Internet Reacts To Passing of Joan Lee

Joan Lee — the wife of former Marvel publisher Stan Lee — passed away earlier today after complications from a stroke she suffered earlier in the week.

Lee, the former British actress, and her husband were married in December 1947 and had two children together — J.C. (Joan Celia) was born in 1950 while Jan, whom died shortly after birth, was born in 1953.

For several years, a story has circulated time and time again about Joan ultimately being the reason the Marvel Comics Universe was born. At a time early in his career — the story goes — Stan was ready to throw in the towel.

“Before you quit,” Joan told him, “why don’t you write one comic you are proud of?”

Stan went back to work, came up with the Fantastic Four and the Marvel Universe as we know it was born.

To pay their respects, people from all aspects of comics culture have been taking to social media. Keep scrolling to see Marvel Cinematic Universe stars, comic creators, and celebrities pay their respects.

Comic Creators

Helping shape the Marvel Universe as we know it, creators for the House of Ideas were some of the first to speak up on social media.

Hulk mainstay writer Greg Pak posted on Twitter “Rest in peace, Joan Lee, and deepest condolences to @TheRealStanLee and family.”

Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld shared a collage of Joan and Stan on Instagram with a heartfelt message.

“I am a hopeless romantic myself and I keep thinking of how wonderful it must be to spend nearly 70 years with the love of your life,” Liefeld reflected.  “My heart goes out to @therealstanlee on the passing of his wife, what an inspirational love story for us all! RIP Joan Lee. P.S. I love the lower right shot of the 2 of them from X-Men. I think its X-Men:Apocalypse!”

MCU Stars

Like Liefeld posted on Instagram, Joan appeared alongside Stan in a cameo in X-Men Apocalypse.  While Apocalypse is a Fox property, several members of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have paid their respects on social media.

“Sending my sincerest condolences to @TheRealStanLee on the passing of Joan,” said Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman.  “All of your Avengers are holding you & your family in our prayers.”

On the Netflix side of the MCU, actress Deborah Ann Woll posted to Twitter, “RIP Joan Lee.  Beloved wife and muse of @TheRealStanLee for 70 years.”

Celebrities

News of Joan’s passing has spread far and wide, beyond the comic community with celebrities and other personalities paying their respects.

“RIP Joan Lee, 93, beloved wife of Stan Lee since 1947,” CNN anchor Jake Tapper tweeted along with a series of Spider-Man comic book panels.

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