On George Pérez

The legendary George Pérez just offered a heartbreaking update about his health today. You can read it here. The comics world knew that Mr. Pérez wasn’t in the best shape, but today’s news is simply tragic.

I never met Mr. Pérez. I collected comics really seriously in the mid-late 80’s, then put them aside for pursuit of more manly things (college degree, members of the opposite gender, career, etc.) until I returned to the hobby in 2019. But while I was collecting, George Pérez was the Gold Standard — on the proverbial Mount Rushmore of comics creators. I got into comics in the first place largely on the basis of his incredible New Teen Titans work. Over the years, I followed him into the Crisis on Infinite Earths (with the highly underrated followup, History of the DC Universe) and then onto Wonder Woman.

Since returning, I’ve combed the back issues to fill in gaps with New Teen Titans: Games, Avengers, Brave and the Bold, Sirens and JLA/Avengers, among others. I also grabbed a blank sketch cover copy of Wonder Woman #750, and Mr. Pérez sketched Diana on it (wraparound!). That book’s an heirloom, and my WW-obsessed daughter already has eyes on it.

Now that I think of it, I went to a small comic show a couple weeks back. The only book I bought was a nice, clean copy of Justice League of America #200.

Ever since returning to comics, I hoped to actually meet Mr. Pérez. I knew he was close to fully retiring and wanted to shake his hand and offer him thanks for bringing so much joy to my childhood. I had hotel, airline tickets and VIP passes booked for MegaCon Orlando for the 2020 show…which was washed out by COVID. I then tried for 2021, but COVID concerns on my end (unvaccinated children) prohibited me from attending…which wasn’t the worst thing as Mr. Pérez canceled, too. Alas.

Looks like I’ll never get the chance to meet him. His note says that he’s going to do one more public appearance, but it seems silly to waste his time with someone he’s never met. Mr. Pérez needs to use that precious time laughing, hugging and sharing love with those who he knows and has shared memories.

Instead, I packaged up four books – New Teen Titans #1, New Teen Titans (Baxter series) #1, Crisis on Infinite Earths #1 and Wonder Woman #1 – for Mr. Pérez to sign at his final book signing in January, which he said was “to help make my passing a bit easier”. Such a selfless man! I put a short note in the package; hopefully the signing agent sees fit to pass it along. I said everything that I wanted to say in person, that I wanted him to know how much his work meant to me. And in light of the current circumstances, I shared love and peace.

Thank you, George Pérez. Thank you so very much.