Back Issue #147 October 2023 (magazine review).
As you can likely discern from the cover of this ‘Back Issue’, the spotlight is firmly on George Pérez. Given the length of his illustrious career, each generation of readers has probably encountered his work, whether at Marvel or DC Comics. Pérez was known for specialising in expansive team books, seemingly operating under the mantra: the more characters, the better. Remarkably, he achieved this without overcrowding the panels, a feat many current artists struggle to replicate.
Tom Sciacco, a schoolmate and lifelong friend of Pérez, reminisces about creating comic books together in school and promoting George at a New York Comic-Con. Selecting only 20 standout pieces from Pérez’s extensive body of work is a daunting task, owing to the sheer volume of his contributions to the comic book industry. I recall receiving a convention sketch of Storm from Pérez when he was in the UK. The excellence in the linework suggested that he would produce something extraordinary in the future. This prediction came true when X-Men Annual #3 was released, showcasing a narrative that later featured in the animated X-Men TV series, which borrowed heavily from his designs. Had it not been for the Justice League of America (JLA) and Titans at DC, I often wonder what Pérez might have created with the Legion of Super-Heroes (LSH).
The issue also includes an art gallery showcasing some of Pérez’s work; it is presumably only the constraint of space that prevents it from being more extensive.
Writer Andy Mangels scrutinises Pérez’s tenure on ‘Wonder Woman’, during which he refreshed the character and imbued her with a feminist perspective. This revised outlook made her less inclined to join the Justice League; she was not merely content with fighting crime but was more focused on addressing its root causes. While I was familiar with some of this information from previous articles, quotes from Pérez himself, provided by Mangels, shed light on his rationale. In many ways, Pérez’s five-year stint on ‘Wonder Woman’, serving as both writer and artist, can be considered his magnum opus. It is therefore regrettable that the final multi-part crossover was impeded by the inaction of other DC editors.
To conclude, writer Steven Wither conducts an interview with Mindy Newell, who discusses her experience dialoguing over Pérez’s scripts on ‘Wonder Woman’. This collaboration occurred when Pérez was swamped with work, and was facilitated by Newell’s deep understanding and alignment with his style.
Has this piqued your interest? Consider this a fitting tribute to George Pérez, a master of the craft who is sorely missed.
GF Willmetts
October 2023
(pub: TwoMorrows Publishing. 82 page illustrated magazine. Price: $10.95 (US). ISSN: 1932-6904. Direct from them, you can get it for $ (US))
check out websites: www.TwoMorrows.com and https://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=98_54&products_id=1757
