To me, comic book legend George Pérez wasn't just an artist – he was a visual storyteller who could bring entire universes to life in my mind with his pencil. His intricate artwork, dynamic layouts, and ability to handle massive casts of characters made him one of the industry's most influential creators. After his passing in 2022, his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists. Here's Into the Weird’s ranking of Pérez's ten greatest contributions to comic book history.

10. The Avengers Vol. 3 (1998-2000)

In the late 1990s, George Pérez returned to The Avengers (he had previously worked on the title in the 1970s) for the relaunch of The Avengers Vol. 3 (1998), teaming up with writer Kurt Busiek. This run was a triumphant return to form, bringing the team back to its classic roots after Marvel Comics’ polarizing Heroes Reborn event. Busiek and Pérez reestablished the Avengers as Earth’s mightiest heroes, balancing high-stakes action with deep character-driven drama. Pérez’s intricate, dynamic artwork elevated the series, capturing the scale and emotion of both massive battles and intimate moments. His ability to handle sprawling casts made him the perfect artist for this revival, giving each character their due in both action and personality.

The stories in The Avengers Vol. 3 stand among the team’s greatest. The opening arc, “The Morgan Conquest,” featured Morgan le Fay transforming reality into a medieval dystopia where the Avengers served as her knights, showcasing Pérez’s incredible flair for fantasy-inspired visuals. Later, in the legendary “Ultron Unlimited” storyline, Pérez brought to life one of the team’s most harrowing battles as they faced a genocidal Ultron at his most ruthless. Pérez’s detailed art made these moments unforgettable, from sweeping action sequences to the grim aftermath of Ultron’s reign of terror. His layouts, costume designs, and attention to detail brought a sense of grandeur to every page.

Trust me, if you love your superheroes larger than life and bristling with detail and dynamic action, then The Avengers Vol. 3 is essential reading. It’s a masterclass in how to craft fantastical stories with heart and soul.

9. Wonder Woman (1987-1992)

Following Crisis on Infinite Earths, Wonder Woman needed a fresh start, and Pérez delivered far more than just new art. Taking on both writing and penciling duties, he dove deep into Greek mythology, creating a Wonder Woman series that felt both timeless and contemporary.

His Diana was physically powerful but never masculinized – she carried herself with a warrior's confidence and an ambassador's grace. The gods and monsters of Greek myth came alive under his pencil, with designs that honored classical art while working in a modern comic book context. Even minor characters received careful attention; the residents of Themyscira each had distinct appearances and personalities.

Pérez's run established core elements of Wonder Woman's mythology that remain influential today: the emphasis on Greek mythology, Diana's role as an ambassador of peace, and the importance of her supporting cast. His attention to detail extended to the Amazon's culture and architecture, creating a Themyscira that felt like a real, lived-in place.

8. Avengers vs JLA (2003-2004)

This long-awaited crossover needed an artist who could do justice to both companies' greatest heroes, and who better than the man who had defined both teams? Pérez's contribution went beyond just drawing lots of characters well – he created a visual vocabulary for how these two universes could interact.

His two-page spreads weren't just showing off; they helped establish the epic scale of the story. The way he positioned characters from both universes together highlighted their similarities and differences. Even in crowded scenes, readers could follow the action and spot their favorite heroes.

Particularly impressive was how he maintained each character's distinctive style while having them exist in the same space. His Superman looked like Superman, his Captain America looked like Captain America, and when they stood together, it felt right. The series became a masterclass in how to handle crossover events.

7. The Infinity Gauntlet (1991)

Though Pérez only illustrated the first few issues of this cosmic saga, his contribution was crucial in establishing its scope and stakes. His depiction of Thanos wielding the Infinity Gauntlet set the standard for how to portray a being of godlike power.

The series required showing the destruction of half the universe and the assembly of Earth's remaining heroes against impossible odds. Pérez's layouts conveyed both the cosmic scale of Thanos's actions and the personal impact on individual characters. His work on these issues influenced how the story would be adapted decades later for the MCU.

Particularly memorable was his handling of the hero gathering sequences, showing both the scope of Marvel's heroic community and the desperation of their situation. Even in scenes heavy with exposition, his art kept us engaged.

6. Justice League of America (1980s)

Pérez's work on various Justice League stories showcased his ability to handle DC's greatest heroes individually and as a team. Whether it was the satellite era JLA or special events, he knew how to make each hero distinct while showing them working together effectively.

His attention to detail extended to how different powers worked together – the way Flash's speed played off Green Lantern's constructs, or how Batman's tactical genius could direct Superman's raw power. Pérez understood that team books weren't just about showing multiple heroes, but about showing how they complement each other.

He also excelled at showing the League's headquarters, whether satellite or earthbound, as a real working environment rather than just a backdrop. His technical drawings of their equipment and vehicles added verisimilitude to the fantastic elements.

5. The Brave and the Bold (2000s)

When Pérez returned to DC for this series, he showed that decades of experience had only made him better. Each issue paired different DC heroes, allowing him to explore various dynamics and styles. His art maintained its detail and energy while showing the refinement that comes with mastery.

These stories often required shifting between different corners of the DC Universe, from urban vigilantes to cosmic adventures, sometimes within the same issue. Pérez handled these transitions seamlessly, adapting his style to serve the story while maintaining his distinctive touch.

The series also demonstrated his continued innovation in page layouts and storytelling techniques. Even after decades in the industry, he found new ways to present action and character interactions.

4. Superman (Action Comics/Adventures of Superman)

Though not as lengthy as some of his other runs, Pérez's work on Superman demonstrated his ability to refresh even the most iconic character. His Metropolis was a character in itself, full of architectural detail and busy streets that made Superman's world feel real.

His Superman carried the necessary physical power but also showed the warmth and humanity essential to the character. Action sequences were dynamic without losing clarity, and quiet moments carried appropriate weight. The "History of the DC Universe" backup features were particularly impressive, condensing vast amounts of continuity into clear, engaging visuals.

Pérez's experience with both cosmic and street-level stories served him well here, as he could handle both Superman's everyday heroics and his more fantastic adventures with equal skill.

3. Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985-1986)

This series represented a perfect match of artist and project. The task of depicting multiple universes, hundreds of characters, and the literal end of worlds required an artist of extraordinary ability and stamina. Pérez delivered what many consider the definitive comic book event series.

His covers for the series are masterpieces of composition, often telling complete stories in single images while featuring dozens of characters. The interior art maintained this quality throughout the series' twelve issues, never sacrificing detail or clarity despite the enormous scope.

Key moments like the death of Supergirl and Flash became iconic largely due to how Pérez depicted them. He could shift from cosmic spectacle to intimate tragedy seamlessly, giving the series its emotional impact alongside its universal stakes.

2. The New Teen Titans (1984-1988)

While Pérez would later return to the Titans in the 2000s, his original run with Marv Wolfman laid the groundwork for what would become one of DC's most beloved series. The challenge was immense: take a group of former sidekicks and new characters and make them appealing to an increasingly sophisticated comic book audience. Pérez rose to the occasion spectacularly.

His designs for new characters like Cyborg, Starfire, and Raven weren't just visually striking – they helped tell each character's story. Cyborg's mechanical parts conveyed both power and tragedy. Starfire's costume and body language expressed both her warrior heritage and emotional openness. Raven's design, with its mixture of mystery and menace, hinted at her dark origins.

But it wasn't just about character design. Pérez's action sequences were dynamic and clear, even with multiple characters in play. He could handle intimate character moments just as skillfully as epic battles. The series' success proved that young hero teams could tackle serious themes while maintaining the excitement readers expected from superhero comics.

Pérez and Wolfman produced what many consider the definitive run on the title. Stories like "The Judas Contract" showcased George's ability to combine superhero action with genuine emotional drama. His art conveyed both the physical and psychological toll on these young heroes.

Character development was evident in how he drew the team – they looked and carried themselves differently as they matured. His attention to body language and facial expressions helped tell the story even in quiet moments. Action sequences remained dynamic while serving character and plot.

This run proved particularly influential, inspiring future comics and animated adaptations. The way Pérez depicted team dynamics and character relationships set standards that creators follow to this day.

1. The Avengers (1975-1980)

This is where Pérez became PÉREZ. His run with writer Jim Shooter revitalized Marvel's premier team book, establishing him as the ultimate superhero team artist. The Korvac Saga stands as a particular highlight, combining cosmic scope with personal drama in ways that would influence countless future stories.

His covers from this period remain among the most memorable in comics history, often copied but rarely matched. Interior art maintained this high standard, with clear storytelling even in the most complex battles. His attention to detail extended to how each character moved and fought differently, reflecting their powers and personalities.

Most importantly, this run showed how superhero teams could be portrayed as both a fighting force and a family unit. Pérez's art conveyed the relationships between characters even in action scenes, making readers care about the team as people, not just heroes.

The comics industry lost a true giant when we lost George Pérez in 2022 to cancer, but his influence lives on in every intricate panel, every dynamic team shot, and every ambitious crossover event published today. These ten projects represent the pinnacle of his artistic achievement, but truthfully, his entire career was one masterpiece after another.

George’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists who aspire to his level of detail, creativity, and storytelling ability. When we look at modern comic art, we often see the ripple effects of innovations and standards he established throughout his remarkable career.