has passed away at the age of 95, and everyone is taking it hard. How can we not? So much of the entertainment world has been influenced by Lee’s work, and we all know there would be no MCU without him. Not only that, Lee changed the entire nature of superheroes. He took them from flawless ideals to actual relatable characters. He has inspired so many of us, touched everyone deeply through his incredible characters, words, and ideas. And anyone who has met him or seen him speak, as we here at Fiction’s Mistress were lucky enough to have done, will tell you that he was one of the kindest, funniest, and most generous souls.
Stan Lee is a hero. I say is because his passing doesn’t change that fact. He is now and will forever be a legend and an inspiration to all of us, and he lives on not only in his countless works, but in each and every one of us. He may be gone, and while we shed our tears at that thought, I think it’s important to remember something he once said.
“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.”
Excelsior, Stan Lee. And rest in peace.