Comic book legend George Perez has officially announced his retirement after a whopping 46 years in the comics industry. In a published open letter, he cites his deteriorating health as the main reason for his retirement, with 2019 set to be his final year making formal appearances at conventions.

Here’s the final excerpt from his open letter:

“Long story short, I will be just fine. I’ve had a wonderfully good run doing exactly what I have wanted to do since I was a child. Now I can sit back and watch the stuff I helped create entertain whole new generations.

That’s a pretty nice legacy to look back on. And so much of that is thanks to all of you, the GREATEST fans in the world. I am humbled and forever grateful.”

What made George Perez such a legend in the comics industry?

1. Almost 50 Years In The Comics Industry

Five decades worth of experience in the comics industry has made George Perez a legend rivalling that of few others. Though he’s been both a writer and artist, he is best known for his phenomenal and iconic illustrations.

2. Legendary and Timeless Artwork

Perez did most of his best work during the 1980s, which is when he pencilled and drew for several comics now regarded as timeless must-read classics. His crisp and clear artwork even when drawing hundreds of characters on the page has made his art revered as some of the best in the history of comics.

3. The New Teen Titans

Perez really started making a name for himself and marking himself in the annals of comic book history with The New Teen Titans in 1980. Along with writer Marv Wolfman, the New Teen Titans were DC’s answer to what was one of the most popular comics at the time; John Byrne and Chris Claremont’s X-Men.

The New Teen Titans remain one of the most iconic incarnations of the team roster to this day. It included Robin, Wonder Girl, and Kid Flash, as well as introduced Beast Boy, Cyborg, Starfire, and Raven. Recognize them? The popular Teen Titan animated series that ran on Cartoon Network from 2003 to 2006 was actually based on Wolfman and Perez’s run.

4. Crisis On Infinite Earths

1985’s Crisis on Infinite Earths is undisputable in its rightful place as the very first comic book crossover event of its kind, earning it a legendary status in comic book history that can never be toppled. Part of what made Crisis On Infinite Earths worthy of its epic story by Marv Wolfman was Perez’s artwork.

If anyone were to ask me what was George Perez’s finest work, the answer would be none other than Crisis On Infinite Earths. It was groundbreaking in its sheer epicness, with splash pages filled with hundreds of heroes in a desperate battle against the impossibly-massive universe-eating Anti-Monitor.

George Perez, folks, Nuff said.

5. Wonder Woman

After The New Teen Titans and Crisis on Infinite Earths, George Perez went on to draw Superman, on which he began to co-write several issues. His biggest writing contribution would later be on Wonder Woman, celebrating the character’s 50th anniversary in 1991 with the War of the Gods storyline and mini-series.

Though it became one of his finest works alongside The New Teen Titans and Crisis on Infinite Earths, problems popped up while working with his editors and the company as a whole caused him to leave DC Comics for a while. Due to this, he then went to work at Marvel.

6. Infinity Gauntlet and JLA/Avengers

According to Diamond Distributors, Infinity Gauntlet was 2018’s best-selling graphic novel/comic book collection. It was boosted by the success of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War, which adapted elements from the iconic comic book crossover event.

The first four issues of 1991’s Infinity Gauntlet was drawn by George Perez, with Ron Lim replacing him for the final two issues. Perez’s art in Infinity Gauntlet was reminiscent of Crisis on Infinite Earths, as it shared a similar universe-ending scale of epic proportions.

Years later in 2003, Perez would be the artist for the JLA/Avengers or Avengers/JLA comic book crossover. That mini-series remains the last ever official crossover between Marvel and DC as of 2019. Where else can you see Superman wielding both Captain America’s shield and Thor’s Mjolnir? Only the great George Perez could have made that page so epic.

So, there you have it, true believers. Those are just several reasons why George Perez is a comic book legend, and we’ve listed some of his best works over the years too. While his official retirement is a blow to both the comic industry and comic book fans, we will always remember George Perez as the legend he is.