Fun fact: when the jla/avengers crossover was being developed, George Perez had just taken an exclusive contract with a company other than marvel or dc. (I believe it was crossgen?) However he was still able to draw the book. Why? Because Perez had the forsight to include a clause in his contract stating that if the JLA/Avengers crossover ever happened, then he had to be let out of the contract so that he could go draw it. George Perez was awesome.

I love that scene when the robot first shows up in the present. "I-am-Murder-Mek." "It's some kind of robot cop!" Those guys really understand policing.

That Crisis on Infinite Earths panel is beyond iconic. We lost a titan.

Perez was known as "the guy" to cram almost dozens of characters in one image, but clear, beautiful and striking.

George and John Byrne's Superman depictions are the most iconic and recognizable out there. What an absolute legend.

Had the pleasure of meeting George Pérez at the Chicago Comicon in '86, just a few months before his Wonder Woman run launched. He was so amazingly friendly and pleasant and funny and personable, and he was incredibly enthusiastic about what he was doing with WW and how pleased he was to be drawing (pun not intended) from his favorite Greek myths while writing the title and that enthusiasm was absolutely infectious. He was, is, and probably always will be my absolute favorite super hero artist.

Great tribute for an artist who, arguably, may be considered as the G.O.A.T. of the last thirty years. Perez's rendering never forgot that there was a human MAN in Superman.

It's worth noting that every comment I ever read from persons inside and outside the comic book industry all said the same thing about George Perez: he was a really great guy *and* a fantastic artist. I followed his last few months on Facebook and repeatedly saw this in posts from his friends, including Marv Wolfman and Bill Seinkiewicz. Just as important, as he approached his final days, *every* single photo posted showed him with a big smile on his face. This in itself was an act of bravery from a great man, one fully deserving of credit for taking part in some of the best Superman stories ever.

One of the all time greats. As the quote says. "George Perez is dead, and everything is worse now."

I can remember from my youth that Perez had this amazing ability when drawing Superman to utterly convey that he was flying, alternately floating or rocketing that no one else seemed to master.

I've always been a DC guy. After discovering DC Comics in the 70s my favorites were the yearly JLA/JSA team-ups. In 1980, artist Dick Dillin passed away after completing part one of three of that year's event. Part two featured the new artist who had worked ar Marvel named George Perez. Think about this in retrospect - he takes over the satellite-era Justice League in the middle of a team-up with the golden age Justice Society featuring the New Gods fighting a resurrected Darkseid. For many artists that would be daunting. For Perez, it was probably a typical Monday. And a sign of things to come. RIP George. And thank you Steve for the tribute.

I like many had the chance to meet Mr. Perez many times at conventions. Each time he was an amazing person first with the warmest of souls and the love and caring for everyone. And what an amazing talent. Wow. He is one of a kind and will be missed. Thank you Steve for doing this tribute!!

In regards to George Perez and Superman, we simply cannot ignore the first, and arguably still the greatest, DC "mega crossover" series that changed DC comics forever: Crisis on Infinite Earths. I have to disagree with your opinion of the story, in that not only is that series one of Marv Wolfman's and George Perez's finest hours, it was *also* one of the greatest Superman stories. In the midst of entire universes living, dying and changing, and Wolfman and Perez intentionally featuring "every" DC character ever created, it was Superman who stood out and showed everyone (including us, the audience) why he was the greatest of all superheroes. In addition to his heroic actions, his presence during the tragic death of Supergirl, *and* his compassion for his pal, the "original" Superman of Earth 2, when Supes-2 thought he had lost his beloved Lois Lane...there was also the great and intentionally symbolic way the series ended with the "final" battle pitting the Anti-Monitor against the "original" Earth-2 Superman. It was the final closure of the original DC universe and the Silver Age of comics, and the beginning of the "new" age of DC comics...for good and for bad. And so much of the power and pathos of this series can be credited to the pencils of George Perez.

I was totally impressed by his re-invention and artistry of the new Wonder Woman story and her origin. I collected that run with his art. Always loved how he drew the Fantastic Four and Avengers. He will be missed!

I had the honour of meeting George at my Comic shop a few few years ago (late naughties 06 I think) I had him sign my copy of Avengers #1. He was a true Gent (RIP)

Damn Steve!! You made this Grinch 's heart swell up till the tears couldn't be held back any longer. Beautifully written and delivered, beautiful tribute to the man who's work meant so much to us through the years. Your videos are always a delight.

“Murder Mech’ is catchier than “Terminator”

When I was a younger man, I had a deep dislike for Superman. I’ve changed my tune now, and I’m happy to see this video that makes me like him even more. I was too much of a Marvel fanboy back then to see what was great about this character, and thank you for sharing this. George Perez’s illness and untimely death are a real tragedy and immeasurable loss.

JLA/Avengers is one of the greatest comics of all time from either company, and Superman gets a damn good showing in it. I also really like his run with Kurt Busiek on the Avengers before that.

He will always be one of the most amazing and great gentlemen in comics. Rest In Peace George Perez.

I love your "Best Batman" and "Best Superman" series! It would be cool in the future to see a "Best Robin" series, since there's so many different Robins! :D

Great segment! George Perez was my absolute favorite Comic Book Artist. His work on Teen Titans, Justice League, Wonder Woman and others always just blew me away. It's so sad he passed so young. R.I.P., George. You will be missed!

Thanks,Steve! Great 👍 tribute! The 1st time I met George was 40yrs ago this past March in 1982! Always the gentleman and professional, I was fortunate enough to sit in on my friend’s interview with George for Amazing Heroes 50+ meeting him again and again over the years! Godspeed to George Perez and my condolences to his family!

Oh my! He died right on my 31st birthday. Rest in peace to George Perez. I never heard of him nor seen any of his work until watching this video in June 2023 but this video has instilled a lot of respect for his style in me. Thanks for showing in your artwork that the "Man" in SuperMan is not there for nothing (like the "pig" in guinea pig).

Avatar is also very much just Fern Guly, a little more than Dances with Wolves (at least in my personal opinion)

That issue of Action Comics with Matrix may be my single favorite issue of Superman, ever. Thanks so much for including it in this outstanding overview!

Perez had the rare gift of being able to draw each character as a distinctive individual. His visual language was rich and detailed. He wasn't perfect, but there isn't a series he did I could really dislike. He was one of the greats.

Perez and Busiek’s 2000s run on The Avengers is THE definitive run on the title and possibly the greatest super hero team book ever written, though Perez sadly didn’t stay on to pencil the entire run. The crossover with JLA will go down as one of the ultimate series he collaborated on. Perez actually injured his hand drawing an insane wraparound cover featuring every single member of the Avengers and JLA! A passionate creator and a true artist.

king of the crowd scene while lee and Mcfarlane love detail in the form of overcomplex chains or webs no one could cram 100 characters onto a splash page and not only have you know who everyone is but what they're doing. His crowd scenes are beyond untouchably good. Rip George

Beginning at 13:45 Steve mentions the several times that George Perez has done "a modern riff" on classic Superman artwork. I humbly submit that the "extraordinary panel" that Steve mentions a minute earlier, at 12:45, is a tribute to a shot in one of the Fleischer animated cartoons. It can be seen at 14:16 in Steve's video "How Fleischer Studios Created the Best Superman Ever."

I don't know much about comic books or comic book artists but I was a fine art & illustration major & WOW, this guy could really draw well. His figure drawing is especially expressive & gestural & he nails the foreshortening every time ( I have seen some absolutely horrible foreshortening in comic books not to mention non sensical anatomy especially on female chracters) Thank you for sharing this Steve. Now I can go raid my husband's collection of comic books & look for this artist's name specifically 👍

I thought Avatar was live action FernGully…

Thanks, Steve. I think the Perez family will appreciate your tribute. I know that I did.

George Pérez, Neal Adams, Tim Sale... All my favorite comics artists lost this year.

Back in the 90's I got a chance to meet George at Mike's Comic Hut in Flushing Queens, NY. He was so friendly and kind to his fans and also did the artwork for the shop's bags. It was his local comic shop and forever in my memories.

bro you straight-up brought this story to life with your eloquent descriptions

Heaven gained a legend with George Perez. His legacy will live on with his vast accomplishments and work.

"Anyway, Murdermek, bless his heart," tag that onto the list of things my brain required expending effort enough to process that I am compelled to comment on such to facilitate said process.

My favorite comic artist of all time. I would buy ANY comic with his name on it.

I like to imagine that Steve actually sets up his camera in the aisles of a comic shop and delivers his lecture in a dusty space behind the long boxes. Steve, "Everything I could possibly want from Superman; depth, emotion, humanity, dimensions beyond the muscles and the superpowers." Zach Snyder, "?!!!"

George was a legend..so many things can be said about him ..all true He will be missed 😢 😔

That was beautiful. Thank you Steve.

Did they ever tie Matrix to Proty, because they should. I do feel that Perez is surpassed by Kirby when it comes to depicting movement. However, neither Kirby nor anyone else beat him for drawing characters as distinct individuals.... ones where no character looks like any other, but each is an individual. It doesn't come down to costumes, hair, or whatever. Faces and physiques are ALL individual and individually distinct. You'd never confuse Wasp for Scarlet Witch, for example. Also, nobody but nobody can depict emotion in face, posture, or any other way better than Perez.

Awesome video! Nice work. My one quibble is that you didn't include his and Geoff Johns' LEGION OF THREE WORLDS miniseries in which Superman figures prominently. I think I understand why you didn't as it ties into (sigh) yet another "Crisis" and is much more a celebration of the Legion of Super-Heroes and their various incarnations. It's pretty sweet to look at, though!

George Perez R.I.P.

Thank you for making this.

Thanks!

My favorite videos of yours are the ones like this that focus on Superman or Batman

A wonderful video - THANKS

"I am an ideal. An an ideal cannot be destroyed." I love that story so much.

What an outstanding tribute to an outstanding artist. Thanks Steve.

That panel at 12:49 also shows how Superman became a hero. Look at the Kents shielding Lana. Superman is just the third layer of heroes in that scene.

Another joyous video, thank you! Looking forward to checking out some of his comics, especially the story about Matrix. I love these videos where you share something you love, videos like this make the world a little brighter. Keep up the great work!

Perez was king of multiple character spread pages. He could fit so many on one page. Obviously, Crisis on infinite earth's is the main one that comes to mind, but I'm really partial to his alternative cover of infinite crisis #5, I think. With all the green lanterns encircling superboy-prime Gutted about his death, truly...

Such a great tribute!! George will be remembered forever. :)

This is a nice bookend video to Comic Tropes' focus on Neil Adams

Thank you for this video, Steve. Not only did you focus on the Superman I grew up with - a more human superhero who gave us someone to emulate and strive to be more like - but also gave a beautiful send off to an artist I grew up with and admired. George Perez will be missed greatly by the comic community.

It was surprising in a good way to see you talk at length about that DC comics presents issue with Superman and Omac. That was the very first comic book I ever bought. Or more accurately the first comic I had my mom get me off the comic rack at our local convenience store

14:30 Shows one reason why I stopped collecting comics: $3.00 an issue! That's ridiculous!

Man was a legend. I can't believe he's gone

Thanks Steve for doing this TRIBUTE and doc on the ICONIC,George Perez. It made my day,watched it twice. Also lost another comicbook legend-RIP-Neal Adams. I wish you'd do a tribute/doc on John Byrne's iconic run on-MAN of Steel !!! What a GREAT run on that series he did.

The first comic i followed was The Avengers 160-190 or do, so Perez's art was definitive for me ever since

Some have argued that James Cameron also owes Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. for "Avatar," since it "draws inspiration," as the spin doctors say, from the John Carter Barsoom series.

Thanks for the journey back in time. Good memories of a beautiful artist. Sadly, both DC and Marvel did him wrong, especially with JLA/Avengers and the 20 year delay. And the biggest crime is asking Mike Decarlo to ink Mr Perez; Mr Perez is best when he inks his own art, but I understand thar will greatly slow down the turnaround time. But there are a few other inkers who would have done a much better job. mr Perez deserved better.

Lovely tribute to Perez. No better artist to pencil Kal!

Aww man, I'd only just learned he was sick a few weeks ago.

While I love your Star Trek work, your comic book commentary is priceless. Thank you.

There's no more badass Perez Superman than the cover of JLA/Avengers #4.

You are dead on sir … I enjoyed your fleischer Superman review too

Those were some great covers.

R.I.P. Perez. Your legacy lives on.

12:45 One of my favourite comic panels EVER! RIP GP 🦸

One of my favorite Perez Superman stories was Superman and Silver Surfer.

Yes, Indeed. ❤️‍🔥

Avatar [Bad Avatar, not ATLA] also has a suspiciously similar-bordering-on-plagiarism similarity to The Word For World Is Forest, by Ursula le Guin.

Okay, wow, you picked the Omac story. That one's great.

Perez was doing an homage of the cover of X-men 135 for Crisis 8. I never noticed before but that's what happened.

George Pérez it’s and inspiration for all of us Puerto Ricans.

Just flat out the greatest comic artist that ever lived. Thank you George

I’m going to repeat this Steve when are you going to do a segment on manga? I want to see it

…and Dances with Wolves is just A Man Called Horse.

Perez was one of the greatest of all time. Truly a loss. Rest In Peace, George.

Jeez, we've lost a lot of the greats recently. Great spotlight.

Everyone I loved while growing up with comics, and everybody in my life are dead or dying. (sigh) LOL 714... wonder what one of their favorite drugs were ?

Avatar: Dances with Wolves, but also hair sex.

I thank George for saving Wonder Woman from the dregs of DC artists that almost killed her! He gave Wonder Woman back her power, her humanity and her majesty! RIP Good Sir!

George Perez and Dan Jurgans are the best Superman artists!

I am sad George Perez is gone 😢

Actually I think Avatar is closer to Fern Gully than Dances with Wolves.

I really, REALLY want to know all about the cosplayer gag at 21:37 . What event was that?

Decapitated Jimmy joke is very funny.

Loved this video and this series; i was hoping that you could eventually cover as part of it "Superman vs The Elite" and its comic inspiration "What's So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?" I like that take on Superman's character arc so much. Every time i watch it, i am reminded how badly Snyder misinterpreted Superman's character in order to achieve a more "realistic" or "gritty" take on the character. In Man of Steel, Snyder has Superman murder Zod violating a core principle of Superman's morality. Throughout the movie, Supes seems to care little for collateral damage. In Batman v Superman, Snyder kills off Jimmy Olsen with barely any thought. You don't have to prominebtly feature that character, but come on. To even make a somewhat viable Justice League movie Snyder had to create a 4 hour long miniseries; you don't get credit for making a decent movie when it is longer than any movie that would ever be released today. I just wish that DC and Warner had implemented a Kevin Feige like architect to shepherd the DCEU instead of allowing Snyder to have full control of the franchise until it went off the rails with Batman v Superman and Justice League. It is little surprise that most of the films DC has released since Snyder gave up the reins have largely been well received; with the exception of WW84.

Has nothing to do with the video but I have to share this Go to season 2, episode 4 of the next generation and you will find a guy that looks just like Steve shives. He comes on screen at 20:30. Hopefully this somehow improves TNG as Mr Shives has a trek doppelganger

So the Lazarus pit doesn't work on Supergirl? :)

Matrix was a really good character. One of my favorites. It's a shame they were pushed out of contuinity.

When is best Ninja Turtles ever?

At 4:00 Actually, Cameron stole Ursula K. LeGuin's "The Word for World is Forest" for "Avatar." Why she didn't sue his smug, arrogant ass I will never understand.

James Cameron hasn't just ripped off Dances WIth Wolves, Steve... "Titanic" was a rip-off of the Poseidon Adventure...

Matrix is a her though

Super Lopez