He was slammed by feminists on International Women's Day. And now, just a week later, 94 year-old Spiderman creator Stan Lee has cancelled his appearance at New York's Comic Con.

Citing poor health, a statement provided to Comic Book News claims his busy schedule has "taken its toll" on the nonagenarian.

The official memo, released Monday, read: "Big Apple Comic Con has just been informed that due to health issues Stan Lee will no longer be appearing at the convention on either Saturday, March 11th or Sunday, March 12th.

"Stan keeps to an amazing schedule and it seems to have taken its toll. We are terribly sorry for any inconvenience but the show must go on.

"We are going to have a tremendous weekend loaded with great guests, exhibitors and events. Let's all wish Stan well and party like you know he wants us to!"

Naturally, many fans have been disappointed by the development, which comes just a few days after Lee was lambasted for sharing the cover of a 1977 special issue comic called The Superhero Women, which honoured Marvel’s female superheroes.

Posted to celebrate IWD, Lee captioned the image: "Remember to celebrate some of our greatest heroes this International Women's Day - and every day!".

It generated thousands of likes and re-tweets, however, a key number of critics soon found reason to be offended.