‘Heroes made human’: Entertainment Weekly celebrates Marvel legend Stan Lee

Rich Sands takes readers on a fascinating journey through Stan Lee’s life.

Born Stanley Martin Lieber in 1922, Stan began his career at Timely Comics in 1939, earning $8 a week to help Captain America creators Joe Simon and Jack Kirby with a variety of office and production tasks. It wasn’t long before he was given the editor’s reins (at the age of just 18), but with the United States increasing their involvement in World War II, the need for real-life superheroes was paramount and Stan enlisted.

After returning to New York and taking up his comic book stories once again, Stan became a father to his daughter J.C. (Joan Celia). Disillusioned with the industry, he was encouraged by his wife to create a superhero squad to rival that of the popular DC Comics’ Justice League of America – and with that the Fantastic Four was born, along with the Marvel title.

 Along with speaking to millions of readers around the world, Stan’s characters made him a firm favourite in Hollywood. He made several guest appearances in films and television shows like The Simpsons and The Big Bang Theory, even joking: “I wish there was a cameo category in the Academy Awards.”

Following his passing in November 2018, stars rallied together to honour his legend – including those who portrayed his creations on-screen.

"Stan Lee was a pioneering force in the superhero universe. I'm proud to have been a small part of his legacy and to have helped bring one of his characters to life" - Hugh Jackman (Wolverine)

"You made so many believe in the good, the heroic, the villainous, the exciting, most of all, you were giving and gracious to us all" - Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury)