Heroes & villains brought to life.

• Position: Museums Today

OVER THE LAST two decades, caped crusaders literally have been flying off of the pages and covers of comic books and graphic novels, due in large part to the work of one very talented illustrator: Alex Ross. Known for his unique, photorealistic renderings of such beloved superheroes as Superman, Batman, and SpiderMan, Ross helped revitalize the comic book industry, capturing a new generation of readers, and bridging the gap between comic and fine art. No wonder he has been called "the Norman Rockwell of the comics world."

"Heroes & Villains: The Comic Book Art of Alex Ross" is the first museum exhibition celebrating the art of this talented individual. Organized by the Andy Warhol Museum, the exhibit presents a comprehensive look at the career of the artist. It features more than 130 works, including paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculptures from Ross' personal collection. Spanning the artist's life and career, the exhibition showcases rarely seen works--from his early crayon drawing of Spider-Man, created at the age of four, to his groundbreaking work for such books as Marvels, Justice, and Kingdom Come. "Heroes & Villains" reveals Ross' personal and artistic goal to redefine comic books for a new generation.

The exhibition also pays homage to the artist's inspirations, including original work by his mother Lynette Ross, Frank Bez, Andrew Loomis, Rockwell, and Warhol. The latter was a huge comic book fan; his "Myths" series mirrors many of the subjects depicted in Ross' work.

"Just as millions of readers in the 20th century were introduced to the world of art courtesy of Norman Rockwell, that tradition continues today thanks to Ross' beautifully painted illustrations, which combine photographic realism and imaginative storytelling," says Laurie Norton Moffatt, director and CEO of the Norman Rockwell Museum.

Born in 1970 in Portland, Ore., and raised in Lubbock, Texas, Ross grew up in a world of colorful, painted images, as his mother was a successful commercial illustrator. At just three years of age, Ross was drawing TV commercials from...