Stan Lee, the man who created Spiderman, the Incredible Hulk and X-Men has died, aged 95.

Variety magazine reported that the comic book genius was taken to hospital on Monday after suffering a medical emergency and was declared dead shortly afterwards.

Lee transformed Marvel Comics in the 1960s into a cultural icon by working socially-relevant themes into the storylines and weaving human frailties into his super-heroes.

Stan Lee in 1968: "Racism and bigotry are among the deadliest social ills plaguing the world today ... The only way to destroy them, is to expose them — to reveal from the insidious evil they really are." pic.twitter.com/oJnAFpe1ET

— Philip Lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) November 12, 2018

As the top writer at Marvel Comics and later as its publisher, Lee was widely considered the architect of the contemporary comic book. 

Spider-Man, the Hulk and X-Men went on to become stars of blockbuster films. Recent projects he helped make possible range from the films Black Panther and Doctor Strange to such TV series as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D and Guardians of the Galaxy.

We’ve lost a creative genius. Stan Lee was a pioneering force in the superhero universe. I’m proud to have been a small part of his legacy and .... to have helped bring one of his characters to life. #StanLee #Wolverine pic.twitter.com/iOdefi7iYz

— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) November 12, 2018

"I think everybody loves things that are bigger than life. ... I think of them as fairy tales for grown-ups," he told The Associated Press in a 2006 interview. "We all grew up with giants and ogres and witches. Well, you get a little bit older and you're too old to read fairy tales. But I don't think you ever outgrow your love for those kind of things, things that are bigger than life and magical and very imaginative."

Did you grow up reading Marvel Comics? Who are your favourite superheroes?