Today is a sad day for comic book fans around the world. Games Radar reports that comic book writer Denny O’Neil has passed away of natural causes. aged 81.
Mr O’Neil is responsible for writing some of the all-time great comic books a lot of us grew up with. He was best know for his work on Batman for DC Comics, introducing influential characters like Ra’s Al Ghul, as well as writing other influential comics for the publisher including the legendary Green Arrow / Green Lantern teamup story which tackled the problem of drug addiction. Denny O’Neil also worked for Marvel Comics, writing Amazing Spider-Man, Iron Man and Daredevil.
And for Transformers fans, Denny O’Neil wrote the original treatment of the Transformers mythos for Marvel Comics, helping Marvel and Hasbro develop the concept and the characters. His lasting legacy for the Transformers franchise can never be understated. He is the man who named Optimus Prime.
Thank you for all the many hours we have spent enjoying all you worked on sir. God speed, and rest in peace.
Novaburnhilde
Took them long enough.
At least DC did theirs in a timely manner.
RavinRay
Finally, Marvel did a tribute to him today:
Remembering Denny O'Neil, 1939-2020
DC Comics did theirs on Friday:
DC Remembers Denny O'Neil, 1939 – 2020
Flash1087
RIP to a legend. His work on The Question is one of my all-time favorite comic series of any kind, superhero or otherwise. I won a charity auction for an autographed DC Direct Question figure some 10-15 years ago and briefly corresponded with him via email; we didn't talk long but he seemed very gracious that his work had affected people in the way it had. Even if he didn't work on Transformers very long his work was monumental in establishing the universe, and he'll be remembered for his contributions to comic history overall.
Terry Bogard
RIP. He really contributed.
Bahamut Prime
RIP, the man who named a legend. ;(
Toad84
RIP
kaijuguy19
A sad time indeed.
To think he's the man responsible for not only making Batman into more of what he was originally again but also being the reason why Transformers came to be in general is amazing. May he rest in peace.
RavinRay
His death hits me in an eerie way, as the coronavirus has made me contemplate more about mortality. That he left behind a legacy on print at DC and Marvel, and behind the scenes for Transformers, and therefore is a legacy that should be celebrated, doesn't lessen this feeling I have.
O'Neil's body of work for Marvel is listed here, with some odd non-O'Neil issues thrown in for whatever reason. Meanwhile, CBR's Brian Cronin is soliciting on Twitter suggestions for next week's "Line It is Drawn" feature for his Comics Should be Good column, the theme of which is O'Neil-written issues. Though he didn't write the Transformers issues for Marvel, I did tweet to Cronin that he did name "Optimus Prime" so maybe Transformers comics with Prime can qualify.
User_124141
R.I.P
Johnny1378
I remember reading Denny O’Neil’s “From the Den” letters page, back when he was Editor for “Batman,” in the late ‘80s and ‘90s. Back then, I never missed an issue of “Batman,” and reading the letters page was just as much a part of the monthly ritual as reading the stories themselves. It wasn’t until later that I learned how big his contributions to both DC and Marvel comics, were. From his Green Lantern/Green Arrow comics putting the spotlight on social issues, to his creation of R’as Al Ghul and Azrael. He was one of the greats.
Roadblock1977
Truly sad news. Thanks for the memories, Mr. O'Neil.
BIGGUY007
Do not grieve. Soon I shall be one with the Matrix.
Mirage00
Well this is unfortunate news. I’m thankful for all the great contribution he contributed to the Transformers. R.I.P Mr.O’niel
Fafnir72
Yup! And Megatron was supposed to be the oafish sycophant like Lugnut. If it wasn't for those two……..thank you Mr. O'Neill for your eternal contributions to the lore.
You, Budainsky and Jim Shooter.
Sixwing
RIP
Mister D
Met him several times at cons when I lived on Long Island. Always good to the fans, and patiently answered my questions after his panel was over.
His influence on Batman is likely second only to the team of Kane, Finger, and Robinson, first as writer in the aftermath of Batman '66, then as editor before, during, and after the '89 Batcraze.
He wrote the legendary Green Lantern/Green Arrow stories that brought societal ills to a four-color world.
He wrote the Obidiah Stane arc of Iron Man, which was mined liberally for the Iron Man films.
He named Optimus Prime.
The man left his fingerprints on at least three different billion-dollar franchises, and inspired a legion of fans and artists.
Damned good legacy.
Chantinelle
Rest in peace, Denny. You were one of the greats, a bona fide legend.
SideswipeFriend2005
Ouch… This hurts. Like really hurts. I heard his batman run was great too. we salute you sir. RIP o7
Novaburnhilde
A sad day.
You will be remembered.
giga-galvatron
RIP. Named Optimus Prime. What a legacy