"People who were more concerned with themselves and looking good to their readers then they were with the characters sacrificed a series for the sake of a story"

The quote by Len Wein highlights a stress often present in storytelling, particularly in serialized stories such as comic books, television series, or book legends. Wein suggests that developers sometimes prioritize their individual image or the immediate impact of a particular story over the long-term stability and development of the characters within the series. This prioritization can result in choices that may garner short-lived attention or honor but eventually diminish the depth and coherence of the general story.

In interpreting this declaration, it's vital to acknowledge the fundamental duty of writers to stabilize audience expectations with genuine character advancement. When creators focus exceedingly on how they are perceived by the audience-- intending to appear innovative, strong, or questionable-- they may introduce plot twists or character changes that, while right away engaging or sensational, undermine the established character arcs or styles of the series. In such cases, the storytelling becomes more about the author's or artist's image instead of the fidelity to the characters' journeys and the narrative universe.

This sacrifice of a series for a mere story might manifest in required plot developments, inconsistent character behavior, or sensationalist aspects that do not line up with the recognized world characteristics. Eventually, such choices may wear down the audience's trust and investment, as loyal fans usually seek consistency and depth, seeing characters not simply as devices for shock value but as entities with whom they can relate or empathize.

Wein's observation acts as a cautionary tip to creators about the importance of keeping credibility and staying true to the core aspects of their series. While innovation and surprise hold an undeniable location in storytelling, they need to not come at the cost of coherent character advancement and narrative logic. Stabilizing imagination with character integrity is essential for crafting stories that are both engaging and long-lasting.