Alex Ross studied art at the American Academy of Art in Illinois before becoming one of Marvel's most talented comic artists. He made his debut in 1990 with the 'Terminator: The Burning Earth' mini-series, which was published by Now Comics. He cooperated with writer Kurt Busiek on the all-painted 'Marvels' mini-series in 1994. He also became the cover artist of Busiek's 'Astro City'.
He went on to do draw/paint such mini-series as 'Kingdome Come' with writer Mark Waid in the second half of the 1990s. Between 1998 and 2001, he drew four big sized one-shot comics to commemorate the 60th anniversaries of some of the best-known DC characters: 'Superman: Peace on Earth', 'Batman: War on Crime', 'SHAZAM!: Power of Hope', and 'Wonder Woman: Spirit of Truth'. He then teamed up with writer Jim Krueger to create the 'X' trilogy.
Alex Ross was an influence on Harald Stricker.