Writer, editor and publisher of Marvel Comics, Stan Lee, has passed away at the age of 95, according to The Associated Press. Marvel’s behind-the-scenes superhero died this morning at Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Lee began Marvel in 1993 and is responsible for creating and/or co-creating such legendary comic book characters as Spider-Man, Iron Man, Black Panther, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, and many many more. Along with collaborators Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, Lee launched Marvel into being an eventual multi-billion dollar company. In 2009, Disney bought Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion, and has since seen astronomical returns from all of its properties.

The contemporary age of superhero cinema would never be what it is today without the invaluable contributions and genius that Lee brought to the comic book world. Lee was the figurehead for Marvel, appearing in cameos for Marvel films since their inception back in the early 2000s.

Lee will be remembered by comic book, television and movie fans alike for generations to come.