written by Alex Ross
edited by Chip Kidd

Alex Ross is one of the most iconic artists in comics’ history. His painted works are beautiful, and unique in many ways. He often uses real-life models to help him flesh out the otherworldly and superpowered characters who populate comics, and as designer and editor Chip Kidd explains in his introduction to Rough Justice, all of Ross’s paintings begin with a pencil sketch.

Rough Justice is a collection of Ross’s bold and imaginative work with DC Comics. From the cover image of Superman to page after page of some of the most recognizable characters to ever grace the page, you can tell that Ross is dealing with the best of the best. Rough Justice also includes Ross’s notes on two proposed series he had attempted to sell to DC: one on the son of Batman and the other on Capt. Marvel.

If you have any aspirations to be a comic artist, then Rough Justice is nothing short of essential. To read Ross’s own comments on his work in progress is a rare treat. Even if you’re just a fan, there’s a treasure trove to be explored here. Fans don’t often get to see the sausage being made, so to speak, when it comes to the comics process, and this look into it is more than just fun. It’s fascinating. Much like Ross’s artwork itself.

-- John Hogan

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