Legendary comic book writer, editor, and publisher Stan Lee died on Monday.
The former president and chairman of Marvel comics has left behind many incredible creations and legacies and he was instrumental in helping to change the comic book world. Throughout his career, Lee was known for coming up with superheroes who were human, flawed, and relatable.
If it weren't for Lee's work, many of the superhero stories, characters, and movies that you know and love today probably wouldn't be around.
Here are just 17 of the many iconic Marvel franchises and characters that Stan Lee contributed to.
The Fantastic Four debuted in 1961.
The Fantastic Four was Lee's first creation with artist Jack Kirby. After their debut in 1961, the characters broke out of the superhero stereotype and were portrayed with a lot of humanity— as individuals who dealt with real problems and sometimes made mistakes.
Often called "Marvel's First Family,"the Fantastic Four have appeared in animated series, multiple live-action films, and ongoing volumes of comics.
Spider-Man is one of Marvel's most successful characters.
Lee was the one who was behind Spider-Man, one of Marvel's most successful characters of all time and the most profitable comic book character ever since his debut in 1962.
Lee created Spider-Man with artist Steve Ditko because they wanted a unique hero people could relate to. Ditko died earlier this year.
Spider-Man was created when a nervous photographer named Peter Parker got bitten by a radioactive spider. He then found himself with a whole host of superhero powers. The story has inspired many films, comics, and television series.
Read More: 14 of the most iconic superhero suits of all time
The Incredible Hulk has appeared in multiple movies and shows.
Lee also created the Hulk with Kirby. First appearing in 1962, the Incredible Hulk's alter ego is Dr. Bruce Banner, a physically weak and quiet person.
After being exposed to gamma rays during the detonation of an experimental bomb, Banner transforms into a giant, angry green humanoid with incredible physical strength whenever he is going through emotional stress.
The Incredible Hulk has been a live-action series and the star of many films, as well as part of the Avengers.
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