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Things We Saw Today: RIP Batman Writer and DC Comics Editor Denny O’Neil

Plus Wonder Woman 1984, Archive, and more!

By Jun 13th, 2020, 5:58 pm
denny o'neil dc

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Legendary comic book author and editor Denny O’Neil has passed away at the age of 81. O’Neil worked at Marvel and DC, but is perhaps best known for his iconic work on Batman. Working with artist Neal Adams, O’Neil created the Bruce Wayne/Batman we know and love today: gritty, brooding, and distinctly Noir.

O’Neil’s work came at a pivotal time for the Caped Crusader, who still had the goofy, campy vibes of Adam West’s 1966 Batman. DC Chief Creative Officer and Publisher Jim Lee said, “Denny modestly described it as a return to the character’s roots, but it was much more than that, … They channeled the zeitgeist of the times and brought to life a darker, more evocative yet grounded take on Batman.” O’Neil also co-created the characters Ra’s al Ghul and Talia al Ghul.

O’Neil and Adams were also responsible for the award-winning Green Lantern/Green Arrow stories, “Hard Traveling Heroes.” These stories delved into previously taboo topics for the comics industry, like drug addiction, racism, and other social issues. O’Neil and Adams created alternate Green Lantern John Stewart, who made waves as DC Comics’ first Black superhero.

O’Neil even came up the name of the most famous Autobot, Optimus Prime, when Marvel originally hired him to develop the Transformers property. Bob Budiansky took over the gig, but they kept the name.

Artists and comic book creators took to social media to remember O’Neil:

(via DC Comics, image: The Comic Archive)

  • The release date for Wonder Woman 1984 has been pushed to October 2nd, which is for best. (via io9)
  • Check out this trailer for upcoming sci-fi thriller Archive:

  • Hooray! A new Star Wars: Galaxy of Adventures short is up! (via Star Wars Kids)
  • Check out this low budget remake of Alien. (via Syfy Wire)
  • Wrinkles in the time line: check out these mistakes in Avengers: Endgame. (via CBR)
  • Here’s a ranking of every Disney+ original movie. (via Collider)
  • Happy birthday to our imaginary internet boyfriend Chris Evans, who in true Cap fashion, wants us to do good:

How’s your Saturday going, Mary Suevians?

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Author
Chelsea Steiner
Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.
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