Don Perlin, a veteran comic book artist, passed away at the age of 94. He began working in the industry in the late 1940s, but some of his greatest successes came later, in the ’70s and ’90s. In 1974, he worked on Werewolf by Night at Marvel and, with writer Doug Moench, created the popular character Moon Knight. Moon Knight, armed with silver weaponry, had multiple identities, reflecting a dissociative identity disorder. This character was later portrayed by Oscar Isaac in a Disney+ series. Another enduring character Mr. Perlin worked on was Bloodshot, created in 1992 with writers Bob Layton and Kevin VanHook.
The 1990s were a boom era for the comic book industry, and Mr. Perlin played a significant role in creating Bloodshot, a hero powered by nanotechnology that gained immense popularity. He was recruited as Valiant’s creative director in 1991 by Jim Shooter, a founder of the company. Mr. Perlin was known for his professionalism, work ethic, and master storytelling abilities. Working on Bloodshot gave him the recognition he deserved, with fans lining up for his autograph and marveling at his craft. His last published work was an issue of Scooby-Doo in 2000.
Don Perlin was born in Brooklyn in 1929 and discovered his love for comics while attending art classes taught by Burne Hogarth. He landed his first comic book assignments in the early 1950s and continued drawing stories even during his time in the Army. Mr. Perlin’s career included work at Charlton Comics and Marvel, where he contributed to titles like Ghost Rider and the Defenders. Although he was a creator of Moon Knight before the establishment of a royalty system for comic book creators, he did benefit from royalty payments later on, particularly from his work on a Transformers comic for Marvel.
In addition to his contributions to the comic book industry, Mr. Perlin also took on odd jobs when comic book assignments were scarce. He was dedicated to his craft and continued drawing well into his later years. His legacy lives on through the characters he helped create, such as Moon Knight and Bloodshot, which have appeared in various media adaptations. Mr. Perlin’s impact on the industry was significant, and his work continues to be celebrated by fans and colleagues. He was survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of comics.
Throughout his career and even into retirement, Mr. Perlin remained connected to the world of comics through appearances at conventions. His stepson Leslie recalled how fans would react to seeing Mr. Perlin, likening it to the excitement of attending a concert by a famous musician. Mr. Perlin’s work ethic, dedication to his craft, and ability to create beloved characters earned him a special place in the hearts of comic book enthusiasts. His impact on the industry and the characters he helped bring to life will be remembered for years to come.
