George Perez

Above, the George Perez cover of the death of the Silver Age Supergirl.

Those who are not comic book fans are likely not familiar with artist George Perez. 

Perez had a great career in penciling and inking comic books since the Bronze Age (the period of years following the Silver Age of comics) until eye problems forced him to retire. He's my age, but about five months younger.

I have been familiar with his work starting in the 1980s, particularly the series of comic books called Crisis On Infinite Earths that closed out the Bronze Age and ushered in the "Modern Age" (mainly the reboot of Superman by John Byrne).

A few weeks ago, I read that Perez has terminal cancer. After having experienced cancer when my dad came down with terminal lymphoma, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. 

I have never met Perez when he was on the convention circuit, but I have read that Superman artist Curt Swan was one of his influences. Perez inked Swan's pencils in one of the two final Silver Age Superman stories in Action Comics, "Whatever Happened To The Man of Tomorrow?"

Right now, I don't know how far advanced Perez's cancer is, but if he reads this, I just wanted to say a big "thank-you" for years of great artistry.

UPDATE (5/7/22):

The following announcement was made today:

To all of George’s fans and friends,

    Constance here, with the update no one wants to read. George passed away yesterday, peacefully at home with his wife of 490 months and family by his side. He was not in pain and knew he was very, very loved.

      We are all very much grieving but, at the same time, we are so incredibly grateful for the joy he brought to our lives. To know George was to love him; and he loved back. Fiercely and with his whole heart. The world is a lot less vibrant today without him in it.

       He loved all of you. He loved hearing your posts and seeing the drawings you sent and the tributes you made. He was deeply proud to have brought so much joy to so many.

        Everyone knows George’s legacy as a creator. His art, characters and stories will be revered for years to come. But, as towering as that legacy is, it pales in comparison to the legacy of the man George was.  George’s true legacy is his kindness. It’s the love he had for bringing others joy - and I hope you all carry that with you always.

     Today is Free Comic Book Day. A day George absolutely loved and a fitting day to remember his contributions to comics and to our lives. I hope you’ll enjoy your day today with him in mind. He would have loved that.

       Please keep his wife Carol in your thoughts and again, I thank you for respecting her privacy. I remain available through the contact on the page.  

        George's memorial service will take place at MEGACON Orlando at 6pm on Sunday, May 22nd. It will be open to all. Details to follow. 

       We will miss him always.