At 95, Stan Lee passed away on Nov. 12, 2018, leaving behind a legacy spanning nearly a century and whose impact will remain for centuries more.

The loss of the comic-book artist and writing legend, who made cameo appearances in every modern live-action Marvel movie, marks the end of an era. In other ways perhaps, it is the passing on of the torch. Lee’s influence extended beyond the first generation that read his comics and became a national phenomenon. In recent years, the dominance of Marvel movies at the box office has revitalized the household characters that he, along with Jack Kirby, created.

As Todd Leopold, Lisa Respers France and Brian Lowry write for CNN, the media powerhouse that Lee created gained its notoriety for good reason.

“Marvel revitalized the comics business with a series of flawed, more human superheroes,” said Leopold, France and Lowry. “Its figures lived in the real world—a few were based in New York City, with all its dirt and clamor—and struggled with everyday challenges, whether it was paying the rent or wondering about their purposes in life.”

The magnitude of separation between a superhero and the average person was sized down for the Lee warrior. This method of humanization bridged the gap between the entertainment of action and the moral arc of a hero. The philosophy behind it was tried and true prior, but in Marvel’s iteration became something intangibly tangible. The superhero became human and not at the same time.

Though unexpected, it was an important story. Through its many iterations, Marvel established itself as a beacon of hope in the dark.

“The characters’ impact…is indisputable,” said Leopold, France and Lowry.

Undoubtedly, Lee’s characters reflected the charisma and energy of the man himself. Though he was not without his flaws or always the cheeriest, Lee championed a universe overtly resonant with our own. It was one willing to change as needed, but stuck fast to the principle of overall goodness.

As LHS, the nation and indeed, the world mourns the death of an icon, hope for new artists to inspire in trying times grows. With generations of ground work, Lee has left the world with a strong foundation to pick up where he left off.

Excelsior!