Mythology: The DC Comics Art of Alex Ross

by Alex Ross

Book Overview

EISNER AWARD WINNER - NATIONAL BESTSELLER - Here is the incomparable cast of the DC Comics universe: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Aquaman, the Green Lantern, and the rest of the Justice League as you've never seen them before.

Mythology brings together the best-loved comic characters in the world, brought to life by one of the most astonishing young artists working in the medium today, Alex Ross. The award-winning...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375422404
• ISBN13: 9780375422409
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: Pantheon Books
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 3.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 9.3" x 12.3"

Customer Reviews

The magic of superheroes, recaptured

Alex Ross brought a new technique and style to superhero artwork that had never quite been seen before in comics. Working almost exclusively in watercolor gouache, he brought a photorealistic style that takes almost everyone's breath away. It marvelously recaptures the essential thrill of comic books: the fantasy of what it would be like if a man could really fly, or run at incredible speeds, or had a magic ring that could do anything. He's often been compared to Norman Rockwell (in his hyperrealism and love of dramatic facial expression), but Ross is his own artist. His intense love of dramatic composition, lighting, and figural motion suggests his roots also extend to the greats of comic artwork, including Dick Sprang, Steve Ditko, Gil Kane, and Neal Adams.This wonderful collection captures many of his childhood attempts at art and documents not only his changing style but also his creative process (using live and inanimate models, photography, and high-contrast lighting). It also showcases a plethora of his best work for DC, and even includes many rare and uncollected images done for fan publications and even a collector's plates series (!). The fancy-shmancy book design by designer and comics fan Chip Kidd is sometimes a drawback (too many images are sometimes crammed into one doublepage spread, reducing the detail to the detriment of all the images), but the book is terrific nonetheless. It greatly benefits from commentary by Ross throughout explaining what he finds interesting and exciting about each classic Golden and Silver Age comics character.

Visually fantastic!

If you have to buy just one published book or comic having to do with Alex Ross, "Mythology" is it. The book is, for the most part, a visual retrospective on Alex Ross' works on DC characters. This edition is thin on text, but heavy on well reproduced yet great artwork. I, being an illustrator myself, really appreciate all the rough drawings and sketches included in the book, because they really show you the methode to Ross' madness.I also recommend this book for those interested in learning illustration techniques and watercolor. Interestingly enough, you learn a great deal by observing how Ross tries to capture light and color through his work. There is even a page mentioning Andrew Loomis, the great late illustrator and one of Ross' influences. One can definitly see how the artist has drawn inspiration from the golden age illustrators and those of the 40's and 50's. His depiction of Superman is by far my favorit.

Incredible Book

If you are as big a fan as me of Alex Ross, then rush out a find a copy of this book. No matter what. It gives everything you need to know about his art and the stories behind them. It shows the evolutions of his characters and his backgrounds into how they came to be. If you are in love with comics and the characters then get this. It really shows his love for them as well. From full page spreads to single sketchbook black and white shots, its has it all. Chip Kidd did a wonderful job putting it together and the book is a great read as well. I've been waiting a long time for the definitive Alex Ross book and it's finally here. It's worth every penny.

A must have for Ross fans (6 stars)

I have seen Alex Ross refered to as the Norman Rockwell of comic book artists. I would compare him more to Michelangelo, reflecting more of his genius, breaking of the mold, realism, dynamism, depiction of superheroes as divine beings, and being light years ahead of his contemporaries (using this comparison I guess that Greg Horn might be Ross' Raphael). I have been collecting Alex Ross covers, interior art, posters, lithographs, treasury editions, Wizards covers and interior art, sculptures, and busts even before Marvels #1 came out. I have read many of the interviews that have been published over the years, and have had the pleasure of meeting him and seeing him in person three times. I have a scrapbook including most of his published work. In spite of being so familiar with this comic book Michelangelo, I was still awe-struck and amazed at seeing so much of his artwork presented in such a stylized, attractive manner by Chip Kidd. I think it was the breadth and totality of his DC work that is overwhelming. I have enjoyed his art immensely but in a piecemeal fashion, taking it in small doses from month to month and eagerly awaiting each new work as previewed in Previews or Wizard. But to see it all together in a single volume, page after sumptuous page, will leave Alex Ross fans very happy and eager to see a Marvel version of his work. After seeing this book for the first time, it has sky-rocketed ahead to being the favorite and most cherished book in my collection- not only of the comics and graphic art genre but of all my books. If left on a deserted island I will want to be sure and bring this book along to enjoy again and again. The cover from Wizard #99 is reproduced without any copy. This is the only time I have ever seen this image intact and without any additional copy. I think that this would make a wonderful lithograph and was glad to see it presented here. The only criticism I have is that the final three pages were not a gatefold. These pages feature recent covers from Wizards #141 (Bats), #144 (Supes), and #146 (Wonder Woman). Perhaps this will come out as a lithograph or poster in the near future, but it would have been a nice touch to put these three images together in a coherent whole as it was originally intended in a fold out gatefold. Just as Wizard has come out with a second edition of their Alex Ross Millenium Edition, hopefully we will have a second edition of Myhtology to incorporate Alex's future DC art. If so, let's put these images together insted of having them on successive pages. A small criticism in light of how much I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Highest possible recommendation. Look forward to the Marvel version!!!!

Mythology: The DC Comics Art of Alex Ross

I had forgotten I ordered this until it came in the mail today. It's a pretty amazing piece of work. If you are an artist (like me) it's almost a text book on how to do it correctly. I found the highlight to be the last few pages of the book where Mr. Ross explains exactly how he created the cover from initial concept sketches to photography through finished art. The book also contains several things I'd never seen before or had just seen poorly printed or web versions of. Just amazing. Well worth the asking price.