How Alex Ross Paints a Villain

[@LochNessHamster]

I love how Alex Ross doesn't really like Venom but still approaches his character design with more respect and understanding than most other comic artists.

[@thedarkfrost2351]

I always kinda thought Venom was overrated. Probably the Spider-Man 3 I watched as a kid but I never got into him when I got older. He can def be awesome visually tho

[@LochNessHamster]

@@thedarkfrost2351 Venom was always one of my favorites, but he is exhaustingly popular. I always hated the hulking monster depictions of him with his tongue perpetually hanging out and a jaw that physically could never close. You can't take that seriously. He's meant to be a bigger, tougher, scarier version of Spider-Man, so I think his character design should always reflect that.

[@chwenhoou]

I love your simplistic take on Venom. The symmetrical teeth he has worked perfectly. I can understand your hesitation toward characters from the 1990s. Many of them have this kitchen sink approach in their design. Which is counterproductive in terms of visual storytelling. You can immediately recognize Spider-Man based on his classic costume. With someone like Deadpool, his outfit is somewhat cluttered. And this is coming from someone who likes Deadpool.

[@daniel5913]

I don't understand. How is Deadpool's look cluttered? His costume is just red and black with white eyes. He looks like a simple ninja and easily identifiable now due to the movies. What is cluttered about the 90s is characters like Cyclops having pouches all over their belt and costume. It's never explained in the comics or the 90s show what Cyclops stores in his pouches.

[@publiusventidiusbassus1232]

One of the things I've never really liked about American comic books is the stubborn simplicity in character design (although this is mostly regarding superheroes) Asian and European artists have never really had any issue drawing extremely detailed and "cluttered" characters for issues on end. Kentaro Miura (RIP) drew 365 issues of Berserk FILLED with absurdly detailed armors, backgrounds, costumes, weapons, artifacts, etc. and they all managed to become iconic in their own right. That said, in American artists' defense, there is a historical difference in how the American industry operates regarding their oversea counterparts. While in Europe or Japan/Asia it is more likely for artists to focus on only a single project at a time, American illustrators often work several issues concurrently. So I understand how deadline necessities eventually became cultural sensitivities.

[@truthseeker9833]

@@publiusventidiusbassus1232 we get it bro, you watch anime

[@pian-0g445]

@@publiusventidiusbassus1232 well, despite guy’s armour having a ton of detail, it’s also got a simplicity in it with how cohesive everything is. There’s a difference between detailed and cluttered. Currently, dead pool has a very good design, but there was the time (also depends on artist) where he just has ammo ouches and swords and everything around him and pouches and it just isn’t really cohesive. Dead pool is at his best when his suit isn’t surrounded by too much. You see this with some marvel character designs actually. Iron Man extremist is an extremely detailed and difficult suit to draw due to its more intricate details, but it’s not cluttered. So in summary, detailed design is different from cluttered.

[@chwenhoou]

@@daniel5913 Yeah, Jim Lee's version of Cyclops is a hill I won't die on. Still, Cyclops had better uniforms. My favorite is his early X-Factor costume. It strikes a recognizable silhouette. It bears the uniform design of the X-Men as a team. His ruby quartz visor informs readers of his powers. Deadpool's costume has some good qualities and some bad. At least IMO. His weapons showcase his mercenary/ninja persona. Red and black are the perfect colors. It does strike a stunning silhouette. It's the design that hurts it. Liefeld went for a Spider-man meets Snake Eyes combo that's haphazard. His character traits came in once Joe Kelly took over. If your character is called Deadpool, shouldn't it have some coherent visual storytelling?

[@Nytellem]

Alex Ross is one of the greatest artist for super heroes. He just simply gets them and how their supposed to look!

[@frantzkenol6720]

My God, you speak my truth. The things you say about the genre, the colors, the history, the importance of accuracy is so true, I can only thank you. Your Doom, should be THE DOOM of the MCU. Period

[@aataloan]

Yes!

[@thecomedian5933]

I love the simplistic design of Venom by Mcfarlen. I always hated the Hulk sized Venom with chainsaw teeth and tentacle tongue. The solid black outfit with the white spider, bold white eyes and the cheese eating grin is a classic design that is timeless. Its what drew me to Venom in the first place. Same with Daredevil (red), Punisher, Sub-Mariner,Human Torch, etc..... Sometimes less is more.

[@miketan5603]

I love mcfarlane but i perfer bagleys design of venom

[@Solid_Snake98]

That’s exactly why I like Spider-Man 3

[@robd1329]

Same here. By the time they started drawing Venom with them chainsaw teeth...my interest in venom began to go out the window and thought they 'cartooned' him. McFarlane drew him reallyyy mysterious and interesting.

[@daniel79tj]

I have always liked him the most when he looks just like a mean evil spider-man.

[@nuggetgod2618]

@@Solid_Snake98 the spiderman 3 design for venom sucks though, venom being hulk sized is bad too sure, but so is him being too small, the symbiote exaggerates the physical (and emotional) attributes of someone, it would make sense why venom is very tall since eddie brock is a body builder, but i respect your opinion.

[@raimiallpowerful2020]

I love how this absolute legend of an artist gave me essentially my perfect minds eye of venom in the face, the specific proportions of my minds image, just one of the best designs or ever drawn images of venom who I love. and he doesn't even like him. I cannot underestimate how special it is that you still put in the effort and create a masterpiece when you don't feel anything to the character. that's just incredible. can't wait to see the final mural, the first was so special.

[@coeenc123]

Always great to see the master at work.Not only is he one of the best artists,Alex is also an encyclopedia of comic art.

[@MADD-MANX]

Alex is the Davinci of Comic book artists. No one else can ever do it like him

[@thehammurabichode7994]

I actually always loved the monstrous sort of designs people have done for Venom, Carnage, etc! This artist is still absurdly amazing, though. It seems that a lot of people like his restraint, also.

[@denniscleary7580]

Victor von doom is a character that has been a long-awaited in the MCU and I truly hope they design him after your portrayals of him, truly would be magnificent.

[@dimitrijetucovic1307]

You're delusional if you think they can do him justice.

[@publiusventidiusbassus1232]

@@dimitrijetucovic1307 Yeah, every film adaptation of Doom has been abysmal. There is something about the character that makes him near impossible to adapt. Which is a shame because he's one of Marvel's greatest characters.

[@robd1329]

They can Never make a good Fantastic Four movie.

[@dimitrijetucovic1307]

@@robd1329 especially not now with the era of woke activists running marvel...

[@MaskedRiderChris]

I hate to say it, but don't hold your breath for that, sir. Just like the DCCU (DC Cinematic Universe) has consistently ruined Bane, the man who broke the Bat? I'm not holding my breath for a truly accurate depiction of Doom any time soon. Which is tragic, because he's an amazing character and villain.

[@11Bbq]

I agree that some characters become caricatures of themshelves over time. Not just in comics but fiction in general. I’ll always prefer villainous Venom to anti hero venom.

[@ClaytonPZ]

Man I really respect and appreciate the way you perceive art work and talk about it, especially your own work. Very honest and true to the characters you represent in your illustrations. Well done sir Alex Ross 👍

[@darkempire2022]

The Master at work. Living Legend. My favorite artist.

[@JayWoods483]

Medieval armor is how I always imagined Doom wearing under the tunic. It is for use and not for demonstration. Similar to a military jeep it functions as a tool for a purpose and not to gleam like an Ultron.

[@RichardFriendartist]

Alex is so great. Very cool to see him sharing all these videos. Very interesting!! Thanks Alex!!

[@osirisatot19]

My favorite comic book artist. I love Venom though; I think he works better as a villain though. He is the personification of all of Spider-Man's negative emotions, and I think that makes for a fun character. He's also a great design, and Alex Ross really shows that. Doctor Doom has such a simple and elegant design, I love the mix of modern and historical that he is.

[@Kaizer617]

I personally love Venom as an Anti-Hero and I love the Tom Hardy movies because they gave me the Anti-Hero Venom I wanted to see on the big screen. But I agree with Mr. Ross' sentiment of Anti-Heroes completely dominating the narrative in the 90s. As cool as Venom is as a "Lethal Protector", that shouldn't be the standard definitive statement of what it means to be a Superhero. That's why I appreciate Spider-Man: Maximum Carnage. It rejects the more cynical, nihilistic, lethal methods of 90s Anti-Heroes and embraces what it truly means to be a Superhero. That scene where Spidey's falling so far into despair and Captain America shows up to lend him a hand, literally framed as a Light of Hope, one of the greatest moments in Comicbook history!

[@LaitoChen]

Jesus. I could listen to this guy talk about his craft for hours ☺️

[@Villainz]

Thank you for this Alex!!! As you can see by my name, Villains are what I LIVE AND BREATHE!!! Your work is incredible, especially what you did for secret wars (I have the 4th issue hung on my wall) No iteration of DOOM is better than what you've been able to do, which I'm extremely thankful for as he's my favorite character ever!

[@siner2442]

I’ve been waiting for him to paint DOOM! Also I’ve been waiting to see Doom in a FF4 movie. I know I’m not the only one… 👌

[@mattkuzminski8035]

Y'all have no idea how happy I am that this channel exists. Now we can learn from one of the bona-fide masters.

[@mercuryman1250]

Breathtaking, vibrant colors, unique realistic style to his work. It's like the artwork is coming life from the canvas,and sketch papers. It's he's if Vulcan the blacksmith of the Roman gods never did blacksmith but took up painting and made his craft come to life.

[@thomasobscure4978]

Alex. I was watching a video yesterday of the present Mr Olympia, Big Ramy (Mamdouh Elssbiay) and it struck me that he would make a fantastic model for Apocalypse. Especially given that Ramy is Egyptian. He has a very Apocalypse reminiscent head. Not to forget the immense physique.

[@jacobibarra097]

Love the way he describes doom and how he’s basically untouchable never thought of it that way. I wanna see everything in science fiction drawn by Alex lol hope he does a Halo series of paintings

[@cucumbaboi2872]

you should do a time-lapse of painting a character

[@nefariousgremlin7554]

It's so fun how you use action figures that I recognize, and probably some that I own, as reference.

[@Cobra-yo7fx]

Ayy I know this artist! Nice video! This is the first video I’ve seen on this channel that appeared in my home feed!

[@MFgabesylar3030]

Give this man a podcast!

[@virtualrealityfitness283]

Your a legend sir and as a fan of Doom and Kang your art work of two supervillains are awesome!

[@frantzkenol6720]

When will the villain book be released? I need to get it ASAP

[@faherty87]

Love to hear your breakdowns

[@blahblahpocalyspe8323]

I don't why but the thought of him painting Apocalypse made my disproportionately hyped and happy!

[@samfisher6606]

Is there going to be a villains poster book?

[@williamgrayson6942]

Definitely agree fir the most part about venom. Never really liked hulk sized venom, as it took away from the menacing, suspenseful vibe venom gave off. That’s why I always lived and preferred McFarlanes version! Never understood why they always made him so big!🤷🏾‍♂️

[@will_da_man_]

This man is fucking incredible. Forever the greatest comic book artist of all time. Hell, even calling him a "comic book artist" doesn't feel right. He IS an artist.

[@jakobschifo9590]

First Also that Doom looks so good, wow

[@josesosa3337]

Wow, didnt even know you had a channel. Love your work.

[@Hkouggbmha]

thought the thumbnail was a 3D model, some people are ridiculously skilled omg

[@sha-bogy4658]

Your one of the greatest for sure‼️

[@projectx7453]

Your art looks really amazing

[@MPLSprintmaking]

I’d love to actually see the painting developing

[@dadahyena]

Supervillains are always great, but especially today...Happy Halloween, everyone!

[@brodeyleembruggen9910]

📜👨🏻‍🎨🎨📜Master Alex Ross

[@jakipop3397]

He, sort of, speaks and thinks how you'd *expect* Alex Ross to speak and think judging from his art. And I love that.

[@JustSumflo]

That's the greatest Venom I've ever seen.

[@donspider1]

When I saw the title I thought he was painting Katherine Kennedy

[@Yoda_81843]

How? HOW has marvel never sold posters of Alex Ross’ artwork??? That Venom, Green Goblin and Dr Doom NEED to be on my wall!!

[@cruzinthruspace]

Alex uses marvel legends as reference How badass

[@TracksideSFL]

Art in its purest form, the way it’s meant to be, thats alex ross, truly breathtaking

[@micpar2]

I've never seen you do Nova Richard Rider or ROM Spaceknight. The Nova villains Diamondhead, the Sphinx, etc.

[@ch4_inferno169]

Would absolutely love to see an Ultron image done by you.

[@LAUGHINGRIOT]

Such a great artist

[@pile333]

So that's a tempera coloring? Amazing!

[@irvinreevesinbaraj6134]

I want to see how you draw Venom. Letsgoooooo!

[@Leawsome9]

I love your Art Style my friend lent me a Copy of Kingdom Come and the art Blew me away thank you for your talent

[@renemarrero6523]

Looks great 👍

[@qb-dp]

You're a god...

[@Mimic_Gaming]

I feel smacked in the face realizing he hasn’t painted Apocalypse

[@gditeorcrish464]

Alex Ross is my favorite artist right next to todd

[@parkerpshebnisky1051]

Your a true legend!👍👍

[@mrvaporiz]

Even in the Alex Ross style, Venom screams "90's"

[@ThatGuyToni]

Please tell me this will be another poster book

[@20Venom10]

Please tell me that some day I can get that isolated Venom as a print!

[@facudibujos9248]

Amazing!!

[@bodyrot2794]

McFarlane’s original venom design didn’t have the overly long drooling tinge of I’m not mistaken? A feature that has grown along with the popularity of the character. A feature he doesn’t particularly like still. I on the other hand love the large bruiting oversized build of venom.

[@Spawn3X5]

He should do cameo voice over in a comic cartoon

[@mattiamodena5791]

I could watch four hours of this.

[@KevinGomez-kx1bo]

i love these videos

[@mustardsauce5201]

your younger than i thought you'd be. i always heard the name alex ross but i didnt have a face to connect it to until right now.

[@BrendanJSmith]

We've already lost George Pérez. God, please protect this man at all costs.

[@michaelgarcia5493]

Big fan of your work Mr Ross have you done a peace of other charaecters in your style like the boys or Naruto fist of the North star super smash bros the amalgam super heros?

[@masonechternkamp578]

Venom was actually originally made to be hulk size though

[@emperorsean1]

Oh cool I didn't know Alex Ross never drew Apocalypse. Can't wait until he does.

[@1971mav]

Peter Parker is like 5'9" and Eddie Brock is a big muscular guy. Sometime later they exaggerated Venom's size.

[@samankucher5117]

that's awesome

[@cookieDaXapper]

GREAT I'm relieved that someone professionally Respected said it; the trend in the 90's of embracing the "anti-hero" or "near-villain" was a poor choice towards moral storytelling, just to allow "revenge killing" or "morally bankrupt actions" a central place in comic book narratives. "If I had those powers I would kill the crooks; but then you would be the villain and not the hero." Then again what do I know, untold billions have exchanged hands since,.....but at what cost? The "Seduction Of Innocents" may have been over blown but I just may produce an undercurrent of "acceptable actions" subconsciously. PEACE dear Sir and God bless.

[@pasalasaga]

I loved Superman: Peace on Earth

[@PurplePaddy]

To me when I see beast even though I’m 23 years old I see beast as a more grey because that was his original fur colour, and I always thought they just turned to blue for the sake of ink with little explanation kinda like hulk and I prefer a grey beast

[@Mr.Maguro]

It really shows how unlike older comic fans, younger readers have a preference for more stylized, less anatomically realistic character designs. As well as a more cynical, less optimistic approach to stories and characters. The generational gap definetly seems like the root cause of why comics appeal to them less than manga. Though far less heroic than the X-Men, Venom has a lot of outcast appeal and queer coding that reminds me of Devilman. There's something about a character who at first took on the form of a hero costume, loved being with his other at Peter's expense, and then became filled with bitterness once they were rejected. Choosing to be seen as the repulsive monster they are treated as.

[@sidhantraj3433]

I understand that you and I may feel more open towards venom. But if you were around back in the day you'd realise how annoying 90s antiheroes were and how they oversaturated the market.

[@Mr.Maguro]

@@sidhantraj3433 But we're not in the 90's. I'm not going to feel guilty for what I like because of a market that doesn't exist anymore. The comic book industry has a different set of problems now.

[@sidhantraj3433]

@@Mr.Maguro I never asked you to feel guilty. Just let him feel the way he does for the character.

[@Mr.Maguro]

@@sidhantraj3433 He can feel however he wants about the character, im still allowed to express my opinion.

[@sidhantraj3433]

@@Mr.Maguro fair.

[@robphoenix1182]

I thought this would be a 2 second video. With the answer being..."very well!" ;p

[@luisrosero1059]

SABRETOOTH SINISTER OMEGA RED PLEASE

[@tobiaskadachi]

Dr.Doom can be as iconic as Darth Vader. If only Marvel cared to make good movies nowadays.

[@biggj21]

Fantastic🥤🙆‍♂️🍿

[@eldibujante1472]

wow

[@johnlol8954]

🔥

[@nmbr1ctrman]

Always thought it was weird to draw venom withojt toes. It's not like he'd be wearing boots.

[@allshalo]

I prefer channeling the villain because they're overpowered. It reflects my opponents weakness or forces their evolution. They must have a team formation with a strategy, or develop a supernatural thinking to defeat me. A final lesson, making the student the master of both good & evil forces... That's why in Christianity we say the God of this dimension is The Devil. To deny the existence of evil would be to give into evil's seduction. So evil wins, because nature is by nature, evil. Victory is the unification of our conscious thinking of words, logic, & art - combined & formulated with our body of language & presentations of experience. We reject endings defined by defeat. Instead we create a new chapter of resurrection - a super hero - a rematch that allows our redemption & true representation of our spirit be displayed. The never ending fire of our deities - the life force we are connected to known as God. The villain creates a door to complete the circle of student, to teacher, to hero, to loser, to villain, to Victor-y, back to student. Thus being a teacher, shepherding the generations through the experience of both villain, hero, & in-between. The name - the label/words of evil forms our weapons, just as they create characters to combat with them. Suits of armor & weapons of calamity... Anyway, that's more confusing than I wanted to present it as. Yay team symbiote! Villains for the W!!!

[@henrysmith5784]

I personally hate the hulk sized iterations of Venom. Venom is supposed to be quick and lithe like Spiderman, but a bit more POWERFUL.

[@carlosfrostygreen6855]

Professor chaos

[@coeenc123]

Though he's DC,I just realized Alex has never done Bane

[@whitespyder9]

What do you mean "he's DC"? He's talking exclusively about Marvel characters in this video. But you're right, I've never seen Ross do Bane either.

[@coeenc123]

@@whitespyder9 That's the reason why I said it because Alex is talking about marvel characters in this video

[@navylaks2]

What is he talking about?, Venom was one of the coolest characters in the late 80s and all throughout the 90s. Eddie Brock and the symbiote are one.

[@sidhantraj3433]

It's more about the fact that venom is a 90s antihero which ross isn't really a fan of due to them oversaturating the market. Evidenced in kingdom come.(also illustrated by alex ross) Also they used to have more complicated leather, wannabe cool outfits that weren't as simple and recognizable as the classics. His venom is cleaner and simpler than some other versions of him.

[@lityfity4197]

bruh yeah

[@khalilnery]

Khalil a villain

[@grahaldmills5930]

#Venomisnotavillain!!!

[@MdEmon-kh8kj]

If draw a man God well think you are challenging

[@neoeyebeleave]

This was criminally boing, and hardly related to the title.

[@princenamor1939]

Not a fan of Venom nor McFarlane, thanks.

[@takuro1656]

u sir is a legend,thank you