Legendary comic book artist George Perez, who worked on iconic books such as “Crisis on Infinite Earths” and “The Infinity Gauntlet,” has revealed a terminal cancer diagnosis…
Legendary comic book artist George Perez has revealed that he’s been diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer with six months to a year to live.
Perez disclosed the news in a Facebook post while also stating that he’s chosen not to undergo any treatment for the cancer as he prefers to live out his final days with friends, family and his fans.
Perez is an icon of both Marvel and DC Comics after working on prolific titles such as “Crisis on Infinite Earths” as well as the original “Infinity Gauntlet” series, which was largely the basis for the Infinity Saga in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
“On November 29th I received confirmation that, after undergoing surgery for a blockage in my liver, I have Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer,” Perez wrote in his post. “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.”
Perez added that he’ll be refunding money for sketches that had already been pre-paid and he’s currently working with his agents to stage one final book signing and public appearance to spend time with his fans.
“I hope to coordinate one last mass book signing to help make my passing a bit easier,” Perez said. “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.”
Perez first came to fame in the 1970s and 1980s while working on a number of notable books including “Teen Titans” and the massive crossover series “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” which is still regarded as one of the greatest comic books of all time.
His work has continued to influence artists as well as filmmakers with many of his biggest comics such as “Wonder Woman” and the afore mentioned “Infinity Gauntlet” taking on new life in cinema based largely around the art he created many years ago.
