RIP
Legendary comic book writer Len Wein has died aged 69. Wein had career spanning over 40 years in the industry, but he will undoubtedly be known for co-creating Wolverine, alongside artist John Romita Jr.
The duo introduced the six-clawed mutant in issue #181 of The Incredible Hulk in 1974, and then a year later Wein included the character amongst the new members joining the team in Giant Sized X-Men #1. That comic would turn out to be one of the most important single issues in the history of superhero comics – prior to 1975, the X-Men had been a low-selling, unpopular title that been effectively cancelled in 1970. But it was Wein’s relaunch, alongside artist Dave Cockrum, that helped kickstart the era that would turn the X-Men into some of the most successful multimedia characters of the last 50 years, with Wolverine himself spinning off into countless solo titles, and immortalised on-screen by Hugh Jackman.
Wolverine and the X-Men were far from Wein’s only notable work in comics though. He also co-created Swamp Thing with Bernie Wrightson, and edited Alan Moore and Dave Gibbon’s Watchmen, which is widely regarded as possibly the greatest mainstream comic series of all time. In his decades-long career, he worked on pretty much any Marvel or DC superhero you care to name, and also wrote for animated series like the 90s Spider-Man and X-Men cartoons, and Ben 10.
Modern comic book superstars have been paying tributes to Wein on social media.
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
RIP the great #LenWein. He co-created Wolverine & Swamp Thing, both of which gave me a living as a writer & endless pleasure as a reader.
— Millarworld (@mrmarkmillar) 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
DC mourns the passing of @LenWein, dear friend & longtime contributor. Our condolences to his family & friends. https://t.co/hUZeRuK1AJ pic.twitter.com/tbXr7YYKhQ
— DC (@DCOfficial) September 10, 2017
We are deeply saddened to hear of Len Wein's passing, and send our deepest condolences to his friends and family: https://t.co/9qLllJAScE pic.twitter.com/0VAtTPPxd6
— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) September 11, 2017
