Stan Lee, the creative dynamo who revolutionized the comic book and helped make billions for Hollywood by introducing human frailties in superheroes such as Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four and the Incredible Hulk, died at 95.
As the top writer at Marvel Comics and later as its publisher, Lee was widely considered the architect of the contemporary comic book. He revived the industry in the 1960s by offering the costumes and action craved by younger readers while insisting on sophisticated plots, college-level dialogue, satire, science fiction, even philosophy.
As news of his death broke, his fans and well-wishers took to Twitter and other social media to pay tributes to the beloved creator.
"There will never be another Stan Lee," wrote Chris Evans , who played Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Human Torch in 'Fantastic Four'.
"For decades he provided both young and old with adventure, escape, comfort, confidence, inspiration, strength, friendship and joy. He exuded love and kindness and will leave an indelible mark on so, so, so many lives. Excelsior!!" he added.
Actor Ryan Reynolds , who played the titular character in the Marvel movie 'Deadpool', took to Twitter to thank Mr. Lee.
"Damn... RIP Stan. Thanks for everything," he wrote.