Posted in: Comics, Recent Updates | Tagged: Albuquerque Comic Con, boom, Comics, dc comics, entertainment, george perez, teen titans, wonder woman

George Perez, The Shining Star Of Albuquerque Comic Con 2014

Published Wed, 15 Jan 2014 15:00:22 -0600

by Hannah Means Shannon

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By Admiral Duke

Albuquerque Comic Con is an exceedingly big deal to comic book and pop culture fans in New Mexico. For three days in the coldest month of the year it is the center of the universe for about 11,000 people. This was an unprecedented year for the event. Sure, the show was headlined by television and film celebrities like Jonathan Frakes, Adam Baldwin, and Ray Park and many more. However, the hearts and minds of fans and organizers alike were stolen by comic book legend George Perez.

The talented and legendary artist best known for his work on The Avengers, Teen Titans and Wonder Woman began his stint in the 'Duke City' on Saturday. Immediately the crowds were buzzing. Fans were shocked and delighted to see that the master hadn't lost his touch. He executed sketches for paying customers in remarkable time, but it wasn't just his talent that shocked his fans, it was his manner. He was friendly, personable and eager to share a story. He also seemed to be in remarkable health.

Last year, very soon after his appearance at Albuquerque Comic Con was announced, reports began to circulate of Perez's failing health. He had lost the use of his left eye and many fans had feared that he wouldn't be able to make it. Now, only a few months later, here he was, seemingly back to his old self sharing his time and talent with an absolutely delighted comic con crowd.

On Sunday afternoon things got a little more personal. George took the Albuquerque Comic Con stage for his Q & A panel and opened up about his art, career and personal life. In this intimate event he talked passionately about his experiences at DC Comics in the 1980's and expressed deep enthusiasm for the team books like Legion Of Superheroes and Teen Titans. He spoke with great fondness about the man he called the best collaborator he'd ever had, Marv Wolfman.

Perez was especially candid about his move to BOOM! Studios. He was absolutely giddy as he related the story of his initial meeting with the top brass at the company insisting that he hadn't been on a job interview in years. When he expressed this sentiment to them they immediately corrected George, saying, "Wait, we thought you were interviewing us!"

When asked if he harbored any resentment towards DC Comics, Perez's answer was pure class, "No, DC Comics is changing, they are going in a different direction, and that's okay. That's what companies have to do sometimes." He quickly added, "But now, I am having so much fun with what I am doing at BOOM!. That's all that matters."

George Perez is well known as a legendary artist and story teller, but he exhibited another side of his personality after Albuquerque Comic Con that many may not be aware of: integrity. One hour after the show had shut down, ACC organizer Jim Burleson posted this on his personal Facebook page and shared it on the George Perez fan page:

So let me tell you a story. George Perez gets a modest fee for appearances, and I paid it in cash upon his arrival to Albuquerque Comic Con. It was very busy and we didn't count it together. The stack of money I gave him was what I thought was the correct amount and the con went on without a hitch. 2 days later I get a call from George Perez. "Jim, how much did you give me?"" I think I gave you X amount". "Is there any way you gave me $1000 too much?" "George there is no way I could ever know. That was 2 days ago. I didn't have a record of the cash sales yet." "Well I couldn't live with myself if I took money I didn't earn. I will be right up to your hotel room with your $1000". HOLY INTEGRITY BATMAN!

With Albuquerque Comic Con 2014 now in the books, it is probably safe to say that in terms of dollars and turnout, it was probably the best year in the event's 4 year history. Local retailers, artists and vendors made quite a lot of money and were able to expand their brands to new customers. However, this was also a year where Albuquerque comic book fans were able to brush elbows with a man endowed with talent, class, candor and integrity. A man named George Perez.

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