PLEASE READ - A Message from George Perez 0

[jjonahjameson11]

Folks, It breaks my heart to post this message from George, but he wants all of his fans to hear this news directly from him via his art rep, Spencer Beck!

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 29^th 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.

 

Please search for @TheGeorgePerez on Facebook if you’d like to join the page to receive updates. 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 7^th, 2021

 

[BVladimirHarkonnen]

Horrendous, don't know if that is even a complete word for this. 

[gumbydarnit]

Crushing news, I never met George because his loyal fans were lined up for miles to have a moment with him at a con, but from a distance you could see the love he had for his fans and they had for him!

Im sure I would have quickly fell in line with those singing his praises of his great warmth and kindness, BUT I can say he is one heck of an artist that will inspire me and future generations of artists with his incredible artistic prowess for many many years to come! George has inspired and entertained us more than he would ever know. My heart breaks over his situation.

Edited December 8, 2021 by gumbydarnit

[John E.]

George’s news broke my heart. I never got a chance to meet him either but I always heard he was the kindest and gentlest man. When it’s my time to go, I hope I can go with half the courage and dignity George Pérez has. 

[Benedict Judas Hel]

I also never knew the man nor got to meet him but I greatly admire his willingness to still meet with and greet as many fans as he given his limited time.  As an artist, he was undoubtedly great but as a person, he will be immeasurable.

I only wish I had gotten in the art commission game sooner to be able to get my usual Vega/Baroness requests from him.

[batman_fan]

very sad to hear, admire him deciding to pass out of this world under his own terms.

[bernoulli]

A Brazilian columnist wrote a tribute to George Perez in the economics section (of all places) of the most important newspaper of the country. Google translate should work fine if you wish to read it: https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/colunas/rodrigo-zeidan/2021/12/lideranca-aos-berros-e-coisa-do-passado-mas-so-cabe-a-nos-mudar.shtml

[rexinnih]

Truly a great one. I did get to meet him at the San Diego CC many years ago and glad for the opportunity.