By Kenneth Shu
What does it mean to serve? According to the Oxford Dictionary, service refers to the act of helping or doing work for someone or some cause. This is usually used to address public officials, civil servants, and military veterans, but in truth, there is no standard to describe this. In my opinion, the term “to serve” can apply to any individual that has assisted the greater world in some way or the other, including the deeds done by the legendary Stan Lee.
A week ago, the world experienced a tragic loss when the co-founder of Marvel, Stan Lee, had passed away. The creator, artist, and cameo-king rested his eyes for one last time on Veteran’s Day November 12th, before closing his eyes for eternity.
In the brief 95 years of his life, our friend, Stan Lee, had accomplished more than anyone could ever imagine. Born Stanley Martin Lieber on December 28th, 1922, Stan Lee would spend his early life as the child of a poverty-stricken Jewish-Romanian family. As grew older, he would live through the harrowing times of the Great Depression and survive the turmoil of World War II as a member of the Army Signal Corp. It was at this time that Lee would start the legendary graphic novel organization known as Marvel, where he would create the renowned characters that would become a defining cornerstone of American culture. Despite facing challenges from the Comic Magazine Association of America, Lee would overcome his opposition and reform the infamous Comic Code to bring an end to the censorships that plagued the comics of his time.
Before long, Stan Lee would oversee the Marvel revolution and the rapid diversification of Marvel comics, setting the stones for the Marvel cinematic universe that would dominate the pop cultures of our time. From the ingenious and gripping Iron Man to the witty and cunning Spiderman and the courageous and honorable Captain America, Stan Lee would oversee the creation of the many characters that made up the dreams and aspirations of the very children who grew up under their leadership. Indirectly, he would shape the lives of millions of people who sought refuge in the majestic and comedic worlds that formed under his pen.
Whether it is the characters he had created, or the stories he wrote, or the cameos that he partook in, Stan Lee always found a way to brighten up the lives of his viewers. In the 95 years, he’s spent on this earth, Stan Lee would contribute greatly to the development of humankind and leave a formidable legacy that would stand strong to the testaments of time. He has done a great service to the entirety of every one of us present, a service that we will continue to enjoy through his everlasting legacy.
The world may have darkened with his passing, but his works will continue to entertain, to cheer, and to serve us for eternity. Thank you, Stan Lee, you will be missed.
Excelsior my good friend. Excelsior indeed.