New documentary digs into Alex Ross' impact on comics

Flashback: Long before creators and fans bonded online over their shared love of comics, "drink and draws" brought them together at places like Torchlight Cafe.

• "Things were exploding with lots of indie publishers, artists experimenting with all types of characters, and yes, some competition," documentary producer Sal Abbinanti tells Axios. "We were young and didn't have any money or kids or mortgages. We just drew and shared it and weren't afraid to fail. It was a glorious time."

What they're saying: "There are very few painters in comics, especially these days, where much is done digitally. Alex's process is totally analog and he's incredibly prolific," the film's director Remsy Atassi tells Axios. "It's a wonder to see him work."

If you go: "The Legend of Kingdom Come" screens at 7pm Saturday at Music Box Theatre.

What's next: The exhibition "Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains" opens June 29 at the Dunn Museum of Lake County in Libertyville.