If anyone knows the genius of the comics' industry, it’s . The Australian actor has spent the better part of 25 years playing Wolverine, after all. While the X-Men movies definitely differ from the comics, Jackman is well-read enough to know who the titans of the industry are and what makes them invaluable. So honestly, it was only a matter of time before Jackman identified his own favorite comics' creator.

In the past, Jackman has shared his own love of comics twice; Once while speaking with Vanity Fair and once in an interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. It was there that the Marvel actor admitted . Dating back to 2018, the interview took place after Stan Lee passed away, and Jackman had this to say:

I remember Stan as a true gentleman who had this glint in his eye. He's a creative genius; he thought outside the box. He created a whole universe that changed the lives of many people, mine included.

On what would be the seven-year anniversary of both Lee's death and Jackman's interview, it's important to understand what made the Marvel icon such a creative genius. There is a reason Jackman's words resonate so strongly, after all.

While Jackman was a prominent theater actor before being cast as Wolverine, he did not achieve his Hollywood breakout until he starred in 2000's X-Men. Of course, the movie would not have been made without Stan Lee creating the X-Men alongside Jack Kirby in 1963. It is hard to imagine, but . Jackman is very aware of this fact, and he was humble about his work's origins when speaking about Marvel's most famous creator.

When speaking about Lee, Jackman even highlighted the moment he realized how big of a deal the comic artist and writer was:

When I met him, first of all, if you ever want to get a real understanding of where you're at it in the world, and you think 'Well, I'm Wolverine, I'm walking into Comic-Con, you know, this is my spot, right? This is a good day for me.' And I was on a red carpet, and I was the only one on there, and no one was taking my photo because at the other end was Stan Lee.

Jackman's anecdote speaks to the kind of presence that Lee commanded whenever he stepped into a room. Even at the height of Jackman's fame as Wolverine, Jackman could not compare to the man who made the X-Men possible decades before the team hit theaters. While comic lovers know all about Lee's charm, Jackman's story may make some question what it was about the writer that made people flock to him.

For many people, including Jackman, . His charisma is a major reason as to why he is always praised by comic lovers; In many ways, he became a mascot and the face of Marvel long before its heroes hit the screen. Marvel had dozens of creators who laid the foundation for the brand's current success, including the illustrious Jack Kirby, and there are other unsung heroes like Kevin Maguire. What makes Lee standout from other creators at Marvel was Lee's charismatic personality. While many artists secluded themselves and kept to the background, Lee was always front-facing at Marvel, never skipping out on the chance sell the stories and superheroes he believed in.

Not only was Lee far more visible than most Marvel creators, but he created some of the brand's most famous icons. Following Lee's time in World War II as a soldier, he created some of the most celebrated superheroes known to date. Even people who haven't read a comic have heard about the Avengers or The Fantastic Four. I mean, Lee created Spider-Man, which says it all. The list of Lee's creations is extensive. As much as passion poured out of him during public events, Lee put just as much energy and love into the characters he crafted.

Nearly ten years ago, the comics world was sent reeling by the news of Stan Lee's death. Within an instant, the world felt a lot smaller and even less fun without Lee's boisterous presence. A person like Stan "The Man" Lee can never be forgotten, but . That's why it's just as vital to remember Hugh Jackman's eulogy for Lee as much as it is important to remember Lee himself.

The more people who reflect on Stan Lee and the kind of pioneer he was, the better it is for his legacy. There's an entire generation of comic book readers and Marvel fans who never got to experience the joys of watching Lee firsthand at a convention. While his works will withstand the test of time, talking about Lee allows a new generation to discover the man who created their favorite heroes and villains. And ultimately, tributes such as the one given by endear Lee to a new crop of true believers.