If there was one word synonymous with Marvel creator Stan Lee its excelsior.
Excelsior is a Latin word thats often translated to mean ever upward or still higher.
The comic book writer lived by the motto, first adopting the phrase in the 60s in a monthly column he wrote in Marvel Comics, in an attempt to thwart competition.
In an interview with i09, Lee said: I used to have a lot of expressions that I would end my comic book columns with: “Hang Loose”, “Face Front”, “Nuff Said”, and I found that the competition was always imitating them and using them.
So, I said Im going to get one expression that theyre not going to know what it means, and they wont know how to spell it.
And thats where “Excelsior” came from, and they never did take up on it, thank goodness.
Finally, what does “Excelsior” mean? “Upward and onward to greater glory!” Thats what I wish you whenever I finish tweeting! Excelsior!
— stan lee (@TheRealStanLee) November 9, 2010
Lee later reiterated its meaning, tweeting: What does “excelsior!” mean? “Upward and onward to greater glory!”
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Thats what I wish you whenever I finish tweeting! Excelsior!
The slogan has been adopted by many as they pay their respects to the legendary Lee, who on Monday passed away at the age of 95.
There will never be another Stan Lee. For decades he provided both young and old with adventure, escape, comfort, confidence, inspiration, strength, friendship and joy. He exuded love and kindness and will leave an indelible mark on so, so, so many lives. Excelsior!!
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) November 12, 2018
Actor Chris Evans, who played Captain America, said in his tribute to Lee that he exuded love and kindness.
He said: There will never be another Stan Lee. For decades he provided both young and old with adventure, escape, comfort, confidence, inspiration, strength, friendship and joy.
He exuded love and kindness and will leave an indelible mark on so, so, so many lives. Excelsior!!
No one has had more of an impact on my career and everything we do at Marvel Studios than Stan Lee. Stan leaves an extraordinary legacy that will outlive us all. Our thoughts are with his daughter, his family, and his millions of fans. #ThankYouStan #Excelsior!
— Kevin Feige (@Kevfeige) November 12, 2018
Marvel Studios Chief Kevin Feige said the comic book creators extraordinary legacy had left its mark on the world.
He wrote: No one has had more of an impact on my career and everything we do at Marvel Studios than Stan Lee. Stan leaves an extraordinary legacy that will outlive us all. Our thoughts are with his daughter, his family, and his millions of fans. #ThankYouStan #Excelsior!
The Big Bang Theory actress Kaley Cuoco hailed Lee – who appeared on the show in 2010 – an epic superhero who would never be forgotten.
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She wrote: I am so sad to hear that @therealstanlee has passed away! He left his magnificent stamp on our show @bigbangtheory_cbs in so many ways and we are eternally grateful.
I adored his visits, hugs and fantastic stories. He was an epic superhero and I will never forget him!! Excelsior!!
The US Army, with whom Lee served in World War Two for three years, thanked him for his tremendous support for service personnel.
It wrote: Rest in peace, Soldier. Comic book creator @TheRealStanLee has passed away at the age of 95.
Lee served in the #USArmy Signal Corps during WWII from 1942-1945. We are deeply grateful for his service to our country and for his tremendous support to service members. #Excelsior!
More: Entertainment
MORE: All of Stan Lees cameos in Marvel movies from Avengers to Spider-Man and Thor
MORE: From Spider-Man to Black Panther: Every major comic book character Stan Lee helped to create
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