Marvel creator Stan Lee has revealed that he’s been fighting pneumonia.
The 95-year-old comic book mogul – who co-created iconic superheroes such as Spider-Man, the Hulk, Iron Man and the X-Men – released an emotional video via TMZ in which he addressed fans over his recent lack of communication.
“Hiya heroes, this is Stan Lee,” he begins the video. “I haven’t been in touch with you lately. I had a little bout of pneumonia I’ve been fighting, but it seems to be getting better.”
“I want you all to know I’m thinking of you, of course I always think of the fans, and I hope you’re all doing well, and I miss you all.”
“I miss your enthusiasm, I miss all your notes, all your photos and emails… and I want you to know that I still love you all.”
Lee adds: “I think that Marvel, Spidey and I had the best group of fans that any group in the world ever had, and I sure appreciate it.”
“I hope next time we talk, I’ll be in even better shape, maybe I’ll have some of this pneumonia knocked down, and we can have some real fun over the internet. Until then, excelsior.”
Last year saw Lee lose his wife of 69 years, Joan. She died at 93 after suffering a stroke.
Recently, Lee was accused of sexual assault and harassment by nurses employed to care for him at his Hollywood Hills home.
In response, Lee’s lawyer has said that he “categorically denies” the “false and despicable allegations” and intends to clear his “stellar good name”.