The surface design for Black Adam is a striking fusion of ancient and modern aesthetics, reflecting the character’s powerful mythological origins while integrating bold, contemporary elements that emphasize his complex, anti-heroic nature. Inspired by Black Adam’s deep connection to ancient Egypt, the design features intricate symbolic patterns and textures drawn from hieroglyphics, stonework, and the armor of mythological gods, evoking a timeless sense of strength, mysticism, and otherworldly power.
Vintas Member: Maybelle Pineda
Client: DC
Role: Surface Designer (Costume Department), Client and vendor relations
Date: 2023
Cuneiforms
Maybelle found the formative stages of developing dimensional prints to be one of the most exciting aspects of the project, beginning on her very first day. Collaborating closely with Kurt and Bart, she tackled design challenges and contributed to the ambitious task of shaping the film’s surface aesthetic. The dimensional prints were provided by By Design.
Contribution
This project also marked Maybelle’s first opportunity to work with Russ’s team at Film Illusions Inc., an experience for which she remains deeply grateful to Kurt and Bart. She played a crucial role in developing surface designs for the super suits featured in DC’s Black Adam, a spinoff of Warner Bros. and New Line’s Shazam! (2019). The film was released on October 21, 2022. Below is an overview of the design process behind these iconic super suits.
Film Illusions Inc.
Cyclone
Over the past few years, she has contributed to sigils and emblem designs, and she is especially appreciative of Kurt and Bart for providing her with the opportunity to take part in the creative process behind Cyclone’s sigil in Black Adam. Presented here are the initial sketches and brushstroke explorations from the early stages of development.
Dr. Fate
For this movie, Maybelle was tasked with creating the digital texture repeat used on Doctor Fate’s costume in Black Adam. The asset was later shared with the VFX team for further integration. After numerous explorations and creative direction from Kurt and Bart, the team finalized a design that incorporated the ancient ankh symbol as the base, enriched with hieroglyphics to enhance the visual storytelling. Despite the fast turnaround, Maybelle was thrilled to see her final texture make it into the film. Shown here are the initial sketches she presented at the start of the creative process.
