Posted By Dan Greenfield on Jun 9, 2026 | 2 comments

A GEORGE PEREZ BIRTHDAY SPECIAL: The princess from Tamaran…

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The late, great George Perez was born 72 years ago, on June 9, 1954. This year, we have a four-part BIRTHDAY SPECIAL, because that’s just how it worked out. You can click here, here and here for the other parts. (The links are also at the bottom of this piece.) Dig it! — Dan

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I’d be willing to entertain any argument that there was a lovelier George Perez character design than the New Teen Titans’ Starfire, but you won’t get me to agree. All of Perez’s heroes were beautiful, male or female, but none of them could touch Princess Koriand’r of the planet Tamaran. (His Wonder Girl was a close second, but he didn’t create her look. He did, however, improve upon her red jumpsuit.)

Anyway, with the late artist’s birthday upon us, it’s worth noting that a beautiful Perez illustration of Kory is up for sale at Heritage Auctions.

Dig this:

The bid is currently a mere $250 but I expect that to go up significantly. The auction ends in about 10 days, as I write this. It also will benefit charity.

Here’s the official description:

George Pérez – Starfire Illustration Original Art (1982). George Pérez’s iconic design for Starfire, created during his celebrated run on The New Teen Titans with Marv Wolfman, has proven to be one of the tantalizing Tamaranian’s most beloved portrayals. This illustration in particular shows off her voluminous, lush, curly hair, which perfectly frames her silhouette and is a trademark of ’80s Koriand’r. Rendered in ink over graphite on art paper, with an approximate image area of 7″ x 10″. Lightly toned, with creasing and handling wear. Signed, dated, and in Very Good condition.

A portion of the proceeds from this auction will benefit The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) and the Hero Initiative.

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Since it’s Perez’s birthday, our pal Des Taylor’s weekly DESPOP TUESDAYS feature is dedicated to Starfire — check that out here. In the meantime, here are some other Perez Starfire illustrations that have gone through Heritage in the past:

George Pérez and colorist Steve Oliff — Starfire SDCC auction illustration, original art (1983)

The New Teen Titans #23 cover, original art (DC, 1986)

Amazing Heroes #50 cover, original art (Fantagraphics, 1984)

The New Teen Titans Annual #1 cover, original art (DC, 1982)

Starfire sketch, original art (2001)

Comics Feature #19 cover, original art (1982)

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MORE

— DES TAYLOR’s Take on GEORGE PEREZ’s STARFIRE Absolutely Dazzles. Click here.

— DC’s Remastered CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS: ABSOLUTE EDITION Delayed. Click here.

— EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK! TwoMorrows’ Stunningly Comprehensive CRISIS COMPANION. Click here.