Comic creator Len Wein and his wife, photographer and attorney Christine Valada, suffered a devastating house fire Monday. They are physically okay, but lost most of their home, along with untold numbers of classic and irreplaceable artworks. Long-time friend Harlan Ellison’s letter announcing the fire is posted in this Publishers Weekly post.
The Contra Costa Times has this very brief article (with a photo) which doesn’t name Wein or Valada, and blames the fire on combustible items left near a wall heater.
Wein is the co-creator of “Swamp Thing” and “Wolverine”, and according to Ellison, one of the things lost in the fire “was the original art for the first Wolverine story”.
I have been watching Christine on Jeopardy. I looked on the Internet this evening and found the circumstances behind her
emotional responses when she wins.
I am so sorry for your loss, and especially for Sheba. I have lost a home too (foreclosure) but things are just things no matter. For your loss of Sheba I can feel special empathy. I lost my beautiful Siberian Huskie (poisoned) and am grateful to have my other dog, Xela, with me in Oregon.
God bless you and Len, your son and the remaining pooch.
Mike and Xela.