So I know this probably isn’t the place for it, but since we have no “Off Topic” section to the forums, I am going to put this here anyway.
Stan Lee was a Pioneer in the comic book industry, and without him, much of the way we look at fantasy in general and Super Heroes specifically would be MUCH different. He will be GREATLY missed.
Because it’s not flamebait. Most off-topic topics are breeding grounds for terrible discussions. This is a bunch of nerds banding together to mourn the greatest superhero in the world.
Personally, I believe that HotS, among many things, owes a great debt to Stan Lee. He pioneered the heroic fantasy as it is understood today, and invented a number of facets of a proper superhero that remain a modern archetype. For example, just looking at the basic concept of a superhero, they may be human or not, but their powers tend to be limited and themed, unlike the gods of the past. They have strengths and weaknesses that can be exploited, and their abilities often reflect their personalities. Thor isn’t the same character as Spiderman, each has a unique story, personality, and set of superpowers. The same can be said of the heroes populating the Nexus.
In addition, Stan Lee was responsible for the imaginings of many young people, who would fantasize about having super strength, psychic powers, or the ability to control the elements. Heroes of the Storm directly ties into those fantasies, and takes them one step further in that they allow us as players to live them, albeit somewhat indirectly.
I find that the Nexus owes much of its design, and very existence, to the man, and it is fitting to see a tribute to him posted here.