George Perez

George Perez was the very first comic book professional I ever spoke to face to face. It was at the 1982 San Diego Comic Con. That was my first ever comic book convention and I had no idea what to expect. Back in those days, we had the show at the old Convention and Preforming Arts Center down on C street. The Convention Center we use now on Harbor Drive wasn't even built yet. It was a much, much smaller affair, but nearly all the comic book publishers at the time were in attendance. They didn't have booths, they just used tables with homemade signs. And we didn't have an exhibit hall, it was called a dealer's room. I walked around in absolute awe of the place. Frank Miller, Curt Swan, Chris Claremont, John Byrne, Will Eisner, Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, Gil Kane, Jim Starlin and so many others were all there just kind of hanging out. My 22 year old self was too dumbfounded and too awestruck to try and strike up a conversation with anyone. And then at the DC table, I saw George Perez. He was sitting there by himself. I brought a copy of Teen Titans number one with me hoping he would sign it. I worked up the courage and walked over there. I remember how kind and gracious he was. He could tell it was my first show so he was gentle. We talked for a few minutes. He said he wanted to take a year off Teen Titans and draw Wonder Woman so she could become a fan favorite again. That really surprised me. That eventually did happen, but not until after Crisis.

I saw George several more times over the years at SDCC. Here is the thing I will remember about him: The man was always smiling. Always, always, always. Never dour, never down. Always upbeat and always happy. He loved the fans. He loved the characters. And he loved his job. He spent his life doing what he was born to do. No one could ever ask for anything more.

I love that man and I love his art. I started reading comics in the 60's but it was in the early 70's, during the Bronze Age, that I knew comics were no longer a childhood fancy for me. That's when I knew I was in this for life. And George Perez was a huge part of that. Avengers, Fantastic Four, Inhumans, Sons of the Tiger, Man-Wolf ... his art was spectacular.

I think Marvel and DC should publish hardcover retrospectives of his work. And both companies should get together and put JLA/Avengers back in print.

I will mourn for George Perez.  I will miss him dearly.  SDCC will never be the same.  And I will Thank God everyday that such a man ever lived.

RIP

https://www.cbr.com/george-perez-obit/