There are only a few great comic book legends left in this world, and George Perez is noteably one of them. Over the course of his five decade career he has been an artist and writer for several different titles in Marvel and DC. His work includes titles like Crisis on Infinite Earths, the New Teen Titans, Avengers, and the now infamous “Infinity Gauntlet” (The last Avengers movie “Infinity War” was based on) just to name a few.
George Perez announced his retirement due to health issues. In his press release he stated “it’s been no secret that I have been dealing with a myriad number of health issues (diabetes, heart ailments, vision issues, etc.), they have indeed have forced me to, for all intents and purposes, formally retire from the business of creating new comic stories.”
George Perez is well known for his iconic covers. His incredible attention to detail and large group shots have been a big influence in the comics industry.
Here are just a few of his iconic covers:
Crisis on Infinite Earths #7
The New Teen Titans #1
Green Lantern #132
Batman #437
And of course the current comic that the last Avengers movie “Infinity War” was based on:
Infinity Gauntlet #1
George Perez is scheduled to appear at the Amazing Comic Con Aloha this February 22-24, 2019. It will be the first stop on his retirement tour. Below you can read the official press release.
Official Press Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :
DATE : JANUARY 19, 2019
FROM : George Pérez
To all my loyal and kind fans who have supported me throughout the decades,
In recent months, there has been a great deal of speculation as to the future of my career, my health, my ability to draw and my future convention appearances. As a result, I would like to clear up everything first hand so that, hopefully, any rumors, speculation and misinformation can be laid to rest.
With respect to future published work in comics and such … while I know it’s been no secret that I’ve been dealing with a myriad number of health issues (diabetes, heart ailments, vision issues, etc.), they have indeed have forced me to, for all intents and purposes, formally retire from the business of creating new comic stories.
As for home commission requests, I’m afraid that my retirement must now extend to privately commissioned drawings as well. While I am gratified that all of the customers who have received their pieces were more than pleased with the results, some even consequently commissioning more of them, it’s just becoming too much of a strain on my eyes to produce the fully rendered ink and pencil-tone pieces on a quality level that justifies the price I’m being paid for them.
In regards to convention sketches, I will need to cut back on those as well. While I will no longer sketch at the conventions themselves, I will, through my art agent Spencer Beck of The Artists Choice, be taking orders for 5 ( FIVE ) con-style head sketches, per convention day that I am in attendance which will be done at home to be collected at the conventions. Fans placing orders must be personally present to pick up the piece , NO PROXIES. The price for these will be a good deal pricier than in the past, going for $100 each, but please take some solace that all the monies I earn for these sketches, as well as my appearance fees, will be donated to various charities. To place an order, or for initial details, please contact Spencer / The Artist’s Choice directly at Spencerbck@aol.com. Any changes or further announcements will be made by Spencer and myself on his website http://www.theartistschoice.com/perez.htm and on my fan website https://sites.google.com/a/comicbookseries.info/gpz/
Furthermore, for those that are interested … although I will only be attending about six conventions this year and one make up convention in 2020 ( *** see below for complete schedule ) 2019 will more than likely be my last year touring this great land meeting so many great fans. As the next decade begins, I have two shows, Dragon Con and Fetish Con that have personal meaning to me which I intend to attend yearly unless circumstances prevent it … but, for all intents, 2019 will wind down that part of my career as well. The good news is, even though I will not be sketching at the shows, I will still be autographing and be available for photo ops, and, as has been my policy throughout my career, I will not be charging for either.
In closing, please don’t feel sorry for me about all these life and career changes. Thankfully I earn more than enough income through royalties to have a comfortable life wherein I may never need to work again. Unless, of course, something really tempting comes along and I’m given sufficient lead time. Hey, you never know.
Long story short, I will be just fine. I’ve had a wonderfully good run doing exactly what I have wanted to do since I was a child. Now I can sit back and watch the stuff I helped create entertain whole new generations. That’s a pretty nice legacy to look back on.
And so much of that is thanks to all of you, the GREATEST fans in the world. I am humbled and forever grateful.
Wishing you all a safe, happy and healthy 2019 and beyond,
2019 CONVENTION SCHEDULE
AMAZING COMIC CON ALOHA – FEBRUARY 22 to 24, 2019 – www.amazingcomicconaloha.com
C2E2 – MARCH 22 to 24, 2019 – www.c2e2.com
EAST COAST COMIC CON – MAY 17 to 19, 2019 – www.eastcoastcomicon.com
NIAGARA FALLS COMICS CON – JUNE 7 to 9, 2019 – niagarafallscomiccon.com
TERRIFICON – AUGUST 9 to 11, 2019 – www.terrificon.com ( FRIDAY ONLY )
FETISH CON – AUGUST 9 to 11, 2019 – http://fetishcon.com ( SATURDAY & SUNDAY ONLY )
DRAGON CON – AUGUST 29 to SEPTEMBER 2, 2019 – www.dragoncon.org