George Perez's New Teen Titans Artist's Edition Introduction by Marv Wolfman

I miss George.

He was taken from us far too early.

He'd been a creator and work partner, but much more important, a friend since the 1970s. We lived a few blocks away from each other in Flushing, New York, and had lunch together pretty much every week where we'd talk life and comics as we plotted our next issue.

I first met George in my capacity as editor of Marvel's black-and-white magazines. He was a beginning artist, having been on assistant to artist Rich Buckler, and trying to branch out on his own. As George stated in many interviews, he had no art training and was totally self-taught.

George showed his work to a number of professionals, and they told him he had trouble with his basic drawing and perspective.

This happens a lot to beginning artists. Comic book art is deceptively difficult. It's really, really hard. But where many give up, George hunkered down, took advice from artists like John Romita and others, and worked ten times harder to improve. And, boy, improve he did.

George asked me once why, if the editors didn't like his early art, did we keep hiring him again and again. The answer was simple. We believed his art, though still crude, would continue to improve. But what he had that so many other young artists lacked, was an instinctive grasp of storytelling. He was great from day one. Which is essential for drawing comics.

He understood how to pace a story. He learned how to portray characters. He learned perspective, and how to set the scene, with amazing backgrounds that boggled even long-time professionals. 

Because of his hard work, George very quickly became one of the best of the best. I worked with George on-and-off for over five decades and I can honestly say, without reservation, he was in always the very best partner a writer could hope for.

If you bought this Artist's Edition, you already know how brilliant George's art is. I now want to briefly tell you how wonderful a person he was.

If you met George at a con or elsewhere you were already his friend. He had a way of connecting with people that was amazing. And if you became a close friend there was almost nothing he wouldn't do for you. He helped so many people, in so many ways, and he never bragged about it.

Most of you probably met George at a convention. He would sit at his table for the entire day, never getting up, to make sure everyone who wanted his autograph got it. If you asked for a photograph with him, he'd immediately stand up, move in front of the table and pose for as many photos as you wanted. He'd then sit down as another person asked for a photo and he'd bolt up once again. As often as needed.

But here's something you might not know. At cons George would get to his table an hour or so before the con officially opened in order to sign books for those working the show who wouldn't be able to leave their tables once the con opened.

That, and a million other acts of kindness, is why George is beloved by his fans, and other professionals too. George became well known for his beautiful and intricate art. What's so wonderful about this Artist's Edition is, for the first time, you'll be able to see all the incredible details George put into his work, and at the same size he drew it.

You'll absolutely love it.

Rest in peace, my friend.

Marv Wolfman

July 20, 2025