After 44 years in the comic industry, comic artist and writer announces his retirement.
On Saturday, May 19th, comic book artist and writer George Perez announced he is retiring from comics books.
George issued the following statement:
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.
As for home commission requests, I’m afraid that my retirement must now extend to privately commissioned drawings as well. While I am gratified that all of the customers who have received their pieces were more than pleased with the results, some even consequently commissioning more of them, it’s just becoming too much of a strain on my eyes to produce the fully rendered ink and pencil-tone pieces on a quality level that justifies the price I’m being paid for them.
In regards to convention sketches, I will need to cut back on those as well. While I will no longer sketch at the conventions themselves, I will, through my art agent Spencer Beck of The Artists Choice, be taking orders for 5 ( FIVE ) con-style head sketches, per convention day that I am in attendance which will be done at home to be collected at the conventions. Fans placing orders must be personally present to pick up the piece , NO PROXIES. The price for these will be a good deal pricier than in the past, going for $100 each, but please take some solace that all the monies I earn for these sketches, as well as my appearance fees, will be donated to various charities. To place an order, or for initial details, please contact Spencer / The Artist’s Choice directly at [email protected]. Any changes or further announcements will be made by Spencer and myself on his website theartistschoice.com/perez.htm and on my fan website george-perez.net
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.
In closing, please don’t feel sorry for me about all these life and career changes. Thankfully I earn more than enough income through royalties to have a comfortable life wherein I may never need to work again. Unless, of course, something really tempting comes along and I’m given sufficient lead time. Hey, you never know.
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.
Wishing you all a safe, happy and healthy 2019 and beyond,
UPDATE: Mr. Perez will not be accepting requests until approximately 30 days before each specific show. Sketches will be approved at one per person, family or address. First come, First serve. So , please check back 30 days before the show. He will only be doing 9 x 12 head shots and they must be paid for in full at the time the order is accepted.
2019 CONVENTION SCHEDULE
AMAZING COMIC CON ALOHA – FEBRUARY 22 to 24, 2019 – www.amazingcomicconaloha.com
C2E2 – MARCH 22 to 24, 2019 – www.c2e2.com
EAST COAST COMIC CON – MAY 17 to 19, 2019 – www.eastcoastcomicon.com
NIAGARA FALLS COMICS CON – JUNE 7 to 9, 2019 – niagarafallscomiccon.com
TERRIFICON – AUGUST 9 to 11, 2019 – www.terrificon.com ( FRIDAY ONLY )
FETISH CON – AUGUST 9 to 11, 2019 – http://fetishcon.com ( SATURDAY & SUNDAY ONLY )
DRAGON CON – AUGUST 29 to SEPTEMBER 2, 2019 –www.dragoncon.org
I really wish him well, but at the same time, it is kind of a bummer.
Like a lot of people, I first really noticed George on the New Teen Titans. The series just really stood out and really made George a superstar. I’m not naive I do realize that he was drawing comics since 1974, but there was something about the New Teen Titans that really captured people.
I followed his work and loved it when he not only got a chance to write Wonder Woman but totally re-create her from the ground up. Totally new origin and supporting cast. With a backstory that was more immersed in Geek mythology.
I met George a couple of time at several times. Got his autograph and chatted a little. He was so appreciative of his fans it was incredible!
But it was an incident in 2015 that I really had to admire George.
DC was putting the New Teen Titans series into TPB, and I was picking them up for my collection. My son, who was 3 at the time, wanted to “read” it. Sean was exposed to the Titans through on the Teen Titans Go! cartoon, so he recognized the characters in the book. Since I already knew all the stories, I saw no problem, Sean, reading it. Which led to this picture:
I posted the picture on Facebook and tagged both Marv Wolfman and George Perez. Of course, the trolls came at me in full force. I started getting attacked for “letting” Sean watch Teen Titans Go. I was getting beaten down. That is until George himself stepped in with the following:
Everyone shut up after that. That was so cool of George to say what he said, and I totally appreciate it.
I’m gonna miss seeing new stuff from George, but I respect his decision and wish him all the happiness in his retirement.
Thank you, George, for all the wonderful storytelling you have provided throughout the years!
Enjoy your retirement!
Wonderfully written and we’ll said! I came across his work through New Teen Titans back issues, and the avengers assemble featurette showed me a man that was always enthusiastic and had an enthusiasm that was infectious and still is!
[…] told my own story before about my experience with George. The way he shut down some internet trolls that were attacking my son. I will always be grateful to him for that. And the times I did meet him to get books signed, like […]