Convention - SDCC 2025 : Alex Ross Transforms Booth #2415 into a Museum of Superhero Art

By Mulder, San Diego, Convention Center, 23 july 2025

Each summer, San Diego Comic-Con transforms the sprawling halls of the San Diego Convention Center into a celebration of pop culture unlike any other, and year after year one of the most magnetic stops for both seasoned collectors and casual attendees has been the Alex Ross Art booth. In 2025, this tradition not only continues but reaches new heights, as Alex Ross—the celebrated American comic book artist whose hyper-realistic, painterly style has redefined how superheroes are envisioned—returns with a collection of exclusives and fine art that could easily belong in a museum. Located prominently at Booth #2415 and mirrored by an additional space at Booth #2515, the Alex Ross presence feels less like a vendor stall and more like a curated gallery, radiating the grandeur of his body of work. For those stepping into this space, there is an immediate sense of reverence: towering displays of iconic covers, meticulous lighting that enhances every brushstroke, and the intoxicating blend of nostalgia and innovation that has become his signature.

The centerpiece this year, and perhaps the most talked-about SDCC 2025 exclusive, is the Superman #1 Tribute Comic, a breathtaking homage to Joe Shuster’s 1939 cover that launched one of the most enduring symbols of hope in popular culture. True to form, Alex Ross has imbued the piece with a depth and realism that feels both timeless and fresh, offering two distinct versions to suit every type of collector. The A Cover features a vintage trade dress that mirrors the original’s golden age charm, while the B Cover is a striking virgin variant that strips away the text to let the art speak entirely for itself. Available in unsigned, signed, or CGC-graded editions, each format is meticulously packaged for preservation, making them treasures in their own right. The pricing—$40 unsigned for the A Cover and $50 for the B, escalating to $250 for CGC-graded editions—reflects the collectible’s premium nature while still inviting a broad spectrum of fans to own a piece of history. Pre-orders online began earlier in July, but nothing compares to holding the issue in your hands at the booth, surrounded by fellow admirers who understand its significance.

For those craving a burst of kinetic energy, the Street Fighter Prime #0 variant cover delivers in spades. Debuting on Preview Night, this exclusive captures Ken, Ryu, and Chun-Li mid-battle in a composition that crackles with movement. It’s a love letter to fighting game culture rendered in Ross’s trademark realistic style—a fusion of two worlds that appeals to both comic enthusiasts and gamers. Offered in unsigned, signed, and the elite CGC 9.8 Signature Series editions, each signed copy comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, underlining the prestige of the release. Its limited availability, combined with a pre-order window that vanished almost as soon as it opened, has already made it one of the most sought-after SDCC 2025 collectibles. Those lucky enough to secure one on the floor will likely be cherishing it for years to come.

Yet, perhaps the most artistically resonant debuts at the booth this year belong to the DC Villains series, created for the upcoming 2025 Heroes and Villains museum exhibit. The first two pieces—Joker and Harley Quinn—are rendered with a level of psychological nuance that elevates them beyond mere fan art into the realm of fine portraiture. Each 18″x24″ digital fine art print is signed, individually numbered, and limited to an edition of just 195. The unframed versions are priced at $150, while the framed editions, which truly showcase their gallery-ready quality, are available for $395. There’s also the irresistible Joker & Harley paired print, offered at $525 unframed or $995 framed—a combination that captures the chaotic allure of Gotham’s most infamous duo. These works are not just convention exclusives; they are cultural artifacts, tied to an exhibit that will cement Ross’s interpretations of these characters as definitive for a generation of fans.

Adding an unexpected layer of charm to this year’s offering is the booth’s exclusive trading cards, available with purchases starting on Preview Night. It’s a small gesture, but one that resonates deeply with fans who remember the heyday of comic-themed card collecting in the ’80s and ’90s. In an era where digital experiences often dominate, there’s something special about holding a tangible, pocket-sized piece of art from an artist whose work has graced everything from coffee table books to the opening credits of Spider-Man 2. This fusion of high-end art with playful nostalgia perfectly encapsulates what the Alex Ross Art booth has always stood for—a space where reverence for the medium coexists with the joy of fandom.

For those who know his history, every SDCC appearance by Alex Ross is a reminder of the unparalleled influence he has had on the visual language of comics. From his breakout work in Marvels with Kurt Busiek, to his seminal Kingdom Come collaboration with Mark Waid, to his painted reinterpretations of pop culture icons for both Marvel and DC, Ross has consistently proven that superhero art can be as emotionally and artistically rich as any traditional fine art form. His approach, blending gouache and wash techniques to achieve a “Norman Rockwell meets George Pérez” realism, has inspired countless artists and reshaped fan expectations. Standing at his booth, surrounded by decades of evolution in both his style and subject matter, is an experience that connects the attendee not just to the exclusives on display, but to the living legacy of an artist who has devoted his career to giving these characters the dignity and grandeur they deserve.

In the grand tapestry of SDCC 2025, where every aisle offers something vying for attention, the Alex Ross Art booth remains a destination that feels almost sacred to fans of illustrated storytelling. Whether you’re securing a coveted CGC-graded Superman tribute, marveling at the painterly ferocity of the Joker, or simply soaking in the ambiance of a gallery hidden in the chaos of the show floor, it is a reminder that some parts of Comic-Con transcend the transactional and become experiences in themselves. For newcomers, it’s a revelation; for returning fans, it’s a pilgrimage. Either way, Booth #2415 is not to be missed—because to skip it is to miss one of the truest beating hearts of SDCC.

You can discover our photos in our Flickr page here and here

Photos  and video: Boris Colletier / Mulderville