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How did George Perez die? Iconic comic book artist worked on 'Avengers' and 'Crisis on Infinite Earths'

Although he was primarily known as an artist, Perez wrote several comics too, including a legendary run on 'Wonder Woman'

Iconic comic book artist George Perez has died aged 67. Perez was best known for his work on DC and Marvel. Although he was primarily known as an artist, Perez wrote several comics too, including a legendary run on 'Wonder Woman'. 

Perez rose to prominence for his work on The New Teen Titans', where he co-created famous characters like Starfire, Cyborg, Raven and Deathstroke. Among his critically-acclaimed superhero comics two extended runs on 'The Avengers' and the event series 'Crisis on Infinite Earths'. He  illustrated several Marvel titles, including 'Creatures on the Loose', featuring the Man-Wolf, and 'The Inhumans'.

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Perez died on Friday, April 6, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He had announced last December that he was diagnosed with the disease. His death was announced in a statement posted on social media. "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," the statement reads. "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."

"He loved all of you. He loved hearing your posts and seeing the drawings you sent and the tributes you made. He was deeply proud to have brought so much joy to so many. Everyone knows George’s legacy as a creator. His art, characters and stories will be revered for years to come. But, as towering as that legacy is, it pales in comparison to the legacy of the man George was. George’s true legacy is his kindness. It’s the love he had for bringing others joy - and I hope you all carry that with you always," it adds.

Perez, born in 1954, began working for Marvel Comics as an assistant to 'Fantastic Four' artist Rich Buckler when he was 19. He made his debut as an artist in a story for the anthology series 'Astonishing Tales'. Perez played a significant role in the 1987 reboot of the 'Wonder Woman' franchise. He received four Eagle Awards, two Jack Kirby Awards, an Inkpot Award and a lifetime achievement Inkwell Award for his work as an artist. He was married to Carol Flynn and had no children.

Marvel Entertainment remembered Perez in a Twitter post. "George Pérez was an artist, a writer, a role model, and a friend. His work paved seminal stories across comics, and his legacy of kindness and generosity will never be forgotten. Our family at Marvel mourns his loss today, and our hearts are with his family and loved ones," it posted. 

Perez's death was mourned on Twitter. "Remember George Perez the way he'd want to be remembered: as someone with endless love for the characters he created and drew, and who never hesitated to share that love with the fans. His work on Teen Titans and others has inspired so many. Comics fandom won't be the same now," one user wrote. "George Pérez is a giant on this Earth. His art is huge, his life larger. His work is massive, his love more so. To say he was a "personality" belittles the language. George Pérez was unique. There truly will never be another. He is our friend; our comrade. We love him forever," wrote another. One commented, " Thank you for the countless hours of joy you brought the entire world through your art."

Several celebrities also mourned Perez's death. Comic book wroter Jim Lee wrote, "We lost another of the absolute greats this weekend with the passing of the legendary artist, writer and creator George Pérez. His career is truly a testament to what one can achieve in life when singularly focused on what one loves to do." "George Perez never went half way, in art or life. He pushed the limit of what a comic could do: his style was somehow, impossibly both overwhelmingly powerful and subtly graceful. He matched his passion for his trade with his passion for his fans and friends. RIP breaks my heart," wrote comic book writer Tom King. Comics artist Mike Mignola wrote, "Goodbye George Perez. We all knew it was coming but still--Sad day. A wonderful artist and a very sweet guy. I didn't know him well but when ever I was around him he was pure joy."