The Missouri Association of School Librarians named its graphic novel list after legendary comic book writer, Denny O'Neil. Mr. O'Neil was born in St. Louis on May 3, 1939. He graduated from St. Louis University in 1961. After serving in the Navy, he worked as a reporter for The Southeastern Missourian in Cape Girardeau. There, he wrote two articles about comic books which garnered the attention of an English teacher who introduced him to comic culture. Needless to say, his life was forever changed. Mr. O'Neil worked for the biggest names in comics where he developed iconic storylines that carry on today. He is most known for being one of the first comic artists to focus on social issues. Upon Mr. O'Neil's death on June 11, 2020, DC’s chief creative officer and publisher, Jim Lee, tweeted, that Mr. O’Neil’s “focus on social issues pushed comics to wider respectability & acceptance as an art form,” adding, “Through his work & mentorship, he influenced generations of writers & artists.” 

MASL is proud that its graphic novel list bears the name of this Missouri legend.

Sandomir, Richard. "Denny O'Neil, Writer Who Left His Mark on Batman, Dies at 81." New York Times, 18 June 2020, 

www.nytimes.com/2020/06/18/books/denny-oneil-dead.html. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.