Note: The following entries are the winners and finalists from the Wonder Woman Wardrobe War contest announced earlier this month, with prizes provided by Zeus Comics in Dallas, Texas. We received an astounding 79 entries. To determine the winners, our reviewers rated and reviewed each entry, the Zeus Comics team provided their ratings and reviews, and current Wonder Woman writer Gail Simone contributed her thoughts on each entry as well. We also decided to hand out some extra superlatives. The remaining entries are available over at the Zeus Comics website. - Dean
Introduction by Gail Simone.
Wow! I honestly had no idea the responses were going to be this amazing. I’m astounded not only by the designs and imagination, but quite a few of these are produced so beautifully that I’d love to see more work by these individual artists. Heck, some I would love to have on my wall, in fact! Great, great work. I had to ask the Zeus guys, “Hey, are these people all professionals already?” Just great stuff. Made my week.
As for the designs, I was looking at them strictly hypothetically, because (get ready to throw rocks) I actually really love Diana’s costume. I think of these as gorgeous Elseworlds designs, really. Some of the these did seem to get a little too complex and intricate for Diana ever to really wear–remember the artist has to draw the thing hundreds and even thousands of times! I like the ones that really went out on an artistic limb, and I also have a fondness for some of the more practical designs. I don’t think it’s really fair for me to vote, so I’m adding non-voting comments. I want to say, I also really liked a lot of the non-finalists. Beautiful work, everyone, and thanks to Zeus and Project: Rooftop for doing this, and the artists for contributing!
GRAND PRIZE WINNER!
Joe Quninones
Best Intricate Accesories!
Dean: 9. The first time I ever saw Joe’s art, it was in a submission to P:R, featuring Wonder Woman…which we rejected. Fortunately, it was the start of a great friendship and mutual fandom, and gosh dang it if Joe hasn’t rebounded from that first design with style and skill. I adore the intricately ornate elements here, especially juxtaposed with the keep-it-simple-superhero, primary colored spandex. The only things I’d like to see amended are the thigh boot tops.
Chris: 9.5. This is a great example of superb illustration and costuming coming together. The sculpted eagle on the front is great, although it might be a big confining (my wife says yes, but she could pull it off). If anything, I wish more thought had been put into the lasso. That would’ve made it a 10. And man, if Joe Quninones doesn’t have someone backing up a Brinks Truck to draw for them, they’re crazy.
Joel: 9.5. This drawing a definitely a ten. And the costume is right on it’s heels. The contrast between the modern simplicity of the leotard and the antique ornateness of the armor illustrates a lot of what this character is about. The only two incredibly minor quibbles I have with are: the tops of the boots, which look like they’d rub when she walks; and the relief-work on the bracelets, which might turn bullets in unpredictable ways.
Rachel: 10. Oh, wow. I take back everything I said about filigree. This is just - yes. It’s practical, it’s gorgeous - I love the detailing on the metal parts - and it looks like something she could move and fight in. While I agree with Joel about those boot tops, it’s otherwise just too perfect to mark down.
Zeus: 9. Joe is an amazing digital artist! Look how the ornamentation is placed on the armor and how the body is shaded. This is one of those pieces that could be worked on for another two months and the level of detail would just keep going and going.
Jess: 9. Absolutely stunning. My only quibble is the boots - it looks a little bit like she’s wearing metal slippers and leg warmers. Beautifully filigreed slippers and leg warmers, of course, but I can’t help thinking she’ll have to shuffle around to get anywhere.
Gail: Uh, wow? Again, this would be a contender if Diana’s costume really were up for grabs. Of everything shown in the finalists, this is definitely one that would work beautifully in the comics, AND it’s beautifully realized as a piece of design art.
FIRST PRIZE WINNERS!
Daniel Krall
Best Illustration!
Dean: 10. This design just rocks. The softer white lace elements contrast nicely with the leather and metal bodice, and the blue part of the skirt has a tough look, given the shape and stiffness. Continuing with the pretty-and-pummeling theme, Daniel has worked out some clever sandals + shin guards for this WW. Finally, Daniel’s inclusion of Wonder Girl scores an additional point in my rating.
Joel: 8. I like this drawing so much that it’s hard to see past it and figure out how I feel about the actual design. The combination of the sleeves and the kerchief-tiara almost makes this Wonder Woman look more Russian than Greek. The blue skirt-plates layered over cloth are a nice look, and just might weigh the cloth down enough to prevent some of the flying-in-skirt issues. I’m not sure I get the transition from the thin body of the eagle to the larger gold piece at the bottom of the bodice. Nice greaves and sandals. I agree that extra points are deserved for adding in Wonder Girl (to say nothing of the minotaur’s head), although I actually think Cassie’s design looks too complicated. I’d say both of these Wonders are in contention with Ming’s WW for Best Hair.
Chris: 8. This shows alot of spirit. Truly far more than a costume design but a pin-up depicting a hypothetical scene, if I were just to rate it as a pin-up I’d give it a 10.. but since we’re supposed to be focused on the costume, I’d have to drop down to an 8. WW’s design looks more 1800s America than any kind of European influence. But great pin-up… and Wonder Girl, she has a costume worthy of a 10.
Rachel: 8. It’s got that blend of WW-style patriotism (I’m seeing the 1800s American thing, too, Chris), modern interpretation of classical costume, and elegant martial feel that make me think of World Wars I and II poster art - something that I think fits Wonder Woman perfectly. Does it remind anyone else of Promethea? I also really like how simple the greaves and bracelets are on this design. There’s a battle-worn elegance to the plain gray metal that I think fits Wonder Woman beautifully, and it always frustrates me to see artists go overboard with the filigree.
Jess: 9. So, so awesome. I have to admit I shied away from the full 10 because I agree with the fellas that Diana’s costume is not particularly Greek, but it is fantastic. Love the boots, love the skirt, love the hair. And Cassie’s is nothing less than a 10.
Rachel: I really like that Cassie’s breastplate is articulated - that makes so much sense!
Zeus: 10. Wonder Woman is clearly more interested in checking her sword for dings than the state of her battle-damaged skirt. Meanwhile, Wonder Girl, who isn’t afraid of accessorizing in this piece, is eyeing that minotaur’s nose ring. She should pay more attention to partner who clearly shows that you can wear lace and leather together when you have serious bangs to pull it together.
Gail: Again, a beautiful piece of art. It’s hard for me to picture Wonder Woman in lace, but this image does sell it better than I would have thought possible. Daniel, you are extremely talented!
Jemma Salume
Most Elegant!
Dean: 9. Jemma’s strength as a designer is exemplified here by her ability to break away from many of Wonder Woman’s core design elements, add in some of her own, and still retain the visual identity of the character. I love the redistribution of Diana’s primary color scheme, and the added star details to the magic lasso. I assume the wings are merely a visual metaphor for Diana’s heroism and flying ability, but they look pretty cool for this illustration.
Joel: 9. What a lovely design, just as we’ve come to expect from Ms. Salume. Perhaps not the best for rough-and-tumble monster tusslin’, I like the thought that this is what Diana would wear on more formal occasions, like JLA press conferences or ambassadorial functions (I know, I know…).
Rachel: 8. I really, really like the way Jemma’s designed the neckline on this - it’s so regal. I can’t hack the hems of the tunic and underskirt, though - they seem awkward, especially against the otherwise graceful shape of the outfit.
Chris: 9. I would have never come up with this in a 100 years, and that’s why I love it so much. Jemma’s really coming from a different place than traditional American superheroes to make this work — I sense a bit of CLAMP going on here, but that may be just me. It all works here.
Joel: CLAMP?
Rachel: They’re an all-female animation studio in Japan. Dude, I can’t believe you don’t know who CLAMP is! You just lost so much geek cred.
Joel: I’m old, leave me alone! You kids with your crazy calypso music!
Jess: 9. Absolutely lovely. I agree that it’s perhaps not that practical for fisticuffs, but it’s striking and elegant. Diana looks like a goddess, but a nurturing one, not an untouchable one. This is definitely more of the peacemaker than the warrior.
Zeus: 9. Barry said her name should be Wonder Lass in the Legion of Superheroes. Finally some wings! I love it. She’s very ethereal here. Her truth seeking lasso seems to have a spirit of its own.
Gail: Jemma, you have a lovely deco style. While it feels just a bit ethereal for Diana’s day to day togs, I particularly like the lasso design and WW collar.
SECOND PRIZE WINNERS!
Carly Monardo
Best Classical Influence!
Dean: 9. I think this is my favorite historically referenced Wonder Woman I’ve ever seen, and there have been a few. Carly’s design strikes me as being Golden Age WW by way of HBO’s Rome. There’s an elegance to the solid molded breastplate and shin guards, but not in such an ethereal, pristine way that she looks unable to bust up some bad guys. Chris: 7. Really nice Greco-Roman influenced design. But as it stands, I couldn’t see a modern-day Wonder Woman wearing it — but maybe as a period piece. The high point of the design for me is the shin-guards though — I could really see those being put to good use.
Joel: 7. A great design, with lots of period detail. Maybe not right for day-to-day DCU wear, but swell for Themysciran shin-dings. I love the folds at the waist, and the more Roman-style chest plate. The greaves are nice, but the back plates are a little too tall: it’d be hard to completely bend the knee. I’m very curious about Carly’s intentions with the mask. Just a prop, or a new tool in Diana’s arsenal?
Jess: 7. I love the shin guards and the breastplate too, and the beautiful, strong draftsmanship, but the exposed feet seem impractical for combat. Something about the waist folds and the skirt strike me as somehow apron-esque, too. I love the muted color scheme, though - there’s something very dignified and elegant about it.
Joel: It’s a interesting point about the exposed feet, which show up in a lot of these designs. How invulnerable is WW these days? I’ve been assuming that she was pretty much bulletproof, and as such didn’t really need clothing for protective purposes. But then, that would make her signature bulletproof bracelets redundant.
Rachel: 8. Like everyone else, I’m a big fan of both the breastplate and the greaves, and I’d really like to see those two elements worked into an overall slightly more modern costume. The combination of elegance and practicality is really what Wonder Woman’s all about.
Zeus: 9. Is this the outfit worn during her trials? Love the mask if that’s the case. Everything about this outfit is practical — her hair is pulled up, she’s got a modicum of plating for battle, but still keeps all the ornaments of distinction. Her sandals and tied off skirt show how she comes from an earlier time too which is a great way to think about how life in Themyscira didn’t stray that far from the early Greeks.
Gail: Lovely design, and very appropriate for the pre-Patriarch’s World section of Diana’s story. I’d love to see Carly doing historical comics somewhere.
Ming Doyle
Best Hairstyle!
Dean: 9. There’s too much awesome here to go into too much detail, so I’d like to be the reviewer that points how the clever and practical hairstyle. Rocking. Ming, would you mind maybe, um, redesigning the entire DCU? And then altering time and space so I can go live there? Thanks. Bonus points for the spooky background.
Chris: 7. A great illustration here, but for actual costuming it’s less than perfect. The thigh boots are an inspired choice, but the torso portion needs some refining.
Joel: 9.5. You’re mad, Chris, stark raving mad. The torso is great! I spent a lot of time looking at Classical costumery this week, and this is a brilliant blending of Classical motifs with a modern sensibility. The only part that gives me pause is the semi-skirt, which might look exploitative in the hands of another artist.
Rachel: 9. Jumping on the Chris-Is-Nuts bandwagon: I adore the torso on this. Not only is it a beautiful, mindful design, but it also looks very wearable, like something a seasoned warrior would actually choose to dress herself in. I’d add a third tier to the front center of the skirt, but other than that, perfect.
Zeus: 9. Nobody at Zeus could say why we liked this outfit, we just do. I would never expect to see this outfit in a comic, save one from Vertigo perhaps.
Rachel: You’re right - it’s just too textured for a standard superhero outfit. But I think that’s also part of its appeal: it’s not what you’d expect to see.
Jess: 9. What I love most about this, I think, is that Ming brought in tons of Classical imagery, but then stuck a bodysuit and stockings underneath it all. No wafting around in flimsy drapery or getting chafed by sweaty boots for this Wonder Woman - she is both stylish, stylized, and prepared. Awesome.
Gail: Ming, this is just a stunning piece of art. The design is terrific, though I wonder about the black elements. However, I can’t stop admiring the art to criticize the design! Gorgeous.
Maris Wicks
Best Out-of-Continuity!
Dean: 7. Maris has clearly taken Diana in a direction that make not be quite what DC has in mind for their icon, BUT WHO CARES?! Rodeo Wonder Woman’s got an invisible horse! Whoo! That’s a big fat helping of awesomesauce in my book.
Rachel: 9. Words can’t describe how much I want to read comic books about the adventures of this character. In retrospect, I’m surprised at how seldom artists make the cowgirl - lasso connection, although I can’t imagine another Wonder Cowgirl as spunky and generally awesome as this one. Invisible horsey!
Jess: 9. Yeah, my favorite Elseworlds, Justice Riders, has a Sheriff Diana, but she’s not exactly the embodiment of adorability we’ve got here. The point is taken off for the Elseworldsliness of this, but otherwise, man, is this design a 10.
Chris: 7. In a design that DC would never do, but it reeks of awesomeness. I’d buy this comic.
Joel: 8. If DC ever puts out another volume of Bizarro Comics, they really need Maris on board. They really, really, need her on board. I mean, an invisible pony!
Zeus: 10. Well rope-n-hog-tie me, I love it! There isn’t anything about this Wonder Woman that isn’t totally awesome. Even the belt buckle is awesome. Where can I get one? This Western Wonder Woman is a surprising departure from any costume I’ve seen here. If she were in a kids comic, it’d be a smash success.
Gail: No gripes here. This is a Diana a million little girls would love, AND the art is to die for. It’s funny how impressive so many of these pieces are for the talent of the artists, even beyond the design work.
RUNNERS UP
Joel Priddy
Best Inelligible!
Joel: Alright, guys, in the spirit of dishing-it-out-and-taking-it, here’s my submission. It’s not in contention for any of the goodies (dagnabit), but I just couldn’t resist joining in on the fun. Don’t be gentle, now.
Dean: 10. The simple addition of the metal shoulder armor adds so much this design in terms of implying visual strength. The v-cut golden shorts tie into the armored look, but also have a pleasant cuteness. And of course, Joel rocks the footwear. These logo-branded sandals may be the best character-themed shoes I’ve ever seen. Extra point for the telekinetic display of magic lasso power, and the removable blue cape. Great job, Joel.
Rachel: 9. I love the design, but I see it as less fitting for the current Wonder Woman than for a grown-up Wonder Girl. The shine on the shorts strike me as a little peculiar, particularly since the breastplate seems to be made out of rigid metal, but I love their cut: Joel mentioned that he had looked at contemporary gymnasts for inspiration, and I can definitely see that here. And the classical Grecian cape ties everything together perfectly.
Chris: 9. This reminds me of my PWCW editor, Heidi MacDonald! I can’t really formulate an opinion past that.
Zeus: 9. She’s off to face her arch enemy Rich Johnston aka Dr. Gossip. Total lie: last year, at SDCC, Heidi walked everywhere in flip flops, now I know why.
Joel: Looking at all the wonderful designs people have submitted, I wish I’d taken my design further afield. I tried to start from scratch, and built this costume out of combined references to Greek vase-painting and contemporary gymnasts. But, in the end, it looks like all I did was get rid of the star-spangled shorts. I think my favorite element is the chlamys/cape, which was a total after-thought.
Jess: 9. She somehow looks both ethereal and strong here, which is an impressive feat. I do like the costume a lot, but think it suffers from a lack of blue, which is why I’m also giving mad props to the cape, which I think really ties the whole thing together.
Gail: Boy, a lot to love here! I love the whole outfit but the tunic design is a particular winner, and Diana’s face and tone here are right on the mark for an imaginative and powerful image.
