New Befores & Afters Issue Explores the Digital Artistry Powering Superman

Posted on November 07, 2025 by Neil Cole

The acclaimed visual effects journal, Befores & Afters has released Issue #41 which offers readers an in-depth look at the artistry and innovation behind "Superman" (2025). This comprehensive new edition pulls back the curtain on various sequences from the film, showcasing how practical production, digital artistry, and next-generation visual effects technology combined to bring the Man of Steel's world to life.

The feature highlights several major set pieces from the film, beginning with an exploration of Superman's flight sequences and the advanced techniques used to capture realism and emotional weight in midair. Readers are given a rare look into the process of bringing Krypto, Superman's loyal dog, to life - drawing inspiration directly from Gunn's own pet - as well as the creation of the iconic Fortress of Solitude, realized using state-of-the-art 4D Gaussian splat technology to build dynamic holographic environments.

The issue also covers the creation of Metropolis and the large-scale Hammer of Boravia battle sequence, along with an epic confrontation between Superman and a towering kaiju. Visual effects teams also helped craft the pocket universe engineered by Lex Luthor, complete with an anti-proton river, and a visually complex sequence featuring Mister Terrific. The climactic duel between Superman, The Engineer, and Ultraman serves as the magazine's capstone feature.

Under the supervision of VFX Supervisor Stéphane Ceretti and VFX Producer Susan Pickett, the film's effects work spans contributions from industry-leading studios including Industrial Light & Magic, Wét´ FX, and Framestore, with visualization by Day For Nite and The Third Floor, LiDAR and prop scanning by Clear Angle Studios, and hologram capture by Infinite Realities.

Befores & Afters Issue #41 is currently available from Amazon in paperback (US$16.00) and Patreon in digital PDF format (US$10.00). With extensive before-and-after imagery, artist commentary, and production insights, the issue offers a definitive look at how cutting-edge technology and creative collaboration are redefining superhero cinema.