Just when we are grieving over the loss of Marvel's creative genius Stan Lee, we have lost another creative genius known for enriching our childhoods with one of the best Nickelodeon television series of all time: "SpongeBob SquarePants." Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of "SpongeBob SquarePants" has passed away at age 57 on November 26, 2018, due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a rare disease that causes the death of neurons responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement.

Stephen Hillenburg, who has also been known as a marine biologist and teacher, has shown his love for the sea through his international hit television series "SpongeBob SquarePants," which focuses on a talking sponge who lives in a giant pineapple under the sea. "SpongeBob SquarePants" has been airing in Nickelodeon since the launch of its first episode on May 1, 1999. Up till this day, "SpongeBob SquarePants" is still one of the most beloved animated cartoons of all time and the popularity has been over the charts. Memes and a media franchise have been created in dedication to the popular television show.

With amazing storytelling, a catchy theme song, and funny interactions, Stephen Hillenburg has drawn many viewers into the exciting underwater world of the Bikini Bottom where we meet numerous entertaining characters. The title character of the whole series, SpongeBob SquarePants, has been well-received by fans worldwide. Along with many memorable characters in the show such as Patrick Star, Squidward Tentacles, Sandy Cheeks, Eugene Krabs, Plankton, Mrs. Puff, Pearl, and even SpongeBob's pet snail, Gary, have been noted as one of best character casts in television shows of all time.

As someone who has grown up in the 90s, "SpongeBob SquarePants" has been one of my greatest inspirations to become an artist. I would never leave a day without watching one episode of "SpongeBob SquarePants". It's great to see someone like Stephen Hillenburg to create something he loves through a television show that is still adored by children worldwide. But it's a tragic loss that we have lost such a brilliant mind like Stephen Hillenburg, for he has filled our childhood with fun and laughter. In honor of Stephen Hillenburg, many people have paid tribute to the late creator of "SpongeBob SquarePants" by putting up fanart, comics, along with their favorite scenes, moments, and episodes from "SpongeBob SquarePants."