Stan Lee's Superheroes

Dr. Robert Bruce Banner was exposed to gamma radiation waves after a nuclear explosion and became the Incredible Hulk, the most powerful man-like creature ever to walk the earth. The Hulk personifies Banner's repressed rage and his fury in stressful situations.

"The Hulk"

The Incredible Hulk reacts to the approach of military helicopters in the comic-book feature film, "The Hulk."

Stan Lee and The Hulk

The Incredible Hulk comic book creator Stan Lee, left, and "Incredible Hulk" television series star Lou Ferrigno pose together at the premiere of the film "Hulk," June 17, 2003, in Universal City, Calif.

Eric Bana: "The Hulk"

"The Hulk" star Eric Bana arrives with his wife Rebecca Gleeson at the premiere of the movie "Hulk," June 17, 2003, in Universal City, Calif.

Ang Lee: "The Hulk"

Ang Lee, director of "The Hulk," poses with Jane Lin at the movie's premiere, June 17, 2003, in Universal City, Calif.

Spider-Man

In high school, Peter Parker was bitten by an irradiated spider and developed superhuman strength, reflexes and equilibrium -- along with the ability to cling to most surfaces and a sixth sense of impending danger. Parker, who became a New York City teacher, decided to use his powers to fight crime after his Uncle Ben was killed by a burglar.

Stan Lee and Spider-Man

Stan Lee, 79, creator of comic-book franchises such as "Spider-Man," "The Incredible Hulk" and "Daredevil," smiles in his office in Santa Monica, Calif.

The X-Men

The X-Men are the future of evolution, a new breed of man and mutants secretly living among the human race, on the edge of genetic war. The "evil" mutants believe they should rule and that open conflict with the human race is inevitable. The "good mutants" -- X-Men, Wolverine, Jean Grey, Storm, Rogue, and Cyclops -- are hated by the humans they've sworn to protect.

Stan Lee and "X" Director

Marvel Comics Chairman Stan Lee, left, and director Bryan Singer arrive at the premiere of "X2: X-Men United," April 28, 2003, in Hollywood, Calif.

The Fantastic Four

Reed Richards, Sue Richards, Benjamin Grimm and Johnny Storm were rocketing into space on an experimental starship when they encountered cosmic rays that caused them to become Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, the Thing and the Human Torch. As pioneers of science, they are the world's first "imaginauts."

Doctor Doom

Victor Von Doom, an orphan raised by gypsies, was a scientist who became horribly disfigured after an explosion. He disguised himself in a suit of body armor, complete with an iron mask, and became Doctor Doom. This superhero, who may have been an inspiration for Darth Vader, seeks world domination and the ultimate destruction of the Fantastic Four.

Daredevil

Although Matt Murdock poses as a blind man by day, he calls upon his four other superhuman senses to become Daredevil by night. As the son of a boxer, Murdock's father taught him to use his mind instead of his fists to succeed in battle. After his father was killed, Daredevil brought his murderers to justice.

Stan Lee and Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck, right, star of the film "Daredevil," poses with Stan Lee, creator of the comic book character upon which the movie is based, at the premiere of the film in the Westwood section of Los Angeles, Feb. 9, 2003.

The Avengers

Iron Man, Ant Man, Wasp, Thor and the Incredible Hulk were among the first group of superheroes who banded together to battle a common threat that no one superhero alone could defeat -- the Asgardian trickster Loki. Later Avengers included Quicksilver, Yellowjacket, Falcon, Hercules, Black Knight, Spider-Man and Captain America.

Iron Man

After being injured by an act of industrial sabotage, Tony Stark saved his own life by designing a life-sustaining shell, a high-tech armor that helped him become the invincible Iron Man. At first, Iron Man was passed off as Stark's bodyguard. But later, creator Stan Lee decided to reveal Stark's true alter-identity to readers -- making him Lee's only public hero.

Thor

Thor, the Norse god of thunder, lives his days and nights as the ruler of Asgard. Thor, with his enchanted hammer, Mjolnir, battled alien invaders and laters joined the superhero group, the Avengers.

Black Panther

The Black Panther is king of a highly-industrialized African nation called Wakanda. The superhero, whose real name is T'Challa, is equipped with abnormal strength and agility. He battled crime with the Avengers after meeting Captain America, and later met his true love, social worker Monica Lynne, before returning to his kingdom.

Dr. Strange

Dr. Strange is a former neurosurgeon who turned into the Earth's Sorcerer Supreme and master of the mystic arts after a car accident. Strange bravely battles the forces of evil with the help of his magical cloak of levitation and his Eye of Agamatto.

Silver Surfer

Silver Surfer is from Zenn-La and served as a herald to Galactus, Devourer of Worlds. During a mission to destroy planet Earth, the Silver Surfer betrayed his master to save the world. Galactus punished the Silver Surfer by surrounding the earth with a barrier that prevented the superhero from ever leaving the planet.