http://jamalligle.blogspot.com/2012/01/from-vaults-supergirl-58-finale-part-1.html
Here, Igle reviews some of the concept art for the Dollmaker, the Toyman's estranged and insane son. Above was the settled on design which works well giving him a sort of 'wetworks' feel with the apron.
But here were the other designs.
The tophat and goggles look gives him a steampunk feel, something Jamal Igle says Sterling Gates was going for. But it also smacks a bit too much of the Mad Hatter, especially the Depp Mad Hatter.
Igle says he wanted a demented 'Little Lord Fauntleroy' feel to the Dollmaker and so came up with this design. But DC said it looked too much like Klarion. I agree.
And then there was this design with the Dollmaker as an angry young modern man. I am glad this wasn't decided on. For one, this looks too ordinary ... like a kid that lives in anyone's neighborhood. You need a good super-villain look to be a ... well ... to be a super-villain.
Jamal reviews #59 here: http://jamalligle.blogspot.com/2012/01/from-vaults-supergirl-59-final-issue.html
Here is a closing statement by him:
Thank You Sterling, for being one of the best creative partners I've ever had. Thank you Keith Champagne, Jon Sibal, Marc Deering, John Dell and Robin Riggs for keeping up with my maddening exponentially growing obsession with detail. Thank You Nei Ruffino, Blond and Tom Chu for the beautiful color work you did. Thank you to all of the letterers who worked on the series. Thank you Nachie Castro, Wil Moss and Matt Idelson for showing faith, allowing me to experiment visually and pushing me to imrpove.
Most of all, Thank you Supergirl fans, for the love and occasional ire that you showed me over the years.
Most of all, Thank you Supergirl fans, for the love and occasional ire that you showed me over the years.
And I don't know what to say back except thank you Jamal. Thanks for everything. Your approach to the character, the costume, the story-telling. Your run with Sterling Gates was really a high point for the character.