Stan Lee was a pillar in the comics community who created and co-created some of the most important comic book characters of all time. As a writer, editor, and publisher, he helped shape Marvel comics, and the larger comics industry, which continues to thrive on the foundation that he built. With the approach of what would have been Lee’s 100th birthday on December 28, 2022, we are celebrating Lee’s legacy in comics.

Janet van Dyne, aka the Wasp was among Marvel’s earliest superheroines. A creation of Stan Lee, Ernie Hart, and Jack Kirby, she was introduced in Tales to Astonish #44 (June 1963). Her significance within the Avengers cannot be overstated. The Wasp was a founding member, even giving the team its heroic and now iconic name. She has served as a regular and recurring teammate, and following Captain America, she has been the leader of the team for longer than any other member.

Like Ant-Man, Janet uses sub-atomic Pym particles to shrink to a very small size. When small, her strength level increases as her body mass is compacted; conversely, she can grow to several hundred feet and then her strength grows with her size. After using the Pym particles so many times, her body had absorbed enough particles that she could mutate her cells at will.

While in the smaller Wasp size, she can fly at up to 40 miles per hour. She can fire bioelectric energy blasts called stinger blasts, stingers, or wasp’s stings, and she can communicate and control insects telepathically. In addition to her Wasp powers, Janet is a skilled hand to hand fighter.

Janet was born in New Jersey to wealthy scientist Vernon van Dyne, who was killed by an alien entity from one of his experiments. Once she started working with Dr. Henry “Hank” Pym, Janet convinced him to help her avenge her father’s death. She underwent a biochemical procedure that gave her the Wasp abilities and together with Pym, aka Ant-Man, she defeated the alien that killed her father.

Although her thirst for vengeance was complete, Janet decided to continue being The Wasp, while also quicklly falling in love with Hank. Among their heroic exploits as partners, the two took on villains like Porcupine, Egghead, and Whirlwind. After the founding members of the Avengers came together to fight Loki, Janet and Hank suggested creating a team of superheroes. Though she didn’t wield the level of power that some of her teammates did, Wasp was brave and resilient in battles.