Inside the studio of legendary comic book artist Alex Ross

[@irongiant775]

Thank you Anthony Mason for treating Alex Ross and the comic medium with the respect it deserves, as well as asking questions which weren't insulting to the fans, or the artist.

[@donalejo1889]

True

[@lo1bo2]

And no "HOLY [insert silly phrase]" comment or graphic on the screen. That would have been disappointing.

[@hockyjocky4]

irongiant775 well said

[@th3azscorpio]

Because he was already a fan of the subject. Fans who are aware of, and respect the art form, tend to treat it as such.

[@manuelponce3715]

Much Much respect for Alex Ross, such an amazing artist

[@AbiNubli]

You can clearly see he was very much influenced by his mother's painting style

[@joshdartist]

Yes, and it's great that his mother encouraged him and provided a valuable example of how to adapt the art skills they learned into something appealing for the market they chose.

[@gc3k]

They went to the same school

[@mrrd4444]

They're both truly legendary and amazing.

[@jasondiend4248]

@@gc3k Even going to the same school wouldn't imprint a style on a person. Schools often force you to do it their way. However he came in with an influence already to a certain style. He continued to improve to it becoming his style. Still his mothers influence is clear. He picked the school because his mother went there and he refined her style to become his own.

[@TheCrimsonCat89]

And Loomis

[@Raja1938]

One thing I especially appreciate about his art is that he makes superhero (and villain) costumes look like they're made of actual fabric, not molded plastic or merely a painted nude. You're not going to see every muscle of Batman's 6-pack abs through his tights. The less-than-perfect look makes it feel more real.

[@turdferguson8928]

His mom was really talented. Art is in their DNA

[@cynthiacorcoran9389]

DNA

[@breathtakingsamurai981]

No, his mom influenced him and made him be interested in art.

[@turdferguson8928]

Nope. His mom became radioactive, then bit him and gave him his art powers

[@BiggestRedditor]

Atomix wrong. Things like this are passed on through genes despite people being told everyone is the same and genetics doesn’t separate people. It’s called abstract thinking and it’s something whites on average score the highest in. Abstract thinking is passed on through family members and it gives people the ability to come up with things in their minds that doesn’t exist and they are able to imagine complex things in their imagination and put it on paper. Such as inventions, films, comics etc.. it’s why 99% of everything you own was created by a white person and why whites create the best comics. It’s the reason why we’ve hit a point where whites are literally responsible for writing comics for other races or writing films for other races. It’s the reason why whites were able to create things as complicated as the computer and internet. It’s a shame people don’t know this because we have entire generations being told anyone can do anything which is a lie. People can try to become artists but they’ll always be at a disadvantage if they aren’t born with an imagination.

[@vulnerablerummy]

@@BiggestRedditor *laughs in asian*

[@coolman5242]

I'm glad a amazing talent like that was given to such a humble dude.

[@MegumiHayashida]

@356designer true. It's more like the guy has a genuine soul but his potential is the result of determination, hardwork and consistency combined with the environment he grew up. Not to mention the fact that his mother was a remarkable painter too. All these factors played a huge part into his artistic development.

[@antihero105]

I'm sure his mom having been a professional illustrator had *a'lil* bit to do with his success lol..

[@nuttypotatoe1210]

@@antihero105 if I had a parent who could teach me how to draw I'd take advantage of the opportunity as well.

[@ProstheticFitness]

I went to high school with him. man, how much we all change with time. but his art work was always great, I was so glad to see he achieved his dreams.

[@daysofethan4114]

wait ACTUALLY!

[@MADD-MANX]

Yeah sure 🙄

[@MightGuy15]

Really!? Luuuuuuuuuuucky!!

[@ProstheticFitness]

@@MightGuy15 Yeah, he was a pretty OK guy and very talented but you know how it is, everyone has big dreams but few people achieve it so no one really thought he would become a big comic book artist, I guess he showed us ha ha

[@edgarallandope]

He's so amazing. Truly a King amongst men. Definitely someone who deserves a full head of hair.

[@flowhannesburg1912]

Ah but the strongest hero doesn't even have any

[@SiddVodela]

@@flowhannesburg1912 I see you're a man of culture, sensei.

[@ComicPower]

Dudes collection looks like a museum. And his art what else can you say other than tremendous m

[@SSobotkaJr]

The fact he has more than just Western Comic Book characters in there made me smile. Especially when I saw the brief glimpse of Jun and the full Ken costume from Science Ninja Team Gatchaman in there!

[@goodlife1500]

He’s the most realistic comic artist.

[@Neutronomy]

Ikr

[@madronaldsalvador]

exactly.

[@tagone05]

Alex Ross is an Art God. No one can mimic his style.

[@flolus2619]

Not even the ArtGod?

[@patrickperry6945]

ArtGod I’m sure someone can. But why would they want to. Most art is mainly about originality, unless you’re getting paid to do something specific.

[@syakirazizi1784]

So who is jesus?

[@paulmark2629]

there is one. Felipe massafera

[@BattlefieldFan35]

Kingdom Come

[@RafaelRodrigues-rx9ry]

Amen!

[@pramitmajumdar9963]

Amen to that!!

[@soaky4]

Amazing art and story

[@jasonscott1611]

I got an Absolute Kingdom Come signed by Mark Waid, one day I'll get Alex to sign it!

[@shamanking1234567]

one of his best. read that story like 4 times

[@milesdavis63]

My favorite comic book artist hands down

[@akirahojo2]

If he were Japanese, Japan would have made him a national treasure. What living legend!

[@speedracer1945]

To fans like us who truly enjoy his work then the joy was viewing this art look upon it as a national treasure.

[@benjadivin602]

Man you know how the artist on Japan get paid? Very poorly

[@gracefuldice1956]

@@benjadivin602 still, Japan has more developed comic industry (manga) than people might think

[@lenaelisabeth]

@@benjadivin602 Well if you get really popular and maybe even get an anime made of your work, you can make millions

[@omegacroc2928]

@@benjadivin602 late response but Eiichiro Oda is one of the highest tax payers in all of Japan.

[@Artofizanagi]

His inspiration definitely comes from his mom and that is so wholesome.

[@erikdaniels6006]

My dream job is to be a professional comic book artist, and one day I hope to be as good and well known as Alex Ross. Incredible work.

[@erikdaniels6006]

@356designer Thanks!

[@lugit36]

Please tell me you have an art style similar to Jason Fabok and Jim Lee

[@erikdaniels6006]

@@lugit36 I kinda sorta do. My art style is a little bit of both of their styles combined. Thats because Jim Lee and Jason Fabok are huge influences for me and I love their work very much. I would love to be as good as them some day as well.

[@lugit36]

weskatedoe flippin nice. How can I see it?

[@erikdaniels6006]

@@lugit36 Here is a link to my Devian art page. I only have a few pics but you can see them there. Hope you like them www.deviantart.com/erik-daniels8

[@scottjohnson388]

Love how human his subjects look.

[@elpadrino1128]

He actually takes photographs of people in the costumes and then paints that in the comics

[@CMan-x7k]

@@elpadrino1128 I wonder who does modeling for the Hulk?

[@archivehans]

@@elpadrino1128 he's using reference One of the most important aspects of art

[@theundead1600]

First news story in a long time that is good from start to finish. Not a editorial blitz.

[@jetman24]

The art on Kingdom Come is next nevel, he's one of those artist that you'll immediately know "that's his work right there".

[@BowmansWorld]

This guy is absolutely incredible! Such an inspiration.

[@sdjohnsononyoutube]

His style is brilliant & unmistakable

[@muddyboots7753]

How can anyone not like this? Oh the darkness of the human heart never fails

[@jtcob8486]

There were people who are still burthurt about him since the 2000s (where he was almost a controversial figure.)

[@manchesterunitedno7]

Look how much the time went by. I met Alex Ross way back then, fresh of his Marvels comic saga, still rocking long hair. Now he looks like every suburban middle age dad. A nice fella though....

[@th3azscorpio]

People change. It happens with age. Good to know he was a great guy.

[@seraby7151]

wow, her mother's work is amazing as well!

[@itzzzsss]

His museum is every boy's dream. To have a room full of their favorite old time toys

[@vermontmike9800]

Alex Ross is a master with light. His paintings and heroes have a realistic look for the same reason Vermeer and other Dutch masters have realistic paintings that look like photographs.

[@paulmark2629]

exactly! that's the one thing i always noticed. the light. he can make a sketch without a lot of details but with just the right source of light and it'll look real

[@spacewiz163]

The saying of “behind every great man” comes to mind after hearing about his mother.🙂

[@denniscleary7580]

Alex Ross is an amazing artist no matter who he draws for, kingdom come will always be one of the best stories and art direction he has ever done. The fact that he uses real models of people for his characters is an amazing step.

[@johnnygunzfilmbuff7821]

I love Alex Ross he's probably my favorite comic book artists. His drawings are the perfect definition of every comic book character.

[@biggareid]

I met him at a comic book signing in philly back in 2003. He is indeed my favorite fine artist of all time!

[@tezmard3003]

I think this interview by cbs this morning was really well handled, it surprised me how much respect they had for Alex Ross and how they were able to talk to him like a normal human being, I now respect the interviewer a lot for asking such relevant questions.

[@losingstreak415]

Thank you so much for doing a story on Ross. He is a legend and just amazing artist. I always look at his work in awe.

[@DarkMario2]

I really want to meet him someday! His art has had such an impact on me.

[@daveedwards6653]

Artists like Ross is the reason why I love the medium. Passionate about his work.. developing a style nobody can copy.

[@micpar2]

Alex is a a true fan and a great guy. Really down to earth and very little ego. He truly is the Norman Rockwell of the comic book industry.

[@RJMM]

Im glad he followed his childhood dreams and is now successful and famous because of it. Not many people can do that.

[@matki3834]

As much as ross is a great man, i think the interviewer also did a fine job. He asked the right questions and seems like a comic lover also.

[@drebodollaz3504]

That gatchaman statue is nice.

[@samfrito]

His Gatchaman (Battle of the Planet) covers are just as great as anything he's touched. He could make California Raisins comic covers and they would be worth buying.

[@MGSBigBoss77]

*That gatchaman statue is nice.* So agreed!

[@soaky4]

I kinda feel that as an American of my age, I'm sorta deprived. The original source material wasn't around when I was first exposed to the character. By the time anime really penetrated the U.S., I was "too old for cartoons." So, when the camera showed it, all I saw was "Mark from G Force"--- because 'Murica

[@skinheadjon901]

@@soaky4 same thoughts here in the UK

[@PrototypeOnDemand]

ross is the real deal

[@jeyfomson6364]

This man is a living legend

[@togakure9]

Thank you very much Alex for the enorm contribuition to the comic books historyband legacy

[@Yeet_master69]

I love his art style.

[@scottlowell493]

It would be a crime against humanity if Dc didn't make an animated "KIngdom come"

[@jamesoblivion]

Given their recent animated output, it would probably be better if they didn't even try.

[@MammothBehemoth]

@@jamesoblivion i'm with you on this. Sometimes, there are properties that are better left untouched. Some things are better remembered as a gem than be basterdized for all the monitization they could wring out of a franchise. Let's have a moment of silence for BvS

[@jesnyc146]

Nah, let wonderful stories and books stay the way they are. Any attempt to translate the beautiful art or mature, political storyline would not do it justice

[@jamesoblivion]

@@MammothBehemoth And for Killing Joke. And Gotham by Gaslight. Etc., etc.... And certainly, there's no way they would ever do justice to Ross's artwork. Let it stand, as it is.

[@chand911]

Why cheapen it?

[@ba_2three458]

He's what got me back into comic book reading/collecting

[@daymeinvanblocken3407]

This is incredible , the talent Alex Ross possesses. I want to know more.

[@cyberpunkgirl7907]

Amazing Work. CBS did it beautifully. 💗

[@davidbarfield3489]

Beautiful!!!

[@badbabybear1]

You can tell Alex Ross is passionate and reverent of superheroes, and reflects that in his art.

[@edjack1993]

Great artist. Interesting to see his mother’s influence on his style.

[@omegahtv6779]

Alex Ross the now GOAT of the comic book industry.

[@PHlophe]

credit women FIRST .

[@soaky4]

Nitpicking, but he's really GOAT of the Graphic Novel industry. lol. Regular comics deadlines wouldn't let Alex Ross be great. His craft takes time-- to create and to fully appreciate.

[@eldritchpumpkinghost2968]

RedbirdEagle I wish comics had a beginning and end. The story has to end sometime

[@ericoxner9767]

My jaw dropped when I saw his take on superman or captain Marvel or even Hanna Barbra heroes.And seeing his take on HB cartoons.Left me in awe of his talent.Because I grew up with space ghost and mightor samson and goliath.

[@stevenzin5834]

I always admire and truly feel happy to see people doing what they love to do and making a living out of it. It's a dream!

[@TheGallifreyanKnight]

One of the greatest artists of all time. Absolutely phenomenal work ❤

[@Shaman1879]

I've always been a huge Alex Ross fan! His heroes seem to just leap off the page at you! Much respect to you sir.

[@JLOFlix]

FANTASTIC!! He's TRULY a MASTER illustrator!!

[@troyc333]

He really does have that special touch that makes the art come alive.

[@cha5]

One of my all time favorites, I’ve always wanted to meet him.

[@daryl2300]

Thank you STAN LEE for making this mans life amazing

[@ignskeletons]

The most historic thing in that room is Alex Ross himself. What a living legend, I've read so many of his books with his artwork in it. Phenomenal artist and contributor to the comic book community. He has already cemented himself forever as one of the greats up there with Stan Lee, Todd McFarlane, Greg Capullo, Bob Kane, Finger, etc.

[@JeremyForest]

Alex Ross is a genius! I have been a fan of his work for so many years. He even did the artwork of DC Comics/Mortal Kombat universe video game, that blew my mind. I met him at the Lake FX event at the Chicago Cultural Center in Chicago, and he is a humble guy.

[@ethans6694]

Awesome feature. Alex Ross is an incredible artist. His paintings elevate comics to fine art.

[@rtablada]

Nice to see a piece on Alex Ross. His art made me want to read comics since 2014.

[@geraldskywlkr2556]

timeless art never looks dull

[@user-cs9of2xd2d]

Great interview of an exceptional artist

[@mkt5577]

Thank you for this excellent piece. Alex Ross is amazing. His Battle of the Planets is one of my favorite series of comic books.

[@heavyhammergymcomics721]

Such a great, little piece on Alex Ross. Thank you.

[@TheCrimsonCat89]

His art is so damn good and legendary

[@gc3k]

I think his Crisis on Infinite Earths mural is the greatest comic illustration of all time

[@camerongodsey9847]

Credit where it’s due. This piece was really well executed and came off as very respectful of a masterful artist. Good to see that news outlets are aware that just because you’re a comic book artist doesn’t make you any less of an artist.

[@War624]

Never thought I'd see Alex on a morning show, but sick nonetheless. Been in love with his work ever since I read Kingdom Come and Batman War on Crime.

[@greenman3265]

When Ross has new work released it's always a must buy for me.

[@billyray5232]

Been a fan of Alex since I read one of the best Graphic Novels of all time, Kingdom Come, his artwork if beyond amazing. I always felt his art was so realistic....And I'm man enough to admit I'm jealous of his collection..lol

[@federicabelloni551]

Marvels Is One masterpiece

[@Supadan75]

He has a very classic 50s/60s style. This mans work is on levels.

[@DarKKnightt07]

What I always loved about Alex Ross's art style is that he paints the superheroes as if they were real people, not like a cartoon but lifelike. I also like that he keeps that classic costume style to every superhero he paints.

[@a.kennerly1073]

Who else saw the hot toys😁

[@lawrencekin02]

Simply put, Alex Ross is the greatest comic book painter ever.

[@pper79]

Great artist, thanks for doing a piece on him!

[@gonzacollao]

After seeing this, I want at least one Batman movie starring Jon Hamm now more than ever; the man looks like he's straight out of an Alex Ross drawing, god damn it!

[@mitrikgaduk347]

The more I think about it, Alex Ross himself would make an amazing Superman, albeit around the age of Kingdom Come, his voice completely sells it, he's even a similar build, I could listen to him all day honestly.

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Cool. He's mom is good too. An even bigger achievement- his mom got to save his shirt, drawing and all that:-) God bless, Proverbs 31

[@Death_Korps_Officer]

3:26 Gotta love how the subtitles describes him.

[@RienDekker]

So darn cool and inspiring that in these modern times you still color your own work and by hand!

[@Brandon-vy6uw]

Great job by the guy that covered this and followed it up with him sitting down with his kid going over his first book mythology. His art is unparalleled to any other artist.

[@jeshaaustria]

Woahhhhhhh! every Marvel/DC fan dream!

[@batmanlikespizza2541]

I appreciate this man.

[@durantheexplorer7982]

He needs to be in a Marvel/DC movie as a cameo

[@gonzaloarvietti4920]

my inspiration... He is gonna be so happy on april with SHAZAM in cinemas!!

[@jeanemlicar]

This man is dope as well as legendary. I still remember watching his interview on the Flash Gordon DVD featurette.

[@Nugtroen]

No Wacom or digital fancy hi-tech gadgets... wow he is absolutely a true analog traditional comic painter...what a legend

[@urbanvandel5102]

He’s one of my artistic heroes, so incredibly humble and seems like such a nice guy. Good to see his work being loved by so many. Well done Alex and thank you for your sharing your incredible talent with the world .

[@jtcob8486]

At least he's nice now, people saying he was nice was not as common in the 2000s as it's is now.

[@wilfredomartinez2068]

His influence cannot be denied.

[@th3azscorpio]

He is truly an amazing artist; I mean extremely phenomenal! His work is really beautiful, and I've got to get my hands on his art book. It's so amazing to me that stunning works such as this were created with human hands.

[@stevenroloff827]

The greatest comic artist of all time! Period!!!!

[@johnrhogan2908]

I love Alex Ross's work. If you've ever seen the black & whites of his art (sketchbooks), looks so real.

[@intotheetherambientmusic]

Favorite artist, really cool insight into his work too! Legend.

[@Grimlock987]

I loved every minute of this interview.

[@onionsavoya1506]

The amazing thing about Alex Ross Is as the years have gone by He's had no one rival him in the realm Of painted superheroes. I mean comic painter has ever even gotten close to his recognition. And at almost 40 years and running That's pretty phenomenal.

[@AssassinatorScout1]

Truly inspiring and full of hope in it~

[@scottcrosby-art5490]

Complete genius

[@EvanSaltare]

As soon as it mentioned his mother and the style in which she painted everything made sense.

[@MaxGretinski]

Ross is an amazing guy. He published his first comics in 1990. There was only one guy that I can think of who was doing what he was doing before that. Marvel Comics had a title that they used for interesting, new, and different ideas. An artist named Ken Steacy did issues #22 and #23 of that title, Marvel Fanfare, in 1985. All of his art from cover to cover was painted. Marvel Fanfare was an amazing title. All of issue 29 was comprised of "splash pages," for example. However, what Steacy did with painting was regarded as being "his thing" back in the 80s. It didn't catch on. Ross' work is entirely different, too. Steacy had a way of making his paintings look halfway between a realistic painting and a line-drawn comic book. Alex Ross goes whole-hog into painted effects. He can make his paintings look like photographs, or like something surreal, or just about anything in between. He can capture the "vision" of what other artists were trying to achieve, and he does it his own way. The label "the Norman Rockwell of Comics" is a valid one. He's THAT good.

[@okcomputer0101]

Max Gretinski Mike Zeck?

[@senoadjiaditya1535]

Alex Ross, Jim Lee and Frank Quitely. Three of the best comic artist ever!