RIP: Stan Lee, Marvel Comics Mastermind, Ships Off To Valhalla At 95

Stan Lee - the man with the plan - editor and publisher of Marvel Comics, whose characters enraptured millions upon millions of comic book and cinema fans, has died. He was 95. 

I imagine there's going to be a lot written about Lee in the coming days, weeks, months, years (and eternity), as he helped mold modern pop culture in a way very few individuals have throughout the course of history. For many young film fans, he's gonna be the "cameo king" inside his own creations, who they chuckle at every time he shows up on screen, usually mugging and dropping some absurd one-liner. For others, Lee is the old school pen and ink mastermind, who entered the comics industry in '39, co-creating Spider-Man, X-Men, The Mighty Thor, Iron Man, The Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk, Daredevil, Ant-Man and many, many others. But for either, Lee was indelible - the gruff, hilarious, genius uncle you never had. 

There will be a time to discuss credit disputes with Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko. There will be a time to explore Lee's legacy in depth (including "The Marvel Method"). There will be a time for lists of his best (and worst) appearances in the numerous MCU installments. There will be a time for extensive histories of his fight to push the boundaries of comics censorship. There will be a time to share his best convention photos, where Lee was warm and loving and approachable. 

Right now, it's time to simply say farewell to a man who touched all of our lives through pop art in a way we probably never knew one person could. Good night, Mr. Lee. The worlds and superhumans you helped create will continue on well past your shuffling off this mortal coil, allowing us to continue to dream about powers and places that set the imagination aflame. Excelsior, you magical man. We will miss you (and your mustache).