If as a president, Ronald Reagan was often known as the nice communicator, then I declare the identical might be stated about George Pérez. Where Reagan communicated by means of encouraging speeches and anecdotes, Pérez spoke by means of the medium of comedian artwork and interactions with followers. And his footage, alongside together with his presence, spoke greater than a thousand phrases.
George Pérez: Doctor of Interpersonal Communication
After George Pérez handed in May, I used to be requested to do an homage for GoCollect. Time flew and I didn’t wish to merely restate the fantastic messages already shared by so many. Words praising the legendary artist of Avengers, Superman, Wonder Woman, Justice League, Crisis, Infinity Gauntlet, and Teen Titans.
At the time, I additionally thought-about conferring upon George an honorary Ph.D. in Interpersonal Communication. Sure, neither I nor GoCollect has any levels to offer, however that didn’t imply he wasn’t worthy. So, earlier than previewing some superb Pérez artwork, I’ll construct a case for George as the nice communicator.
New Teen Titans: An IPC Laboratory
During the ’80s, I had a university undertaking for Speech Theory class. I targeted on Interpersonal Communication (IPC). My case examine: the younger adults of the New Teen Titans as scripted and illustrated by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez. Through footage and phrases straight from the comics, I created a 46-page report. Each web page demonstrated how Wolfman and Pérez deftly interwove ideas of IPC straight into the Teen Titans tales. Story and artwork contained theoretical ideas like self-disclosure, proudly owning one’s statements, empathy, nonverbal messages, defensive habits, lack of openness, manipulation, and different components of IPC. Wolfman penned the phrases. Pérez communicated them by means of crafted layouts and highly effective facial expressions. Together, they made the New Teen Titans into actual individuals with actual issues, not simply motion figures.
Art Preview
Spectacular Justice League artwork motivated me to return to this six-month draft article. As a JLA fan within the 80’s, George’s temporary stint on the title re-energized my fandom for the group. JLA 195 cowl artwork options the Secret Society of Super-Villains and Justice Society of America. So, the reader immediately is aware of the annual JLA-JSA crossover packs a punch.
I’m not stunned bidders shot this piece as much as $30K in early bidding. JLA 200 artwork (epic wraparound cowl) bought for $78K in 2016. Cover artwork from Batman 438 and New Teen Titans 32 bought in June for $78K and $49K, respectively. That was shortly after George’s passing. Given latest costs for “other” artists on lesser works, I feel this one will eclipse $100K.
Another piece up for public sale jumped off the LCS shelf forty years in the past: cowl artwork for Justice League of America 207. Add the title emblem to this artwork and it could be exhausting to discover a extra interesting JLA/JSA cowl. The All-Star Squadron seems as bonus heroes. As a fan of the Silver Age, the return of the Crime Syndicate of Earth 3 additionally makes this cowl stand out. Expect JLA 207 cowl artwork to command an enormous value as effectively.
A inexpensive choice contains an inside web page by George from subject 185. Also, I consider Teen Titans artwork by Pérez has numerous room to develop. ComicJoin has the web page proven above up for public sale: ComicJoin – Perez, George – TALES OF THE TEEN TITANS (1984-88) #47 Interior Page – VF: 8.0. That artwork shouldn’t promote excessive, nevertheless it’s a bit of Teen Titans historical past from their best artist.
George Pérez, The Great Communicator, Final Thoughts
© Luigi Novi / Wikimedia Commons
To circle again to my thesis, George Pérez was the nice communicator. Many articles celebrated George’s considerate interactions together with his followers. I’ve commented on his generosity with autographs. But in the beginning, he was a superb illustrator who understood how you can compose panels and specific highly effective feelings in every one. I reiterate my admiration for the storytelling of Marv Wolfman. Together, they did super work and made strides in progressing the artwork of sequential visible storytelling. Even the artwork above that’s largely black with phrase balloons demonstrates my level.
Previously, I wrote about George’s impression in movie and tv. That’s an excellent place to proceed our heat ideas about George.
Photo of George taken by Luigi Novi, who additionally graciously allowed me to make use of a few of his footage within the Comic Art Trends Price Guide 2020.
*Any perceived funding recommendation is that of the freelance blogger and doesn’t symbolize recommendation on behalf of GoCollect.
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