Denny O'Neil
From Transformers Wiki
Dennis "Denny" O'Neil(May 3,1939–June 11,2020) was an American comic book writer and editor until his retirement. He was known mostly for his involvement withBatmanandIron Man,and co-created characters like Ra's al Ghul, Talia, Lady Shiva Lady Deathstrike, Bronze Tiger, Madame Web, Hydro Man, Richard Dragon, Maxie Zeus, Doctor Cyber, Calypso, and the John Stewart Green Lantern.
WhenHasbroapproachedMarvel Comicsto develop a story for their Transformers toyline,Jim Shootercame up with the initial story treatment and had O'Neil create the characters and flesh out more of the treatment. However, Shooter rejected most of O'Neil's character names and concepts, and the job was passed down toBob Budiansky.Ultimately, some of O'Neil's contributions were retained in the final product, including the name "Optimus Prime".[1]According to an interview with O'Neil from 2014, he did not remember naming Optimus Prime.[2]
Ralph Macchiowas his assistant at one point.
Notes
- Denny O'Neil was later paid homage to in the form of the fictional authorD.E. O'Neilin theTransformers: EarthSparkepisode "Missed Connection".[3]
References
- ↑Bob Budiansky interview at Moonbase 2
- ↑SModCast - Fat Man on Batman #062: Denny O'Neil Pt. 3: Bat-ling the Bottle and Rockin' Robin
- ↑"That was intentional! I'm a huge fan of Denny O'Neil's work (especially for The Shadow), and given his connection to Transformers, I felt this would be an appropriate way to pay tribute." —Mae Catt, Twitter, 2023/03/07
