Photo Essay: ICON VIP Reception Features Priceless Alex Ross Art And Pricey Cash Bar

The inaugural ICON Festival of Comic & Narrative Art kicked off with a VIP reception Friday night in Los Angeles, offering select attendees the chance to gaze at some stunning Alex Ross paintings while rubbing shoulders with a few comic book artists.

The soiree, in LA’s historic Biltmore Hotel, featured such artists as Frank Cho, Cat Staggs, Willie Ito, and Ryan Ottley alongside dozens of festivalgoers who paid extra to be VIPs, which included admission to the reception.

Aside from Ross’ paintings, some attendees who spent $375 for VIP tickets were put off by the cash bar. Oddly, the bar was the only source of cold beverages at the reception; there wasn’t even a hotel water station. I paid $38 plus tip for a Heineken and two sodas. To make matters worse, the main reception hall also felt crowded for the occasion, despite not having enough standing tables for attendees as they munched on their poke bowls and carne asado tacos.

On the plus side, comic book legend J. Scott Campbell made a surprise appearance.