Stan Lee, the co-creator of Marvel Comics, has died aged 95.
The Associated Press said that a family lawyer had confirmed the death of the creator of Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four and The Incredible Hulk.
Celebrity news website TMZ said the 95-year-old was rushed to hospital from his Hollywood Hills home this morning.
It said Mr Lee's daughter confirmed her father had later died at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre.
Mr Lee, who recently fought off a bought of pneumonia, founded Marvel Comics with Jack Kirby in 1961.
Many of the characters' stories have since been turned into Hollywood films, turning the Marvel brand into a multi-billionaire dollar business.
Mr Lee was renowned for making brief comical cameos in each of the Marvel universe films.
He is survived by his daughter J.C.
She told TMZ: "My father loved all of his fans. He was the greatest, most decent man."
His wife of 69 years, Joan, died in 2017.
- Digital Desk and PA
