"I worked with him for many years and was always impressed with how he saw everything in terms of photos and pictures and movement and scenes," says Stan Lee
Marvel comics legend Stan Lee has paid homage to his Spider-Man and Doctor Strange co-creator Steve Ditko, who died last month.
In a video posted on Twitter, Lee said, "I cannot let the week go without commenting on Steve Ditko. Steve was certainly one of the most important creators in the comic book business. His talent was indescribable."
"I worked with him for many years and was always impressed with how he saw everything in terms of photos and pictures and movement and scenes. He told a story like a fine movie director would. I'm sure there will be a lot written about him as time goes by and I will be one of the guys who buys the first book. You made a real impression here in the world," he added.
In 1961, Lee, the editor-in-chief at Marvel Comics, delegated the character of Spider-Man to Ditko. Ditko reportedly designed the iconic look of the superhero, including the web-shooters and the red and blue costume.
Ditko also contributed to Spider-Man supporting characters like Doctor Octopus, the Sandman, the Lizard and the Green Goblin.
Following a reported fight with Lee in 1966, Ditko left Marvel after creating Doctor Strange that year. He worked for DC Comics and a few other publishers, before returning to Marvel in 1979.
He was found dead at his New York apartment on June 29. Ditko never married and has no known survivors.
After Ditko's death, tributes poured in from famous figures of the film industry and beyond, including "Doctor Strange" director Scott Derrickson, Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro, famed author Neil Gaiman and director Edgar Wright.
Marvel Entertainment posted a tribute to Ditko, sharing a picture of Spider-Man and writing, "Thank you, Steve. Rest in Peace."
Marvel Entertainment's president, Dan Buckley, also commemorated Ditko's death in a statement posted on the company's website.
Tom Holland, the actor who currently essays the role of Spider-Man, honoured Ditko on Twitter and thanked him for making "many people happy" and changing their lives.
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