SCOTS comic book writer Mark Millar has paid a heartfelt tribute to Marvel genius Stan Lee.
Millar, who worked with Marvel before founding his own company Millarworld, hailed Lee as a life-changing influence on him.
He wrote on Twitter: “Stan Lee changed my life not once but twice. First when I was a kid and realised the superheroes I loved in comic-books and on TV could actually be a job.
“Then he did it again when I was working at Marvel and he convinced to start my Millarworld company.
“I told him I was loving writing all his old characters and he told me pop-culture stagnates unless new ones are created. He convinced me I had it in me and I started Wanted next day.”
— Mark Millar (@mrmarkmillar) November 12, 2018
Coatbridge-born Millar, whose company recently became a part of Netflix, said that without Lee’s advice, he’d never have written hit comic franchises including Kick-Ass and Kingsman.
“Without his stories when I was wee I doubt I’d have even picked up a pen,” Millar added.
VIDEO: Stan Lee’s most marvellous film cameos as comic creator dies aged 95 – click here to read more
“Over the years, his name popping up in my Inbox has been my biggest professional thrill. He sent me a note saying how proud he was when Kick-Ass became a movie and he tweeted me a few months back inviting me for a lemonade next time I was in LA.
“I’ve mistakenly been called The New Stan Lee many times, but there can only ever be one. We all came later and never surpassed what he achieved.
“He was our biggest brand. Our Walt Disney. Our Calvin Klein. Our Henry Ford. He was and always will be The Man. God Bless & Excelsior!”
Lee’s death at the age of 95 was announced yesterday, with Marvel calling him the “creator, voice and champion” of the company.
A statement on their website said: “Today, Marvel Comics and The Walt Disney Company pause and reflect with great sadness on the passing of Marvel Chairman Emeritus, Stan Lee.
“With a heavy heart, we share our deepest condolences with his daughter and brother, and we honor and remember the creator, voice and champion of Marvel.”
It added: “Marvel and the entire The Walt Disney Company salute the life and career of Stan Lee and offer their undying gratitude for his unmatchable accomplishments within their halls. Every time you open a Marvel comic, Stan will be there.”
Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive of The Walt Disney Company, which owns Marvel, said: “Stan Lee was as extraordinary as the characters he created.
“A super hero in his own right to Marvel fans around the world, Stan had the power to inspire, to entertain, and to connect.
“The scale of his imagination was only exceeded by the size of his heart.”
Stars who had worked with Lee on films also paid tribute, including Hugh Jackman, Robert Downey Jr., Karen Gillan and Chris Evans.
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