How Stan Lee Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Stan Lee—a timeline of influence.

Stan Lee was a pivotal figure in the comic book industry, primarily known for his work at Marvel Comics. He transformed Marvel from a small publishing division into a multimedia powerhouse over two decades. As a writer, editor, publisher, and producer, Lee co-created iconic characters such as Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, and the Fantastic Four, revolutionizing the superhero genre with more complex and relatable characters. His contributions significantly shaped the landscape of pop culture and the entertainment industry.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1994: Induction into the Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame

In 1994, Stan Lee was inducted into the comic book industry's Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the field.

1995: Induction into the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame

In 1995, Stan Lee was inducted into the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame, further solidifying his legacy in the comic book industry.

1998: Stan Lee Founded Stan Lee Entertainment

In 1998, Stan Lee founded Stan Lee Entertainment which later became the subject of legal disputes regarding intellectual property rights after his death. In 1998, Stan Lee aimed to consolidate and manage his creative works through this entity.

2001: Fantastic Four #48 Ranked in Top Marvels

In 2001, Fantastic Four #48 was chosen as #24 in the 100 Greatest Marvels of All Time poll, highlighting the impact and legacy of the "Galactus Trilogy".

2007: Introduction of Stan Lee Action Figure

At the 2007 Comic-Con International, Marvel Legends introduced a Stan Lee action figure.

Marvel Hasbro Legends Series 6" Collectible Action Figure Toy The Avengers Cameo Stan Lee, Includes 2 Accessories

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2008: Recipient of the NEA's National Medal of Arts

In 2008, Stan Lee received the National Medal of Arts from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), a prestigious honor acknowledging his impact on American art and culture.

2010: Founding of The Stan Lee Foundation

In 2010, The Stan Lee Foundation was founded to focus on literacy, education, and the arts.

2010: Release of With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story

In 2010, the documentary With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story was released, exploring Stan Lee's life, career, and creations, featuring his colleagues and family.

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2011: Donation to the American Heritage Center

Until 2011, Stan Lee regularly donated papers, photographs, recordings and personal effects covering the period from 1926 to 2011, to the American Heritage Center at the University of Wyoming.

2012: Comikaze Expo Rebranded as Stan Lee's Comikaze

In 2012, Comikaze Expo, Los Angeles' largest comic book convention, was rebranded as Stan Lee's Comikaze Presented by POW! Entertainment.

November 12, 2018: Stan Lee's Death

On November 12, 2018, Stan Lee died at the age of 95, leaving behind a significant legacy in the comic book and film industries.

September 2019: J.C. Lee Files Lawsuit Against POW!

In September 2019, J.C. Lee filed a lawsuit against POW! Entertainment in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, seeking to regain intellectual property rights established when Stan Lee founded Stan Lee Entertainment in 1998, and addressing events from 2001 to 2017.

2019: Final Appearance in Avengers: Endgame

In 2019, Avengers: Endgame marked Stan Lee's final cameo appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, released several months after his death. Following his death, Marvel Studios enacted a policy forbidding cameos by Lee in new films using archive footage.

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June 2020: J.C. Lee's Lawsuit Against POW! Dismissed

In June 2020, Judge Otis D. Wright II dismissed J.C. Lee's lawsuit against POW! Entertainment, deeming it "frivolous" and "improper". J.C. Lee was sanctioned for $1,000,000, and her lawyers were sanctioned for $250,000. POW! Entertainment was also given the right to recover legal fees.

July 6, 2020: Genius Brands Acquires Rights to Stan Lee's Name and Likeness

On July 6, 2020, Genius Brands (now Kartoon Studios) acquired exclusive worldwide rights to use Stan Lee's name, physical likeness, and signature, as well as licensing rights to his name and original IPs from POW! Entertainment, placing the assets under a new joint-venture with POW!, called Stan Lee Universe.

2022: Marvel Signs Licensing Deal with Stan Lee Universe

In 2022, Marvel signed a licensing deal with Stan Lee Universe to use Lee's name and likeness in film and television projects, as well as attractions and merchandising.

June 16, 2023: Release of Stan Lee Documentary on Disney+

On June 16, 2023, a special titled Stan Lee, chronicling the life and legacy of Lee, was released on Disney+. It was directed by David Gelb and first premiered at the Tribeca Festival.

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April 2024: Rebranding as Stan Lee Presents

In April 2024, Kartoon Studios, in collaboration with Channel Frederator Network, rebranded their live-action channel as Stan Lee Presents under the management of Ethan Schulteis, focusing on Stan Lee's legacy.