George Perez dies at 67

Cover to a collection of George Perez art at Marvel

Retired comic book artist George Perez died May 6 at age 67 from complications from pancreatic cancer. His death was reported by the Comic Book Resources website.

Perez announced in December that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer and opted to forgo treatment.

The artist retired a few years ago because of health issues related to diabetes. During his career, which began in the early 1970s, he worked extensively at both Marvel and DC.

His efforts included the Avengers, the Justice League of America, and the Teen Titans. His stories helped influence comic book-based movies. He illustrated Crisis on Infinite Earths, a mid-1980s series meant to streamline the DC Comics universe.

DC published a tribute to Perez on Saturday afternoon.

George Pérez made everything look effortless. His contributions were pivotal in both driving and reinventing DC’s long and rich history. George’s stories were a joy to read, and his work resonated with everyone he met. He will be missed by those here at DC and fans worldwide. pic.twitter.com/g8lMC62tK5

— DC (@DCComics) May 7, 2022

UPDATE: Marvel also came out with a tribute.

George Pérez was an artist, a writer, a role model, and a friend. His work paved seminal stories across comics, and his legacy of kindness and generosity will never be forgotten. Our family at Marvel mourns his loss today, and our hearts are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/Z61gXE1zk4

— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) May 7, 2022

George Perez announces terminal cancer diagnosis

Cover to a collection of George Perez work at Marvel

Retired comic book artist George Perez said in a statement on Facebook he has been diagnosed with Stage 3 pancreatic cancer.

Perez, 67, said he has opted to forgo treatment and that his life expectancy is six months to a year.

The artist retired about three years ago because of health issues related to diabetes. During his career, he worked extensively at both Marvel and DC, including the Avengers, the Justice League of America, and the Teen Titans. His stories helped influence comic book-based movies.

“This is not a message I enjoyed writing, especially during the Holiday Season, but, oddly enough, I’m feeling the Christmas spirit more now than I have in many years,” Perez said in the statement.

Perez received tributes on social media, including from current and former comic book professionals.

A round of applause, please, for my favorite moment of work with George. His last issue of JLA— and it sums up his incredible storytelling and powerful visual imagination. What a gift to have been there. https://t.co/MlfyfmlGa5

— Gerry Conway Got the Shots and Lived (@gerryconway) December 7, 2021

Will always be one of the greatest.
We all have to let him know. pic.twitter.com/X0z6tT4pZz

— Dan Slott (@DanSlott) December 7, 2021

I was there for his very first published Marvel work.
His very first regular assignment.
His very first issue of Avengers.
His legendary run on Teen Titans.
George Perez has been a huge part of my life since I was 12 years old.
He will be a part of my life forever. pic.twitter.com/DGLE1vyS3l

— Fabian Nicieza (@FabianNicieza) December 7, 2021