Warning: contains spoilers for Avengers #55!
In the wake of tragedy, Marvel Comics has created a touching tribute in the pages of Avengers comics to honor one of the most legendary artists of the medium. For over forty years, George Perez has made a name for himself working for both Marvel and DC Comics, creating art of hundreds of iconic superheroes. With his cancer diagnosis, the artists of Marvel have drawn the Avengers raising a glass to an icon.
The comic book industry, while quite large, is still very much insular; it's difficult to break into the medium and even more difficult to create for such superheroes like Superman, Captain America and other A-list properties. That makes the achievements of a creator with plenty of decades of experience under their belt all the more impressive, and George Perez is certainly in that category. Notable works include the classic Crisis on Infinite Earths in 1986 and the JLA/Avengers crossover series, one of the very few times when Marvel has worked with DC to create a combined storyline. Perez is particularly known for creating plenty of panels with dozens of superheroes, each one standing out in a crowd.
In the final page of Avengers #55, Marvel has elected to elevate George Perez to the rank of honorary Avenger. Captain America raises a glass to the artists as Iron Man, Beast, Wonder Man and others raise their own in solidarity (even Jarvis, Iron Man's butler). Perez announced in 2019 that he was formally retiring from the comic business, and in December 2021 revealed he was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer, a diagnosis which is sadly terminal.
George Perez, as is the case with many artists, told stories with his art in ways writers could not with their words. In particular, his work on a reboot of Wonder Woman beginning in 1987 spanned over 60 issues and is widely regarded as one of the best runs on the character. Director Patty Jenkins, who would go on to direct the 2017 Wonder Woman film, cited Perez's work as an inspiration. For Marvel, Perez is responsible for - among other things - creating the legendary cover to 1991's Infinity Gauntlet series, in addition to penciling the first few issues.
George Perez's work is remembered for expressive faces, packed crowd scenes and an emphasis on character while never losing sight of the spectacle that comic book fans adore. Perez deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Kirby, Ditko and Simon for his many contributions to the comic book industry. Now an honorary Avenger, no fan of Marvel or DC Comics will soon forget the name George Perez or his work.