In the hours since the passing of Marvel Comic guru Stan Lee, fans all over the globe have paid tribute to the man who created their favorite superheroes. The universe of inspiration that he leaves behind includes his Chinese fans. CGTN's Mark Fontes looks at how Lee's following in China will remain just as strong in death as it did in life.

Spiderman, Doctor Strange, they're household names in China. The down-to-the-earth superheroes Stan Lee co-created still inspire many Chinese, who grew up watching Hollywood films.

CHEN HONGYU MARVEL FAN "My favorite superhero is Spiderman. He's like a friendly neighborhood guy. It's so cool when a normal person turns into a superhero."

ZHAO LONGMING MARVEL FAN "I like Spiderman and Deadpool. Spiderman is about my age, so I feel close to him. But I also like Deadpool for his 'care-free' personality."

Stan Lee's superheroes are firmly etched in Chinese pop culture. However, unlike their American fans, who grew up reading comic books, Chinese Marvel lovers found their grail on the silver screen. Song Jian, the manager of Polyphony, a popular hangout for Beijing comic book lovers, sees the trend.

SONG JIAN, MANAGER SANLITUN POLYPHONY STORE "A lot of movies and TV series based on the Marvel universe have entered China in recent years and they have accumulated a large fan base. Many fans would then go find the comic books the movies were based on, and find out the story behind the movies."

Superhero flicks like Avengers: Infinity War are among the highest-grossing films in China. The latest Marvel Movie, Venom, garnered 223 million yuan, about 32 million dollars, at the box office on the first day of its release in the Chinese mainland. Lee appeared in a cameo role in many Marvel movies. For Chinese fans, this was a great way to get to know the man behind their favorite superheroes.

ZHAO LONGMING MARVEL FAN "He has created such a large and complex universe. It's a shame we won't be able to find his cameos in future Marvel movies. But the superheroes he created are a legacy for us all."

SONG JIAN, MANAGER SANLITUN POLYPHONY STORE "Stan Lee's superheroes are often faced with the same daily predicament as all of us. It makes me wonder, do I also have a superhero side? Movies based on the superheroes he created have also attracted more people to comic books."

Lee leaves behind a universe full of imagination and inspiration to a world forever thankful for his creativity. His heroes will forever be remembered, and his legacy will likely never die. Mark Fontes, CGTN.