The father of some of the most enduring super humans of all time; enduring not because they were super, but because they were human.
Stan managed to imbue the primary heroes and villains, and even the secondary and tertiary characters of the Marvel universe, with humanity, morals, and rational.
I remember reading an interview with Stan years ago, where he urged writers entering the field to never talk down to their readers. To write what you want to write, and how you want to write. Two lessons that I have always taken to heart.
I had the honor of meeting him in person a few years ago. I had the chance to thank him for all the hours of pleasure and enjoyment he brought to my life and how he made me want to be a writer. I showed him the first Spider-Man comic I ever purchased back in 1968.
Although I’m certain he had heard the same from so many others over the years, he seemed genuinely touched. I’m glad I actually had a chance to meet one of my heroes. Goodbye Stan, thanks for everything.