Comic book artist George Pérez dead from pancreatic cancer at 67

Celebrated comic book artist George Pérez, whose creations spanned five decades and who illustrated some of Marvel and DC’s most beloved characters, died Friday at the age of 67 de to complications from pancreatic cancer, his family confirmed.

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“George passed away yesterday, peacefully at home with his wife of 490 months and family by his side. He was not in pain and knew he was very, very loved,” a statement posted on Pérez’ Facebook page Saturday read.

See the full statement below:

“We are all very much grieving but, at the same time, we are so incredibly grateful for the joy he brought to our lives. To know George was to love him, and he loved back. Fiercely and with his whole heart. The world is a lot less vibrant today without him in it,” the statement continued.

Pérez revealed in late 2021 that he had been diagnosed with Stage 3 pancreatic cancer, writing a December post that he was given six months to a year to live, NBC News reported.

Most recognized for his contributions to “The Avengers,” “Teen Titans” and the 1987 relaunch of “Wonder Woman,” Pérez was also the driving force behind fan-favorite “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” which DC Comics described in a statement as a “maxiseries,” celebrating the comic book house’s 50th anniversary.

Pérez also designed the look for Lex Luthor’s battle suit in Action Comics, NBC News reported.

“As a writer, co-plotter, penciller, and inker, George Pérez left an indelible mark on the world of comics, bringing pleasure to a legion of fans and influencing a whole generation of creative talent,” DC stated.

DC Publisher and Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee called Pérez’ style “both dynamic and incredibly expressive,” adding, “His art was the perfect storytelling canvas for some of the most important events in DC history. While he will be sorely missed, his work will live on with a countless number of fans, as well as all the talent he’s influenced over the years.”

Meanwhile, DC Editor-in-Chief Marie Javins remembered Pérez as a “one-of-a-kind person that brought so much joy to the world.”

Marvel Entertainment said in a tweet that Pérez’ “work paved seminal stories across comics, and his legacy of kindness and generosity will never be forgotten.”

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