These Are Some of the Most Beloved Heroes and Villains You’d Never Know Without Stan Lee

In the wake of reports that Stan Lee passed away at the age of 95 on Monday, fans are mourning the loss of the legendary Marvel Comics creator.

Lee, who made cameos in a number of the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, is credited with creating some of the most popular comic book superheroes and villains of all time, including Spider-Man, the X-Men and the Incredible Hulk.

“I think everybody loves things that are bigger than life. … I think of them as fairy tales for grown-ups,” he told The Associated Press in a 2006 interview. “We all grew up with giants and ogres and witches. Well, you get a little bit older and you’re too old to read fairy tales. But I don’t think you ever outgrow your love for those kind of things, things that are bigger than life and magical and very imaginative.”

The true origin stories of some superheroes aren’t always clear. But without Stan Lee, the world of heroes and villains would be a lot smaller.

Here are some of the most beloved heroes and villains you’d never know if it wasn’t for Stan Lee.

Heroes created by Stan Lee

Ant-Man

Ancient One

Avengers

Beast

Black Panther

Black Widow

Captain Marvel

Cyclops

Daredevil

Doctor Strange

Fantastic Four

Groot

Hawkeye

Hulk

Human Torch

Iceman

Invisible Woman

Iron Man

Jean Grey

Mister Fantastic

Nick Fury

Professor X

Quicksilver

Scarlet Witch

Spider-Man

Thing

Thor

Wasp

X-Men

Villains created by Stan Lee

Doctor Doom

Doctor Octopus

Green Goblin

Kaecilius

Kingpin

Loki

Magneto

Sandman

Vulture

Whiplash