Sadly there were no new Astro City stories, this year. Kurt Busiek has promised some more stories of our favorite superhero-filled metropolis. In the meantime, above is the wraparound cover for Astro City: Shining Stars which compiles several one-shots and mini-series that don't belong to any of the AC sagas such as Beautie and the two-part Astra Furst story.
A reissue of the legendary first five-issue Astro City arc is gathered in these two new tomes. On the left is the hardcover edition featuring a grandiose pose of Samaritan and the city.On the right you have more of a mix of characters. Both are great covers and although this is a story that has been reprinted ad nauseam, the covers are the gimmick for every collector.
It was good to see this cover (Action Comics #900 - left) and its reinterpretation of Action Comics #1 back in the spotlight after being put aside during Alex Ross' run on the title. It's a truly great cover!On the right we have Alex' contribution to the JLA 100 project which brought together 100 artists to make a cover for Justice League #50. All the original art was later auctioned and the covers compiled in both a hardcover and a softcover volume. Proceeds from the sale of all this is to benefit The Hero Initiative, a not-for-profit organization which helps golden age comic creators in need.
Hot on the heels of the successful TV adaptation of George R.R. Martin's seminal book, A Game of Thrones on HBO, Dynamite Entertainment snatched the rights for a comic book adaptation. The first arc would adapt the first book in the "Song of Ice and Fire" saga.Alex contributed with the covers for issues 1 and 2 (left and right respectively but due to scheduling conflicts with his other gazillion projects at D.E. he had to do only the 2 we see. I really dig the "epicness" of issue one but the mystery and the expression on fan-favorite Tyrion Lannister's face is golden.
Finally, Alex contributed with covers for more media-related comic book adaptations. On the left is the cover for a SUPER 8 preview, a mini comic book designed to tell a backstory to the movie of the same name.In the middle is the coolest mash-up ever in the realm of pulp characters. Zorro and The Lone Ranger have always been my favorite western characters and to see them together and painted by Alex is just a a dream come true.
Last but not least, classic movie monsters fans all over the world rejoice. Take a look at the cover for Godzilla - Monster World and bask in all its creepiness. Just noticed how Alex was able to capture all the scales in the japanese monster's hide. That's attention to detail!
