Len Wein, the editor of Watchmen and co-creator of Wolverine, Storm, and Swamp Thing, has reportedly passed away. Wein had been in and out of surgeries for the past few years, but a number of comics creators and comics news sites are now reporting that he has passed away today at the age of 69.
Many in the comics industry took to Twitter to mourn Wein’s passing and celebrate his memory.
Len Wein, co-creator of WOLVERINE and SWAMP THING & more responsible for the x-men you love than he gets credit for. Thank you. #RIP
— BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (@BRIANMBENDIS) September 10, 2017
Just heard. RIP Len Wein. So very sorry to hear it. A terrific writer and a better friend. We will miss you so much.
— Kurt Busiek Resists (@KurtBusiek) September 10, 2017
Extremely saddened to hear of Len Wein’s passing. Incredible writer, incredible person. Thank you Len for all you gave to us. RIP
— Scott Snyder (@Ssnyder1835) September 10, 2017
Len Wein created, wrote, or edited some of the most enduring characters and stories in comics. Important, influential, popular work. RIP.
— Andy Khouri (@andykhouri) September 10, 2017
Len Wein wrote a Detective Comics story that is, out of hundreds I’ve read, in my top 10 of greatest Batman stories. pic.twitter.com/ouRl5DMp8E
— Patch Zircher (@PatrickZircher) September 10, 2017
Len Wein. The fanboy made good, made legend. Co-creator of Swamp Thing, Wolverine, editor of Watchmen, writer of, well, everything. RIP. pic.twitter.com/ZYhDK7uOuH
— Tom King (@TomKingTK) September 10, 2017
Over at The Beat, Heidi MacDonald also remembered him: “Len was one of a kind; infuriating, inspiring, unforgettable. There will countless Len stories over the next few days. I worked for him for a few years at Disney Comics, and learning from his wit and story sense was invaluable. Len had nearly died as a child from a freakish blood infection, and perhaps because of that had a relish for life and laughter that was infectious and never-ending. Even in recent years when his health took a very bad turn he was still laughing and enjoying conventions and friends.”
Wein had a huge influence on the industry, co-creating Swamp Thing, Wolverine, Colossus, Nightcrawler, and Storm. He was also the editor of Dave Gibbons’ and Alan Moore’s Watchmen, as well as the writer of numerous, numerous DC and Marvel story lines over the years. Wein also worked at Disney Comics for a few years, and has written and story edited for animated shows like X-Men, Batman: The Animated Series, and Ben 10.
Actor Hugh Jackman, who played Wolverine in the Fox X-Men films, had repeatedly thanked Wein for his role in creating the iconic character, including at Comic-Con.
A big shout out to my mate Len Wein co-creator of The Wolverine #wolverine pic.twitter.com/WrmSaE1BAd
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) July 21, 2013
Rest in peace, Len, and thank you for the wonderful characters.
(Via The Beat; image via screengrab of Wein discussing Wolverine in PBS’s Superheroes documentary)
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