So, What can I say about George Perez that hasn't been said by many, many people in many, many ways over the years. So much has been written about his talent, generosity, kindness and abilities that there doesn't seem to be anything original left to say: so I won't try.
I will just have to say that when I first saw his art I was transported by his amazing ability and how different it seemed from the other artists out there. I had seen his Avengers work but it was on Justice League and, of course, Teen Titans that first really caught my eyes. I was 12- 13 when those books came out and it was an epiphany for me. I had always drawn but now I knew what I wanted to draw like. I spent many hours pouring over his work laboriously copying his style into my sketch books. I really wish it had stuck. While I can draw a picture now that you would swear he did, my own style still looks like a mix of Curt Swan and Dick Dillin(two of my favorites BTW) inked by Vinnie Colletta on a busy day. I still remember the poster he did for DC Comics Presents with Superman and all his guest-stars up to that point and how wonderful it was. The pin-up he did for The Justice League and Justice Society was also awe-inspiring.
While his style has evolved and he has gotten more detailed with his art, I still prefer some of his 80's artwork. There is an openness and simplicity belied by all the detail that shines through and showcases his superb craftsmanship. The issues he inked himself of Teen Titans were impeccable.
Speaking of Teen Titans, George (along with Marv Wolfman, of course) made Dick Grayson one of my favorite characters. I had always like Robin but the way Marv wrote him and especially the way George drew him and his costume brought him to life in a way I had never seen before. I definitely developed a man-crush on Robin. He took a decades old character and breathed new life into him with his visuals. He made the character cool and the costume believable. Just look at Robin in the picture below and you will see what I mean. (all Characters TM and @DC Comics or Entertainment or whatever they call themselves nowadays)
At one time or another I have had or at least read most of his work. I can't say I've always enjoyed the results. I had no interest in the Ultraverse or I-Bots so those do not grace my collection today but his Titans, JLA, Avengers, Legion and JLA/Avengers all have a place of honor. I also have Storyteller, The Perez Archives, Pacesetters galore, Focus On and am avidly awaiting the Art of George Perez in January. I can devour his artwork for hours and never get tired of how he draws the human body and its environs.
I have the privilege of being on his friends list on Facebook. I know he wouldn't know me from Adam but I have had a couple of conversations with him that have proven what a truly nice person he is. The love that he espouses for his wife, Carol also shows what he is made of. His enthusiasm and love of what he does shows through in his every word and every line that he draws.
Well That's it for my first one. I hope someone else reads this and lets me know what they think. While this one was full of the love I have for George's work not all the following will be love-fests. Not all will be about comics but all will be honest and just my opinion so no one needs to get their panties in a bunch.
Thanks.
