Don Perlin was an American comic book artist, writer, and editor born on August 27, 1929, who passed away on May 14, 2024. Over a career spanning more than seven decades, he accumulated credits on 453 issues across roles as artist, inker, letterer, and writer — a range that speaks to his deep versatility within the medium.
G.I. Joe, a Real American Hero #1 (1982)
Perlin entered comics professionally in 1951 and became closely associated with Marvel Comics, where he produced substantial runs on Werewolf by Night, Ghost Rider, and The Defenders. He is perhaps best remembered among Marvel readers for his work on Moon Knight, a character he co-created and helped establish as a distinctive presence in the publisher's lineup. His linework tended toward the gritty and atmospheric, well-suited to the darker, horror-adjacent corners of the Marvel universe he frequently inhabited.
Marvel Tales #109 (1952)
In the 1990s, Perlin moved to Valiant Comics, contributing both as an artist and an editor. There he co-created Bloodshot, a character who would become one of Valiant's most enduring properties and later anchor a 2020 theatrical film. His other significant Valiant and Marvel titles included runs on Captain America and The Transformers. Though Perlin never became a household name outside dedicated comics circles, his co-creations and his steady, reliable storytelling left a meaningful mark on two of the industry's major publishers.
