Legendary writer Stan Lee, who passed away recently, was best known as a creator and writer associated with which broad type of comics?

Introduction / Context:
Stan Lee was one of the most influential figures in modern popular culture. As a writer, editor and publisher, he played a central role in shaping an entire genre of comic books and the characters that dominate today's film and television landscape. When he passed away, news reports and tributes emphasised his contributions to a particular category of comics, which is what this question tests.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Stan Lee worked for decades at a major American comic book publisher.
• He co-created iconic characters such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four and the Hulk.
• The options list broad categories: science fiction comics, action and adventure comics, manga comics and superhero comics.
• The question asks for the main type of comics he is associated with, not every theme present in his stories.

Concept / Approach:
Although Stan Lee's stories often contained science fiction elements and action or adventure, his hallmark contribution was the development of a shared universe of costumed superheroes with human flaws and complex personalities. These characters formed the basis of the Marvel Universe. Therefore, he is most accurately described as a creator and writer of superhero comics rather than of general science fiction or manga.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall Stan Lee's most famous creations: Spider-Man, the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four and Black Panther.Step 2: Note that all of these characters are costumed heroes with special powers or abilities, fitting the definition of superheroes.Step 3: Recognise that Marvel Comics, where Stan Lee spent most of his career, is best known as a superhero comic publisher.Step 4: Compare with the options and see that “Superhero comics” best captures this body of work.Step 5: Select “Superhero comics” as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Obituaries, biographies and news articles about Stan Lee almost always refer to him as the co-creator of many Marvel superheroes and as a pioneer of superhero storytelling. They emphasise how he revolutionised the genre by giving heroes everyday problems, emotional depth and shared continuity. While his stories sometimes explored science fiction themes, the dominant label used in media and scholarship is “superhero comics”.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Science fiction comics: Many superhero stories use science fiction ideas, but Stan Lee is not primarily remembered as a science fiction writer separate from the superhero genre.
• Action and adventure comics: This category is very broad and could include westerns, war stories or crime comics. It does not capture the specific nature of his contributions.
• Manga comics: Manga refers to Japanese comics and graphic novels, whereas Stan Lee was an American writer associated with Marvel Comics in the United States.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may overthink the question and try to link Stan Lee to science fiction because many stories involve technology, space and mutants. However, exams usually focus on the core category widely associated with him, which is the superhero genre. Remembering that Marvel is often contrasted with another superhero publisher, DC Comics, helps lock in that Stan Lee's legacy is firmly in superhero comics.

Final Answer:
Stan Lee is best known as a creator and writer of superhero comics.