When asked where his inspiration comes from Russell cites Jack Kirby.

I would have to say Jack Kirby. I picked up my first Jack Kirby comic around 11 or 12 and it was something about his keen visual narrative that set off an explosion in my mind. I later had the chance to meet him and he became a great friend and mentor. I’ve applied his narrative techniques in all of my films. I believe to this day that comics are one of America’s most powerful art forms.

Via The Movie Blog.