Marvel’s new Fantastic Four epic Full Circle is revealed in new Alex Ross art

For the past 30 years, comic book artist Alex Ross has redefined the Marvel and DC pantheon of heroes through hyper-realistic painting. From his acclaimed work in the graphic novel rich come to countless iconic covers (including a recent run on Immortal Hulk) and illustrations that gave soul to Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, Ross’s style bridges the past, present and future of comic book characters through works that could easily sit alongside fine art. But in his new graphic novel, he steps out of his comfort zone and into the negative to infuse Marvel’s first family with mind-blowing psychedelic energy.

The 64 page Fantastic Four: Complete Circle finds Ross for the first time as both an artist and a writer, notably returning to a number of 1960s Stan Lee/Jack Kirby storylines Fantastic Four #51, in which Sam Ben Grimm meets his doppelganger in the antimatter universe. In homage to Lee and Kirby’s printing style, Ross also turned his painting process on its head, opting for solid color, swapping watercolor for black ink, shading in a whole new style, and adding a digital dot matrix effect. The result has Roy Lichtenstein flair and is still uniquely Ross.

In anticipation of Fantastic Four: Complete Circle‘s release, Polygon presents a new set of inside pages from the book. After the Thing’s doppelganger travels back to Reed Richard’s laboratory in our universe, all hell breaks loose – from the guy’s mouth. In Ross’ hands, being kicked out is pure comic spectacle.

And here’s another taste of the breathtaking horrors within:

Image: Alex Ross/Abrams ComicArts

And finally, take a look at Ross’ process in designing the book’s incredible cover:

Fantastic Four: Complete Circle arrives wherever graphic novels are sold on September 6th.

Fantastic Four: Complete Circle

Prices at time of publication.

Alex Ross’ new graphic novel delves into the past to completely reinvent the first Marvel family