It is with deep sorrow that DC Entertainment mourns the passing of writer and editor Len Wein, a dear friend and longtime contributor to the company.

"Len Wein was one of the most welcoming people and legends in comics from the moment I joined DC eight years ago," said Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment. "He wrote or edited almost every major DC character - there’s hardly a facet of DC’s world that Len didn’t touch. I, DC and the industry will miss him and his talent very much. Our love and prayers go out to Christine, his family and his fans."

Len Wein was born on June 12, 1948. 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. The pair soon published their own fanzines and then sold their first scripts to DC in 1968. Len’s success in comics arrived quickly. He won praise for his work on The Teen Titans, and in 1970 he co-created one of DC’s most iconic characters, Swamp Thing. In the 1980s he edited some of DC’s most innovative titles, including Watchmen, New Teen Titans, and Saga of the Swamp Thing.

“Not every writer can be a good editor,” said Geoff Johns, President & Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment. “But Len deserves equal credit for both talents. He helped to revitalize the entire DC Universe.”

"Saddened to hear of the passing of my long time friend and colleague Len Wein," said DC Entertainment Publisher Dan DiDio. "He was a constant source of inspiration and his spirit and creativity was something every professional should aspire to. He will be missed by many but his work will continue to entertain for generations."

“What we are doing in comics today is based on the trailblazing work of people like Len,” said DC Entertainment Publisher Jim Lee. “We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to him.”

Today we celebrate Len’s life and his many achievements. We offer our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.