Main image via Media Play News
Since news of Stan Lee's passing hit social media, one word has been going around in memory of the legend: Excelsior!
If you've seen this word everywhere, and you're not sure what it means or the significance it has, allow us to break it down for you.
"Excelsior" has long been Stan's catchphrase and life motto. In the mid-1960s, Atlas Comics was rebranded as Marvel. After the rebranding, Stan wrote a monthly column for the comics publisher, where he signed off with "Excelsior!" for the first time.
via GIPHY
The word "Excelsior!" is a Latin word that means, "ever upward". Back in 2007, Stan spoke to io9 saying that he wanted a unique word to himself.
"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 I'm going to get one expression that they're not going to know what it means, and they won't know how to spell it. And that's where "excelsior" came from, and they never did take up on it, thank goodness," he said.
via GIPHY
What started as a clever sign-off turned quickly into an optimistic mantra that the comic writer would portray throughout his life and career. Stan was renowned for his relentless imagination, pioneering spirit, and a heroic work ethic. He demonstrated the spirit of "excelsior" throughout every aspect of his life.
By now, you would have noticed many touching tributes that recognise Stan's unyielding positive energy. He was famous for always being available and excited to speak with fans. His positive energy was as constant in his later years as it was when he first started writing in 1940.
If there's one thing to take from the passing of this legend, it's to follow in his footsteps. Upward and onward to greater glory!
Excelsior!
Info via QZ
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