Rough Justice
Alex Ross is a modern master of comic book art. His photo-realistic paintings have brought to life Superman, Batman, and a pantheon of heroes and villains. In his previous collection, 鈥淢ythology,鈥� we got to see many of these paintings collected in one book. In his new book Rough Justice: The DC Comics Sketches of Alex Ross, we get a chance to see the pencil sketches behind those paintings and ones that he has done since.
This is a visual treasure trove with most pieces appearing for the first time in print. The art varies from loose roughs to very tight finished pencil drawings which allow you into the thought process behind some of his most famous work. To call most of these 鈥渟ketches鈥� seems like an understatement since they could stand on their own as a finished pieces. Even in black and white pencil, these works lose none of their power and drama. In addition to the work behind Ross鈥檚 paintings we get to see costume designs, model sheets for action figures based on his designs, Batmobile concepts, and even some of his typography work.
But the real jewels in this treasure chest are the aborted projects published here for the first and (unfortunately) last time. So step right up if you want to see Ross鈥檚 鈥淏atboy鈥� or his reimagining of 鈥淪hazam鈥�!
Throughout the book are Ross鈥檚 comments on his work. While he has his own unique style and vision for these characters, his love and respect for them and their history shines through in every word and pencil line.
Speaking of love and respect for your subject, the book鈥檚 editing and design is done by Chip Kidd, superstar of the world of book design. (Kidd also edited and designed 鈥淢ythology.鈥�) Kidd鈥檚 work showcases Ross鈥檚 art perfectly, keeping the text to a minimum and allowing the art to be as big as possible on the pages.
鈥淩ough Justice鈥� would be a welcome addition not only to the libraries of Alex Ross fans, but also to those of all fans of comic book art.
Rich Clabaugh is a staff artist at the Monitor.
