Today, writer Kelly Thompson is pulling back the curtain on the growing Absolute Universe following the debut of new characters and villains in Absolute Wonder Woman #16. In a new Substack post, Thompson shared behind-the-scenes details on several character designs tied to the emerging Absolute Suicide Squad, while teasing even bigger reveals still to come.
Thompson explained that she plans to regularly share design milestone posts with fans, and I’ve reported on her first share here. Now onto the third share, the designs give readers insight into how the Absolute Universe evolves visually and narratively. The latest post spotlights multiple characters introduced on the final page of Absolute Wonder Woman #16, which you can see below.
One of the biggest highlights is a closer look at Zatanna’s Absolute redesign. Thompson noted the updated costume, including previously unseen details like the back of her jacket, reflects the team’s broader effort to reimagine iconic DC characters through the darker, myth-heavy lens of the Absolute Universe. Certainly, the studs and mask convey that.
The post also showcases Aphrodite, a design that Thompson says quickly grew to be a favorite among the creative team. According to Thompson, Sherman’s earliest concept sketches immediately impressed editors and collaborators, locking in a look she describes as depicting the character’s mythological weight and thematic essence in a strikingly simple visual form.
I’m just curious what she might be hiding under that veil!
Thompson also revealed an upgraded look for Doctor Poison, dubbed “Doctor Poison 2.0.” While Thompson admitted she initially didn’t want to alter the character’s original costume, who appeared early in the run, the story demanded a new suit. Sherman’s redesign keeps the initial aesthetic intact while giving the character a more mobile and modern feel.
Beyond established villains, Thompson highlighted Ara, the Men-Fish Queen, building on the mysterious aquatic mythology introduced during the Maze arc. Though Ara plays a smaller role for now, Thompson suggested the character could return later as a recurring threat for Diana.
The Men-Fish themselves were also spotlighted, with Thompson praising how Sherman visually connects their design to Ara while guaranteeing she remains distinct and regal within the mythology. Eat your heart out, Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Another major tease involves a new version of Cheetah appearing in Absolute Wonder Woman. Thompson confirmed this incarnation is not Barbara Minerva, with the character’s identity set to be revealed in issue #17. Thompson hinted that the design intentionally appears “unfinished,” denoting a narrative reason behind the developing look. If you were to ask me, she looks a bit mangy.
Finally, Thompson revealed her excitement about writing Giganta, who plays a larger role in the upcoming Absolute Wonder Woman #17. Thompson teased that Giganta is especially enthusiastic about her villainous role.
Thompson also hinted that future Substack posts will spotlight additional character designs, including Athena, as the Absolute Universe continues to expand.
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