Kara Zor-El, better known as Supergirl, has had a rich and diverse comic book history. Among her most significant modern narratives is “Woman of Tomorrow,” a critically acclaimed miniseries released in 2021. This series quickly became a recommended starting point for readers interested in exploring Supergirl’s character, with its distinctive sci-fi focus. The series gained renewed attention when director James Gunn announced it as a conceptual foundation for the upcoming era of the DC movie universe.
“Woman of Tomorrow” has since become one of DC’s leading trade collections, partly due to anticipation surrounding the forthcoming “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” film, slated for release next year. Directed by Craig Gillespie and featuring “House of the Dragon” star Milly Alcock as Supergirl, the movie promises to draw heavily from the series, incorporating its characters and unique world setting.
During a visit to London, the creative team behind “Woman of Tomorrow”—writer Tom King, penciller Bilquis Evely, and colorist Matheus Lopes—reflected on their experiences. The team, working remotely from different continents during the COVID-19 pandemic, had only recently met in person. King expressed his initial nervousness about the meeting but explained how influential the collaboration had been.
The creative process for “Woman of Tomorrow” was marked by a strong synergy among the trio. King initially envisioned the story and characters, crafting the narrative with Evely’s artistic strengths in mind. Evely and Lopes, who had previously collaborated on “The Dreaming,” shared a complementary vision that brought the book’s universe to life with cosmic imagery and distinct aesthetics.
Supergirl’s story in “Woman of Tomorrow” isn’t defined solely by her character. The narrative is driven by Ruthye Marye Knoll, a young woman seeking vengeance for her father’s murder, whom Supergirl encounters. Ruthye becomes central to the book’s themes and serves as the heart of Kara’s journey. Originally conceived with Supergirl in the younger role, editorial changes led to Ruthye’s creation, further enriching the story.
The visuals and the emotional core of “Woman of Tomorrow” are deeply connected to the personal experiences of the creative team, especially Evely’s design choices for both Supergirl and Ruthye. Lopes aimed for a vibrant and diverse universe, contrasting Earth with different lighting and hues, which added a distinctive touch to the book’s presentation.
For King, Evely, and Lopes, the book’s success and its upcoming film adaptation have been significant milestones. The new interpretation of Supergirl has sparked interest beyond comic critics, with a film adaptation set as one of the first projects in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DC slate. The announcement of the film, inspired by “Woman of Tomorrow,” took the creative team by surprise, yet they express excitement for how it might influence and expand Supergirl’s mythology.
The legacy of “Woman of Tomorrow” is not only in its adaptation but in the personal significance and creative fulfillment it brought to its creators. Supergirl’s story, especially as conceptualized through this series, resonates deeply with King, Evely, and Lopes, each finding personal and artistic growth in its creation. The series stands as a testament to their shared vision and the creative heights they’ve achieved together. “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” in both its comic and film forms, continues to draw interest and admiration, set to reach audiences anew with the film’s anticipated release.
