A new photo from the upcoming series Naomi offers a glimpse at the protagonist’s alien mentor. Based on the comic books of the same name co-written Brian Michael Bendis and David F. Walker and illustrated by Jamal Campbell, the Naomi adaptation was developed by Ava DuVernay. The series is set to follow the titular character, who, in the pages of Wonder Comics, lived a fairly regular life until she begins to question whether she has any connections to superheroes.
The upcoming television series will look to continue in that vein, as actress Kaci Walfall steps into the role of Naomi. Described as a cool, down-to-Earth teen, Naomi runs a fan-site about Superman. Soon after the show begins, however, Naomi’s life starts to shift, a mysterious incident involving Superman leads the teenager to a shocking discovery about her special abilities – and that she may not be from Earth at all. Along with Walfall, Naomi features a cast that includes Mary-Charles Jones, Camila Moreno, Daniel Puig, Barry Watson, Mouzam Makkar, Cranston Johnson, Aidan Gemme, and Will Meyers.
In new photos revealed by EW, the protagonist’s passion for heroes is gleaned in the background. Another image offers a close look at Dee (played by Alexander Wraith), who owns a tattoo parlor and who Naomi seeks out for answers. There’s clearly more to Dee than Naomi realizes, as the tattoo enthusiast is actually a winged alien from the planet of Thanagar. Check out the two images below:
In the DC Comics, this connects Dee to Hawkman and Hawkgirl, since all three hail from the same planet. Walfall compares Dee to Mr. Miyagi, explaining to EW that he has more faith in Naomi than she does in herself. It’s teased that, as the episodes continue, Dee will help teach the young hero to control her newly-discovered powers. It should be interesting to see if the adaptation expands on Dee’s secretive connections to Naomi’s family, as well.
Trailers for Naomi already reveal how the encounter with Superman changes the life of the lead character. Other photos and teasers have shown Naomi in action, or simply trying to enjoy her life as a teenager, calling to mind the difficulties other high-school heroes have faced. But from this look at Dee, and from the tease that the series will feature several other unique beings, it’s clear that The CW’s latest comic book adaptation will feature many facets when it premieres in January 11.
