Check that out below, along with some exclusive preview pages from the book.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: This is your first time editing a book.
How did you end up doing it and what was the experience like for you?
ALEX ROSS:Im more of an editorial contributor by default.
It was something I suggested doing to the publisher after he approached me about doing another book on me.
I said, You know, thats kind of been done already.
What about this subject matter?
Because theres a whole world of painted comics that existed before I had my career in this business.
So it was born out of that conversation.
Why did it take 13 years to finish this book?
That took a long time for it to be prioritized.
The writer, Chris Lawrence, did his job right away and submitted his manuscript very early on.
If anybodys the true editor of it, I would say it was Chris.
How much did you know about the history of painted comics going in to this project?
Theres so much unique perspective to give here.
That transfer has happened, going way far back.
Why are comics the only print medium for painting left?
The entire substance of comic books is to create images with an artists interpretation.
Thats the whole way you bring these fantastic things to life.
The fact that painting could find a home in the world of comics is a unique thing.
In my time working in the business in the 90s, it was still growing in acceptance.
That was one of those things that had to be loosened up.
Yeah that is actually a big reason I was pushing for the book to get made.
What do you hope readers and comic fans take out of this book?
That theres a ton of stuff thats worth checking out.
Theres a lot of people currently working who are making painted illustration happen, whether covers or interiors.
One of those names would be a very talented guy named Daniel Lacuna.
He does regular comics for Marvel.
This stuff is digitally painted, but its the same tradition.
I think thats the value of painted comics.
If its done well enough, it makes that experience more vivid.
How have you seen the tradition of illustrated comics change even in your time working on it?
Any other hopes you have from this book?
