Stan Lee Recovering From Pacemaker Implant Surgery, Compares Himself To Iron Man
The co-creator of Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Avengers and an enduringly popular figure throughout the comics readership and greater media landscape, writer Stan Lee confirmed over the weekend that he underwent surgery to implant a pacemaker, an electrical device used to to regulate the beating of the heart. While the procedure is traditionally only minimally invasive, Lee will turn 90-years-old in December, and has cancelled some public appearances in the recent past, once for "a very serious circumstance," causing concern for his health.
Thankfully, Lee remains as jocular as ever, issuing a press release that read: "In an effort to be more like my fellow Avenger, Tony Stark, I have had an electronic pace-maker placed near my heart to insure that I'll be able to lead thee for another 90 years."
The full statement can be read below.
Attention, Troops!
This is a dispatch sent from your beloved Generalissimo, directly from the center of Hollywood's combat zone!
Now hear this! Your leader hath not deserted thee! In an effort to be more like my fellow Avenger, Tony Stark, I have had an electronic pace-maker placed near my heart to insure that I'll be able to lead thee for another 90 years.
But fear thee not, my valiant warriors. I am in constant touch with our commanders in the field and victory shall soon be ours. Now I must end this dispatch and join my troops, for an army without a leader is like a day without a cameo!
Excelsior!