Even though superheroes are arguably in the forefront pop culture to do their popularity on television and film, a lot of people do not know about the creators that first introduced us to these characters and stories. Time and time again I see people at comic conventions just walk by legendary creators not knowing that they were behind the shirt they are so proudly wearing.

One of those legendary creators is George Perez, who’s career goes back to the 70’s spending a lot of his career working for the big two in comic book publishing Marvel Comics and DC Comics. Over the weekend via his Facebook page, Perez announced his retirement.

Here is part of his statement:
“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.”

Perez first started with Marvel as an artist for the Avengers. After that he jumped over to DC where he worked on the Justice League of America. From there he co-created the New Teen Titans along with Marv Wolfman, which is the inspiration behind DC Universe’s Titans series on their streaming service. Then in the mid-80s this same creative team went on to create one of the most well known mini-series known as Crisis on Infinite Earths, which will be a story line featured next fall on The CW’s Arrowverse. This is the story line that infamously killed both the Flash and Supergirl.

Perez then went back to Marvel in the 90’s and was the artist on the first three issues of Infinity Gauntlet, which in case you didn’t know is the inspiration behind Marvel Studio’s Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. So it goes without saying that he has had his hand in a lot of stories that were first enjoyed by many in comics and now again in both the small and big screen.

Also in his statement he gave us an update on his future convention schedule:
“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.”

He wraps it all up by saying that he will be just fine and thanks all his fans:
“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.”

I have had the opportunity to meet Perez several times throughout the years of attending shows and he is a great person to talk to, you should never take for granted the opportunity to show your appreciation for the work these amazing creators have done over the decades. My favorite Perez work is probably going to have to be DC Comics’ New Teen Titans.

What is your favorite George Perez work? Let us know in the comment section below!

You can watch Titans now on the DC Universe streaming service, Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War on Netflix and the prelude to next season’s Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover Elseworlds on The CW App.

ALSO SEE: IS REVERSE FLASH THE KEY TO CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS?

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Source: Facebook