Stan Lee passed away on November 12, 2018, due to cardiac arrest triggered by respiratory and congestive heart failure. He was an icon in the comic book industry. He co-created some of the most popular characters alongside the likes of Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and so many other artists. Sadly, his life ended in turmoil.

Even so, he was part of a legacy of amazing creators that encouraged all of us in one way or another. He inspired some of us to write or draw or create our own things. His appearances in Marvel films – and even his wonderful Teen Titans Go! to the Movies cameo – have become a staple for us. He’s made quite an impression on us and he will be sorely missed.

I happened to be lucky enough to get my photo taken with Stan back in 2016, right alongside David Hunt and his wife. While it was an extremely quick experience, it has to be one of my favorite moments as a comic book fan. (He smelled exactly like you’d think he would.)