TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: STRANGE/HULK

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: BATMAN VS HULK (JOSE LUIS GARCIA-LOPEZ/GASPAR SALADINO)

SO LONG, STAN LEE...

You started early but strong, championing Marvel when it was still Atlas and Timely, collaborating through the years with such artistic giants as Steve Ditko, Moebius and Jack Kirby.

Thanks to you, Captain America and Sub-Mariner dominated a new, silvery age, and you never failed to publicize their virtues, paving the way for Spider-man, Iron Man, Black Panther, the Incredible Hulk, the Mighty Thor, Daredevil, the X-Men and the Fantastic Four.

When others dismissed comics as childish and uncool, you displayed them like coveted metals, celebrating and mingling among Marvel's characters in blockbuster movies and even hosting your own superhuman, television show.

You were a one and only, Mr. Lee...Stan the Man to many a starry-eyed youngster and jaded adult: those eager to believe in magic and that good could triumph over evil. You granted it all with arms wide open and a huge, welcoming heart. Your generous, iconic legacy will live on, cradled among the titans of the past, present and those yet to be born...

Excelsior!!!

RIP MARIE SEVERIN...

You were inspired by your talented brother, John, to color, pencil and ink, and as such charged surging depth into EC's horrors, as well as such Marvel legends as Daredevil; Sub-Mariner; Doctor Strange; the Incredible Hulk; Conan, the Barbarian; Kull, the Conqueror; and the Fantastic Four. 

You made us laugh, as well, with the wisecracking Not Brand Echh and then broke new ground when you teamed with comic-book titan, Archie Goodman to create Jessica Drew, the stunning and dynamic Spider-Woman.

No one will dispute you've made great artwork all the greater; and there's no doubt you're already brightening God's infinite canvas with your indelible strokes of joy.