Fan Fest News

News for Fans, By Fans!

Comics Great George Perez Retires

This past weekend, legendary comics creator George Perez released a letter to his fans, announcing his retirement from comics.  Perez, a prolific artist who helped sculpt some of your favorite characters such as the Teen Titans, the Avengers, Superman and Wonder Woman, has been battling health issues in recent days, and cites his those health concerns as the reason for his retirement.

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.

Perez is known for collaborating with Marv Wolfman on The New Teen Titans, producing the seminal story The Judas Contract for DC Comics, along with Crisis on Infinite Earths.  He is a writer in his own right, as well, having penned (and drawn) 62 issues of DC’s Wonder Woman relaunch in the late 1980’s.

Over at Marvel, Perez worked on Avengers not once, but twice, producing legendary runs on the book.  The first, written by Jim Shooter, won an Eagle Award in 1986.  The second helped re-invigorate a sagging comics market in the late 1990’s to early 2000’s.  He also worked with Jim Starlin on a little book called The Infinity Gauntlet.

Perez intends to finish out his convention schedule for the year.

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.

Perez ends his letter by urging his fans to not feel sorry for him:

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.

I think I join all comics fans in thanking Mr. Perez for his contributions to the industry, and in wishing him well in his retirement.

George Perez’s Convention Schedule For 2019

Amazing Comic-Con Aloha February 22 to 24, 2019, Honolulu, HI

C2E2 March 22 to 24, 2019, Chicago, IL

East Coast Comic-Con – May 17 to 19, 2019, The New Jersey Meadowlands

Niagra Falls Comic Con – June 7 to 9, 2019, Niagra Falls, Canada

Terrificon – August 9 to 11, 2019, Norwich, CT  (FRIDAY ONLY)

Fetish Con – August 9 to 11, 2019, St. Petersburg, FL (SATURDAY & SUNDAY ONLY)

Dragon Con – August 29 to September 2, 2019, Atlanta, GA