Legendary Comic Book artist George Pérez has announced that he has been diagnosed with inoperable Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer.
Best known for his artistic work on classics like “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” Pérez had the following announcement posted on Facebook today, alerting fans to the fact that doctors have given him six months to live.
To all my fans, friends and extended family,
It’s rather hard to believe that it’s been almost three years since I formally announced my retirement from producing comics due to my failing vision and other infirmities brought on primarily by my diabetes. At the time I was flattered and humbled by the number of tributes and testimonials given me by my fans and peers. The kind words spoken on those occasions were so heartwarming that I used to quip that “the only thing missing from those events was me lying in a box.”
It was amusing at the time, I thought.
Now, not so much. On November 29th I received confirmation that, after undergoing surgery for a blockage in my liver, I have Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer. It is surgically inoperable and my estimated life expectancy is between 6 months to a year. I have been given the option of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, but after weighing all the variables and assessing just how much of my remaining days would be eaten up by doctor visits, treatments, hospital stays and dealing with the often stressful and frustrating bureaucracy of the medical system, I’ve opted to just let nature take its course and I will enjoy whatever time I have left as fully as possible with my beautiful wife of over 40 years, my family, friends and my fans.
Since I received my diagnosis and prognosis, those in my inner circle have given me so much love, support and help, both practical and emotional. They’ve given me peace.
There will be some business matters to take care of before I go. I am already arranging with my art agent to refund the money paid for sketches that I can no longer finish. And, since, despite only having one working eye, I can still sign my name, I hope to coordinate one last mass book signing to help make my passing a bit easier. I also hope that I will be able to make one last public appearance wherein I can be photographed with as many of my fans as possible, with the proviso that I get to hug each and every one of them. I just want to be able to say goodbye with smiles as well as tears.
I know that many of you will have questions to ask or comments to make, and rather than fueling the fires of speculation and well-meaning but potentially harmful miscommunication, I will be returning to the arena of social media by starting a new Facebook account where fans and friends can communicate with me or my designated rep directly for updates and clarification.
For media and press inquiries, please use the contact information on the page as well. Please respect the privacy of my wife and family at this time and use the Facebook page rather than reaching out through other channels.
I may not be able to respond as quickly as I would like since I will be endeavoring to get as much outside pleasure as I can in the time allotted me, but I will do my best. Kind words would also be greatly appreciated. More details to follow once it’s up and running.
Well, that’s it for now. 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. Maybe it’s because it will likely be my last. Or maybe because I am enveloped in the loving arms of so many who love me as much as I love them. It’s quite uplifting to be told that you’ve led a good life, that you’ve brought joy to so many lives and that you’ll be leaving this world a better place because you were part of it. To paraphrase Lou Gehrig: “Some people may think I got a bad break, but today, I feel like the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.”
Take care of yourselves—and thank you.
George Pérez
December 7th, 2021
So sad. He is one of the best comic book artists of all time. His work will continue to be enjoyed forever.
This is heavy hearted news. My prayers go out to him and his family and friends. Truly his work will be cherished and remembered by fans for generations to come.
This is incredibly heartbreaking news. He’s one of the best creators in the comics industry. 🙁
George Perez is one of the best comicbook artists of all time. Dare I say, a Titan. George could give you a sea of superheroes and no matter how far and tiny in the background a character was you could make out exactly who they were and they all looked awesome no matter how popular or obscure. His art allowed you see and feel the full scope of multiple universes and the cosmic scale upon which these stories were taking place. My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting him at DragonCon 2019 and it seemed like he was… Read more »
rrrrreally missing that “like” button right now. Perfectly said.
This one hurts. A lot. The man’s work made me fall in love with comic book art. I cannot possibly think of an artist I truly hold in higher regard (though there are many highly skilled and talented artists out there).
His Superman is THE Superman I see in my head whenever I think of Superman in the comics.
All the peace and happiness in the world to him for his remaining time. I’m forever grateful for his work.
DC should make a Legacy collection on all of George Perez’s works in honor of him.