Kelly Thompson has shared another behind-the-scenes look at the evolving world of Absolute Wonder Woman, most of which appeared in Absolute Wonder Woman Annual, out this week.
This marks the fourth installment in Thompson’s ongoing design spotlight series, which offers fans a deeper look at Sherman’s visual development for the Absolute Universe. (I previously reported on Thompson highlighting Sherman’s work a few weeks ago.)
In her latest post, Thompson urges readers to catch up on the most recent issues first, particularly Absolute Wonder Woman Annual #1, before diving into the design reveals.
“This post, more than the others I think, I do not advise you reading until after you’ve read the issues in question. The Annual in particular would be a bummer to experience outside the issue first. So go read the annual first and then come back!” As the reviewer of the issue I can attest, it’s an emotional issue that hammers home Wonder Woman’s pure goodness of heart.
The post first focuses on Athena, whose design originated with Sherman but was realized in the annual by artist Mattia De Iulis.
Thompson notes that seeing Sherman’s “genius and spectacle” of a design inspired her to script a major double-page spread reveal for the character in the annual. De Iulis then brought that moment to life on the page, translating Sherman’s intricate and imposing concept into finished interiors.
Reimagining the Gorgons
The post also highlights Sherman’s bold Gorgon designs for Medusa and her sisters Stheno and Euryale. Thompson praises their “weird cool faces,” emphasizing how distinct they are from more traditional portrayals of female characters in comics.
Readers previously saw the terrifying “Medusa” form, colored by Jordie Bellaire, when Diana transformed in Absolute Wonder Woman #5. The annual then presents De Iulis’ interpretation of Medusa in her current form when Diana encounters her.
As with previous installments, the post underscores how collaborative the Absolute line has been, with Sherman laying the groundwork for designs that other artists reinterpret across arcs and specials.
With four design deep-dives now released, Thompson continues to pull back the curtain on the creative process behind one of DC’s most visually daring relaunches.
But wait, there’s more! Thompson also shared additional designs and art, so go check out the rest of the Substack post!
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