Legendary comics creator Stan Lee has canceled a planned appearance this weekend at Big Apple Con in New York City, reportedly due to "health issues."
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Organizers made the announcement this morning on the convention's website and social media accounts, where they wrote, "Stan keeps to an amazing schedule and it seems to have taken its toll."
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Lee, who turned 94 in December, has dialed back his convention schedule in recent years, making what have been billed as final appearances at New York Comic Con, and in Canada and Europe. In 2012 he abruptly canceled two planned appearances in Ohio, only to later reveal he'd had a pacemaker implanted. Lee was reportedly rushed to the hospital in June 2015, but was able to attend the red-carpet premiere of Marvel's "Ant-Man" a day later.
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When Lee announced his final convention appearance in Canada last year, Lee explained, “It’s so pleasant to go somewhere where people like you and want to hear what you have to say. It’s very flattering. But I’m 93 years old. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to do it." When it was pointed out that he doesn't appear to be slowly down, Lee replied, “Well, I can’t run the marathon and win the way I used to.”
Indeed, Lee maintains an active schedule. He continues to collaborate on new creations, and last year filmed cameos for four Marvel Studios movies in a single day. Oh, and he also threw out the first pitch at a Texas Rangers game.
Big Apple Con will be held Saturday and Sunday in New York City.