"Excelsior!"

Yesterday, legendary comic book creator Stan Lee was awarded a National Medal of Arts.

In an interview in The Washington Post, Stan had this to say about the award...

"I wonder what took so long."

Which he followed with...

"Say 'He said it with a laugh'
or I'll shoot you."

That's why we love "Stan the Man."

He revolutionized the comic book industry by giving the characters in "funny books" real, every day problems. He also somehow brought adult themes into what was considered a low-brow, childrens' art form. And while heightening the medium, he also injected his own unique style of joy, wackiness and wit into each comic book. He's one of a kind.

Other recipients of National Medals of the Arts yesterday included actress Olivia de Havilland, jazz pianist Hank Jones, sculptor Jesús Moroles, and songwriting brothers Robert B. and Richard M. Sherman, who wrote many songs for Disney, including everyone's favorite song that gets stuck in your head for way too long, It’s a Small World (After All).

Melanie from Gone with the Wind and the Spider-Man's daddy get the same award. Who'd a thunk it?

For those who don't know Stan Lee very well, here's one small part of an interview he did with Kevin Smith about 6 years ago. It's pure Stan Lee.

Thanks to Newsarama for the info.