The legendary comic book writer behind the Avengers, X-Men, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four and the Hulk was applauded with help from Marvel head Kevin Feige, Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn, filmmaker Kevin Smith, Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, Star Trek's Nichelle Nichols and comic book artist Todd McFarlane.

"I thank you from the bottom from my heart, and I've always wondered about that expression," Lee said. "Why is the bottom of your heart more important than the top of your heart? I thank you from my whole heart."

The ceremony took on an extra dose of poignancy as it came just days after Lee's wife, Joan, died July 6 at 95. The pair had been married nearly 70 years.

The event was the latest in a whirlwind week for Lee. He was honored as a Disney Legend on July 14 and is set to be feted Friday at a panel during Comic-Con in San Diego.

Tuesday's ceremony was presented by Legion M, the fan-owned media company.