10 Best Stan Lee Cameos in Marvel Comics, Ranked

More than any writer to have ever existed, Stan Lee loves to insert himself into his work. While most fans have become familiar with his cameos in every Marvel movie between X-Men (2000) and Avengers: Endgame, he, frequently alongside former colleagues Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, appears in multiple series across Marvel Comics. From quiet cameos to full-blown self-inserts, Stan Lee was a character both on the page and off.

It’s been almost six years since the prolific comic book pioneer passed, and every year without Stan the Man feels duller than the colorful spandex-wearing heroes he created. Fortunately, Stan’s legacy carries on both in the hearts of his fans and in the many cameos he’s appeared in throughout his career. Taking a look back at some of the frequent appearances of the famed comic book author’s favorite cameos, here are 10 cameos that pay tribute to Stan Lee.

1 Stan Lee Meets Spider-Man

Stan Lee Meets Spider-Man #1

Stan Lee and his favorite Web Head have crossed paths quite a few times over the years. While one would think that Stan would be excited every time Spider-Man bursts through his window, he often becomes annoyed at Parker’s repeated and sudden appearances. That said, when Peter Parker is feeling down and doubting himself as a hero, Stan is always there to give one of his greatest creations some much-needed advice.

Next to Jack Kirby’s Silver Surfer, Stan Lee’s favorite character is by far Spider-Man. Stan has said on multiple occasions that Spider-Man could represent anybody; that it doesn’t matter what you look like to be a hero. It’s all the more heart-warming when good old Spidey shows up to receive some much-needed sage advice.

2 “Lee, Stan Lee”

Untold Tales of Spider-Man #1

Both a nerd for movies and comics, Stan Lee’s brief cameo in Untold Tales of Spider-Man is a cute nod to James Bond while he introduces readers to the comic they’re about to read. Sadly, Stan assumes that seeing his face instead of Spider-Man’s first would have fans rioting and demanding their money back. Regardless, he says so with his classic warm smile as he teases readers about the secret story that takes place before Peter Parker’s birth.

Usually, Stan’s cameos are only about him and his characters, so this is one of the few times the Father of Marvel inserted his other interests into his pride and joy. From the reader’s perspective, there’s a sense of honor and pride knowing that one of the people who crafted your favorite stories was a nerd in his own right.

Stan Lee Meets Doctor Strange #1

In this magical cameo, Stan Lee stops by the Sanctum Santorum to visit his long-time friend, Doctor Strange. Unfortunately for Strange, he’s been going through some rough times recently. He’s exhausted by his many duties, he’s struggling to keep up with the constant threats hidden within the mystic arts, and he’s behind on more than a few bills.

As Stan Lee is known to do, he simply takes a chair and listens to the Sorcerer Supreme vent his frustrations. When you are the Master of Magic, there aren’t many equals who understand the stress of the job, but Stan understands the struggle of the grind more than anyone. As the comic creator bids Strange farewell, the Sorcerer Supreme heavy-handedly asks his creator to leave behind a few coins to help build up Strange’s dwindling finances. Ultimately, Stan leaves his friend with an uneasy sense of pity.

4 Stan and Jack Celebrate Christmas With the X-Men

Uncanny X-Men (1963) #98

The X-Men rarely get to enjoy a moment of peace when they’re being hunted by anti-mutant extremists and giant robotic death machines. What started as a wonderful Christmas dinner was quickly interrupted by an assault of Sentinels, but not before Stan Lee and Jack Kirby could shoot a few quips. Mingling around the restaurant, Stan and Jack notice Jean Grey and Cyclops on a wintery date.

They both gripe that during their rule over the X-Men, the characters would never have done anything as salacious as kissing each other on the page. Stan further jests, saying that young comic writers have no respect for their wiser predecessors. Yet, just as quickly as they appear to drop their opinions, the legendary duo vanishes right before the mutant mayhem begins.

5 Doctor Doom Demands an Apology From Stan the Man

Stan Lee Meets Doctor Doom #1

Usually, when Stan appears in the Stan Lee Meets… books, the heroes come to him for advice and guidance. However, Doctor Doom does not play by the rulesof his lessers. Fully breaking the fourth wall, Doom recognizes Stan as his creator. Judging the writer from atop his throne, Doom demands Stan tell him why he is depicted as a dangerously mad villain.

Stan shuffles back in fear, a rare instance in his many cameos. If Stan Lee isn’t a sneaky side character, he’s usually portrayed as that of a god. However, while Doom knows Stan’s power over the Marvel Universe, Doom’s not afraid to look him in the eyes and demand answers. Truly, no person is safe from Doctor Doom’s judgment, not even his creator.

6 Stan Lee Officiates a Complicated Wedding

New Avengers Annual (2005) #1

One of his more modern cameos, Stan Lee played a crucial role in Luke Cage and Jessica Jones’s wedding. As the wedding’s officiant, Stan waited in the background as Jessica speaks her vows. He doesn’t say as much or interact with his characters as much in this appearance, yet he still shows up to assist his comic characters in whatever way they need.

After a chaotic series of events that nearly ruined Jones and Cage’s wedding, Stan simply waited in the background while the heroes did their work. Although, maybe wearing sunglasses as a wedding officiant wasn’t the best idea Stan. You do you though.

7 Mister Stantastic

What If? (1977) #11

In the dozens of What If stories that have been written over the years, it makes sense to have eventually changed Stan’s role as the Cameo King and merged him with some of his very first creations. In this particular What If? comic, the original Marvel bullpen, the endearing nickname given to Marvel’s staff writers, is fused with the Fantastic Four to deliver classic comic book justice. Don’t let anybody say that Stan wasn’t a hero.

Stan Lee takes the mantle of Mr. Fantastic, Jack Kirby becomes the Thing, Sol Brodsky has been transformed into the Human Torch, and Flo Steinberg is the new Invisible Woman. Unlike his other cameos, this book contains a complete story in which Stan and the crew act as central characters. For all intents and purposes, this is just another classic Fantastic Four story, but with a couple of stronger jaws, an iconic mustache, and Jack Kirby’s familiar cigar.

8 Stan Lee and Steve Ditko Admit Making Comics is Exhausting

The Amazing Spider-Man Annual (1963) #1

One of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s earliest cameos, “How Stan Lee and Steve Ditko Create Spider-Man” shows a behind-the-scenes look into the exhaustive efforts it takes to create everyone’s favorite comic stories. Stan is all consumed by his work, struggles to type out his script while being swarmed by his many creations. Meanwhile, Ditko takes an opportunity to take a well-earned nap, letting a pair of spiders take over Spider-Man’s comics.

However, while it was most likely Ditko who drew this cameo, it feels like an unbalanced representation of the creators’ duties. The greater wedge that drove Stan and Steve apart was ultimately caused by Stan taking almost full credit for Marvel’s works. Yet, the three-page journey promises readers that both of the prolific comic creators enjoyed their sneak peek into the process of creating Marvel comics.

9 It Was a Sad Day When Karen Page Passed Away

Daredevil (1998) #8

Karen Page was once one of Daredevil’s closest allies and a long-time love interest for the vigilante watchdog of Hell’s Kitchen. Originally a secretary for Matt and Foggy Nelson’s law firm, she became a consistent character in Daredevil stories for over thirty years. Sadly, Karen sacrificed herself to save Daredevil from Mysterio, never to return to the comics since.

During her eulogy, many Marvel heroes, like Peter Parker, Steven Strange, and T’Challa, and some of Marvel’s most important creators, such as Frank Miller, Kevin Smith, and of course, Stan Lee, all gathered to pay their respects to a well-loved character and early ally to Daredevil. While Stan frequently appears in celebration or to help guide Marvel characters, he is also willing to show up to mourn alongside some of his creations for a dearly beloved character. In an age where death means almost nothing in comics, it’s incredibly sweet that Karen Page’s farewell was attended by both the heroes and the Marvel staff.

10 Stan Takes on the Impossible Man

Fantastic Four (1961) #176

Probably the Marvel Bullpen’s most humorous appearance, Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, George Pérez, and Roy Thomas gather to brainstorm their next comic book hit. However, this large-scale cameo actually falls within the established Marvel canon regarding Marvel Comics itself. In the comics, Marvel is a real company that catalogs and records every major event and story regarding Earth-616’s heroes.

These historical documents are then translated into comics that are sold to the masses. Jack Kirby suggests that they should just make up a story, but, while they argue, their office is invaded by the incredibly odd-looking Impossible Man. Stan makes a very tongue-in-cheek quip that he remembers Impossible Man from an old story he wrote and also recalls how much readers hated him. A battle between the comic writers and the sickly Green Goblin-esquecreature, ultimately leading to a decisive victory for the comic book creators.