Stan Lee's Characters Gallery
Spider-Man
Created by Stan Lee, who reportedly got the idea for Spider-Man after watching a fly crawl up a wall. He envisioned a hero who could cling to walls, swing through the city, and embody the agility of a spider.
"With great power comes great responsibility."
Captain America
Originally created as a patriotic figure during WWII, he has since evolved into a complex character who questions authority and wrestles with modern ethical dilemmas (e.g., Civil War storyline).
"Avengers Assemble!"
Iron Man
Stan Lee intentionally designed Iron Man as a hero that audiences would initially dislike. Stark was arrogant, a weapons manufacturer, and a playboy—but he evolved into a selfless protector, earning readers’ admiration.
"I am Iron man."
Hulk
In his first appearance, the Hulk was gray. However, due to printing issues with the color gray, the character's skin was changed to green starting with The Incredible Hulk #2.
"Hulk smash!"
Black Panther
Black Panther was the first Black superhero in mainstream American comics, making history with his debut.
“I am T'Challa, King of Wakanda. I have seen gods, and I have seen men, but I know that my father was the greatest of them all.”
Antman
Scott Lang is also an accomplished electrical engineer. Before becoming Ant-Man, he worked for Stark Industries, showcasing his brilliance even outside his life of crime.
“That’s the deal. I help you, you help me. The world’s smallest superhero. You’re welcome.”
Black Widow
Unlike many of her teammates, Natasha relies entirely on her skills, intelligence, and gadgets, proving that you don’t need superpowers to be a hero.
“I’m not the only one who’s been fooled by Loki.”
Dare Devil
Daredevil’s original costume was yellow and black, but it was quickly changed to the iconic red suit fans know today.
“You can’t keep running from what’s inside you.”
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four was Marvel’s first superhero team, paving the way for future iconic characters and teams like Spider-Man, the X-Men, and the Avengers.
“We’re not just a team, we’re a family.”
Hawkeye
Clint’s original purple costume with an H on his forehead became iconic but has undergone modernized redesigns over the years.
“This is what I do. I shoot arrows. I’m good at it. And I’m going to keep doing it.”
Quick Silver
Pietro’s body processes energy quickly, allowing him to heal faster than normal humans. In some storylines, his speed enables him to manipulate time on a small scale.
“When you’re as fast as I am, there’s no such thing as a mistake.”
Thor
Thor wields Mjolnir, a magical hammer forged in the heart of a dying star, inscribed with the enchantment: “Whosoever holds this hammer, if they be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.” Stan Lee wanted Thor’s dialogue to feel grand and dramatic, often resembling Shakespearean language.
“I am Thor, Son of Odin, and I have the power to do what I must.”
Wasp
Janet was one of the original Avengers, alongside Thor, Iron Man, Hulk, and Ant-Man, appearing in The Avengers #1 (1963). It was Janet who suggested the name "Avengers" for the team, cementing her place in Marvel history.
“I’m the Wasp, sweetie. I sting.”
X-Men
In Marvel Comics, mutants are individuals born with the X-Gene, which activates during puberty or under stress, granting them superhuman abilities. They are considered the next stage in human evolution.
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
Scarlet Witch
Wanda’s alignment has shifted multiple times. She started as a villain, became a hero, and occasionally served as an antagonist during mental breakdowns (Avengers Disassembled, House of M).
“I am not a hero, I am not a villain. I am the Scarlet Witch.”
Vision
After being dismantled in Vision Quest, Vision was rebuilt with a colorless, ghost-like body and devoid of emotions. Vision’s body in the comics was originally that of the 1940s android Human Torch, creating a legacy connection to Marvel’s earliest heroes.
“I am not human, but I am alive. I am not a man, but I am a person.”
Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange is one of the few Marvel characters deemed worthy of wielding Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir. This happened in an alternate storyline, proving Strange’s moral integrity.
“I am the Sorcerer Supreme, and you will bow before the might of the Mystic Arts!”
Silver Surfer
Jack Kirby added the Silver Surfer to the Fantastic Four without consulting Stan Lee. Initially, Lee didn’t understand the character but later fell in love with him.
“I will endure the loneliness of the cosmos if it means sparing others from suffering.”