Len Wein, the legendary comic book creator who co-created Wolverine and Swamp Thing died at the age of 69. Along with Wolverine and Swamp Thing, Wein created a number of X-Men including Nightcrawler, Storm, and Colossus. He would also edit Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ iconic series Watchmen. His work got him inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2008.
Len was born in New York on June 12, 1948. By the time he was a teenager, he was taking tours of the DC Comics offices. “His connection to DC Comics goes back to the early 1960s, when he and his friend [and future collaborator] Marv Wolfman would take a tour of the DC offices that was offered once a week,” according to DC Comics.
Wolfman and Lein would then sell their first scripts to DC Comics in 1968. Wolfman and Lein would go on to introduce the Teen Titans creating Starfire and Red Star. He would also apply his work to Marvel’s Daredevil with Roy Thomas in 1970.
Just a year later he would team up with Bernie Wrightson to create Swamp Thing in 1971. He then worked with John Romita Sr. and Herb Trimpe to create Wolverine who debuted in The Incredible Hulk #180.
Wein was also influential on Batman. In Batman #307, his first issue of Batman he created Wayne Foundation executive, Lucius Fox. He also co-created Batman villain and now ally Clayface.
DC Entertainment president Diane Nelson described Len’s work with DC Comics, “He wrote or edited almost every major DC character — there’s hardly a facet of DC’s world that Len didn’t touch.”
Hugh Jackman who portrays Wolverine in Fox’s X-Men films remembered Len Wein:
Blessed to have known Len Wein. I first met him in 2008. I told him – from his heart, mind & hands came the greatest character in comics. pic.twitter.com/cFqL1uy0JV
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) September 11, 2017
Others also remembered Len and his incredible work:
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
Co-created Wolverine & the new X-men. Co-kickstarted the modern comic book era with its most powerful metaphor. And more. RIP Len Wein. pic.twitter.com/TSiWChvfdI
— Joss Whedon (@joss) 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
A shoutout to Len from Batman 15, using his Marvel nickname. Words by me. Art by the @MitchGerads. pic.twitter.com/wSMlGHvh0k
— Tom King (@TomKingTK) September 10, 2017
I just learned that my friend and writing inspiration @LenWein passed away this morning. My love and condolences to his wife, @mcvalada.
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) September 10, 2017
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 about the passing of Len Wein. Heartbreaking. A person I never met who helped shape my childhood and made every day since richer.
— Matthew Rosenberg (@AshcanPress) 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 (@KurtBusiek) September 10, 2017
https://twitter.com/gregpak/status/906991752095129602
So sorry to hear the sad news of Len Wein's passing. Huge legacy. #LenWein
— Rob Williams (@Robwilliams71) September 10, 2017
So sorry to hear of Len's passing.
He was, and always will be, a legend. #LenWein https://t.co/UUGKxRFByi— Jim Zub 🎲 (@JimZub) September 10, 2017
Len died in the Los Angeles area. His cause of death has not been reported, but the Washington Post reports he was in an “extended hospital stay in recent weeks.” In 2015, Wein did undergo quintuple bypass heart surgery.
Len is survived by his wife Christine Valada and their children.