David Bridges
Explore the Impact of Woman of Tomorrow on Supergirl’s Legacy
Kara Zor-El has experienced numerous transformations throughout her extensive and sometimes unconventional comic book history; however, perhaps no work has been as pivotal to her contemporary portrayal as Woman of Tomorrow. Since its release in 2021, this acclaimed miniseries established itself as the definitive starting point for readers eager to dive into the Supergirl saga, offering a unique twist with its sci-fi elements. The narrative took another exciting turn when James Gunn casually mentioned that this comic would influence his new direction for the DC movie universe.
Anticipation Builds for Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow Movie Adaptation
Currently, Woman of Tomorrow stands out as one of DC Comics’ flagship titles, fueled by the excitement surrounding the upcoming film adaptation, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Directed by Craig Gillespie and featuring Milly Alcock—known for her breakout role in House of the Dragon—as Kara, the anticipation is palpable. Fans are thrilled to discover that the film not only shares the book’s catchy title but also intricately weaves its world and characters into the storyline. The first glimpses of the film echoed iconic panels from the comic, reinforcing the connection between the two mediums.
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team’s Journey with Woman of Tomorrow
During a recent visit to London, io9 had the opportunity to talk with the creative minds behind Woman of Tomorrow—writer Tom King, artist Bilquis Evely, and colorist Matheus Lopes. They had just returned from the film set, where they witnessed their work being brought to life. This moment was not just about the adaptation; it symbolized the remarkable journey that the creative team has embarked on over the past few years, culminating in their first in-person meeting.
Writer Tom King Reflects on the Excitement of Collaboration
“For me, it was nerve-wracking,” King confessed to io9 at a quiet London restaurant. “We’ve been collaborating for nearly six years, and I worried about what would happen if Bilquis and Matheus met me in person and thought, ‘Oh my god, that guy’s horrible.’ I’m eager to keep their creativity flowing in my inbox and witness the incredible heights they reach.” His nervousness was palpable as he expressed his admiration for their artistic talents.
Artist Bilquis Evely Shares Her Thoughts on Meeting Tom King
“I was very nervous to meet [Tom],” Evely admitted. “Despite having worked together for so long and reading his writing, it felt like meeting a friend for the first time. Finally seeing him in person during this special moment, visiting the film set, was significant.” Her excitement reflected the bond they’ve developed through their collaborative efforts.
Colorist Matheus Lopes Talks About His Connection with the Team
Colorist Lopes approached the meeting with a sense of preparedness. “I wasn’t as nervous because I had watched many podcasts to learn about Tom’s personality,” he shared. “I felt a connection to him beyond the scripts, which made the in-person meeting feel comfortable.” His experience highlights the unique dynamics of their collaboration.
The Unique Creative Journey of Woman of Tomorrow
The creative process behind Woman of Tomorrow was anything but typical. The project commenced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, isolating King, Evely, and Lopes across vast distances. Their communication was limited, often not even through video calls. By the time Evely and Lopes were submitting early pages for the comic, King had already penned most of the scripts for the series. This unusual workflow presented unique challenges but also allowed for a distinctive artistic synergy.
Tom King’s Vision for the Comic’s Narrative
“I feel this is so beautiful and distinctive, and I have one superpower,” King humorously remarked. “I can visualize in my mind what a comic book will look like. It stems from spending my youth immersed in comic books. I envisioned what [Bilquis] would bring to my script, and I wrote a story that I believed she would create. To my delight, she exceeded my expectations. The creative process for me was about crafting the best story and then witnessing her bring it to life.”
Artist Bilquis Evely Discusses Their Creative Synergy
“That’s why we work so well together,” Evely chimed in. “Tom writes what needs to be written, and I bring my artistry to the project. It’s a harmonious partnership.” Their collaboration has already yielded fruitful results beyond DC Comics with their swords-and-sorcery series Helen of Wyndhorn at Dark Horse, and further projects may be on the horizon as King brainstorms ideas for their next venture together.
Collaboration: The Heart of the Woman of Tomorrow Experience
The collaborative spirit that united King, Evely, and Lopes was a key factor in their attraction to Supergirl. “From the outset of my career, I’ve always prioritized the team I work with over the characters themselves,” King explained. “Initially, I was looking for another Mr. Miracle project and asked my editor if there was something we could explore. When I learned that Supergirl was available, I immediately recognized her incredible potential. The first artist mentioned was Bilquis, and I didn’t need to look at anyone else. I thought, ‘Are you kidding? She’s interested in Supergirl?’”
Understanding Supergirl’s Unique Perspective
In discussing Supergirl’s character, King reflected on a conversation with writer Steve Orlando. “I expressed that she seemed somewhat generic, sharing the same values as Superman,” King recounted. Orlando countered, emphasizing that Supergirl’s experiences—having lived on Krypton and witnessed its destruction at a young age—shaped her perspective uniquely. Unlike Superman, who arrived on Earth as a baby, Supergirl carries the weight of her traumatic past, influencing her outlook on heroism and the universe.
Introducing Ruthye: The Heart of the Story
While Kara Zor-El is undoubtedly a central character, Woman of Tomorrow introduces another pivotal figure: Ruthye Marye Knoll. This young woman from an alien world crosses paths with Supergirl on her 21st birthday, seeking vengeance for her father’s brutal murder by a mercenary. Ruthye becomes the emotional core of Kara’s journey, embodying the book’s themes of revenge and redemption. “I envisioned an Odyssey-like plot, complementing my earlier work, Up in the Sky, which also involved a journey across planets,” King explained. “Initially, I considered making Supergirl the younger character, but my editor, Brittany [Holzherr], suggested making her the veteran. That’s when I created Ruthye, and we were off to the races.”
Bilquis Evely’s Artistic Vision for Ruthye
“When I first saw the pitch for the miniseries, I instinctively knew how to approach Ruthye’s design and her world,” Evely shared. “I envisioned cosmic imagery and showcased elements that reflected the essence of the story. Every detail in the panels tells a part of Ruthye’s history. My passion lies in crafting backgrounds and expressions to convey her emotions throughout the scenes.”
Contrasting Designs of Kara and Ruthye in Woman of Tomorrow
Evely’s artistic choices for Kara present a distinct contrast to the fantastical sci-fi aesthetic of the rest of Woman of Tomorrow. “In my portrayal, I wanted to reflect her maturity despite her youth, showing how she has been shaped by her experiences,” Evely explained. “I strive to depict her in a way that feels relatable and human, capturing her essence through subtle nuances in her posture and expressions.”
Exploring the Diverse Worlds of Woman of Tomorrow
The creative vision that Evely and Lopes brought to Woman of Tomorrow was a refreshing departure from the traditional storytelling within the DC Comics universe, which often revisits familiar themes. “I was wrapping up The Dreaming, a cosmic narrative, and I wanted to infuse that same aesthetic into Supergirl,” Evely noted. “In Supergirl, we had the opportunity to explore even more, as we traversed various planets, each allowing us to create distinct worlds and experiences. This exploration fueled our creative imaginations.”
Colorist Matheus Lopes Discusses His Vision for Alien Worlds
Lopes shared his intent to create a universe bursting with diversity. “I wanted every location in the book to feel unique and vibrant, reflecting the vastness of the universe,” he explained. “For example, I intentionally avoided blue skies until the final issue. Instead, I introduced shades of green and yellow to create a distinct atmosphere. I hope readers notice these subtle yet significant choices, particularly in coloring characters like Ruthye and Krem, who have pink and purple eyes, respectively. This was my effort to showcase diversity beyond Earth, bringing different hues to life.”
Evely and Lopes: A Harmonious Artistic Collaboration
The synergy between Evely and Lopes on Woman of Tomorrow was cultivated from their previous collaboration on The Dreaming. “Whatever project Bilquis chose after The Dreaming, I was eager to join,” Lopes expressed. “When she selected Supergirl, it was exhilarating. For this project, I made a choice I usually avoid: I established the comic’s style and feel before fully absorbing the script. This decision was shaped by the pandemic, a tough time for me and everyone else. I aimed to inject vibrant colors into a dark world, and it turned out to be a perfect fit.”
The Artistry Behind Woman of Tomorrow: Balancing Light and Darkness
The collaborative energy also resonated deeply within the thematic contrasts of Woman of Tomorrow. The narrative, driven by Ruthye’s quest for vengeance, grapples with the complexities of violence. Krem’s brutal actions across the cosmos create a stark juxtaposition against the book’s stunning visuals. Evely shared her approach: “I strive to infuse a sense of comfort and beauty, even in darker settings. During this project, I faced significant stress and burnout from prior commitments. Yet, the essence of Supergirl reignited my passion for comic-making.”
King’s Creative Process and the Emotional Connection to Supergirl
King’s initial attraction to Supergirl stemmed from her tragic backstory, which has shaped her identity. “One interesting aspect about Kara is her origins—created by Otto Binder as a tribute to his daughter, who tragically passed away shortly after,” King explained. “This haunting legacy has always resonated with me. Supergirl embodies a blend of strength, vulnerability, and a depth that sets her apart from Superman.” King’s vision infused the narrative with themes of resilience and compassion, grounded in Kara’s profound experiences.
The Unexpected Film Announcement and Its Impact on the Team
The creative team’s vision for Supergirl has garnered attention beyond critical acclaim. In January 2023, James Gunn and Peter Safran announced that Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow would be one of the initial films in their revamped DC cinematic universe, drawing inspiration from the comic’s unique interpretation of Kara’s struggles. For the team behind the book, the news was both thrilling and unexpected, especially as trade collections began to sell out following the announcement.
Visiting the Film Set: A Surreal Experience for the Creative Team
“When the film announcement broke, it was fantastic because I knew people would turn to the comic for context,” Evely shared, reflecting on the moment. Lopes added, “The news felt distant at first, but as we visited the set, it became tangible. It’s surreal to witness our creation come to life.” Evely echoed this sentiment, expressing comfort in seeing the dedication and talent of the filmmakers, validating the heartfelt effort they poured into the comic.
Tom King’s Emotional Connection to the Story
King’s previous experience in the DC film realm, including his work on the now-canceled New Gods film, added to the emotional weight of seeing Woman of Tomorrow integrated into the larger vision for the DC universe. “I strive to maintain a cynical perspective, especially to relate to my children, but when they revealed the film’s scope, I was overwhelmed with emotion,” King shared, humorously adding that he discreetly wiped away tears while trying to appear composed.
Supergirl as a Gift: Reflecting on Cultural Impact
King drew parallels between his experiences with Supergirl and the impact of characters like Miles Morales, created by Brian Michael Bendis. “Being with a character like Supergirl feels like carrying a gift; it’s a privilege,” King expressed, encapsulating the joy and responsibility of portraying such a beloved character.
A Sense of Ownership Over Their Vision of Supergirl
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Brandon Fletcher
Daniel Mercer
