DC Comics Bombshells #22 review

While DC Bombshells is based on a line of statues, you could never accuse Marguerite Bennett's story of standing still. In 22 digital chapters we've been introduced to World War Two versions of Batwoman, Mera, Harley Quinn, Supergirl, Stargirl and more, spanned continents and hopped from genre to genre. Every episode has been enjoyable, but this one is outstanding as Wonder Woman stars in a hard-hitting tale of battlefield horror and simple compassion. 

It's 1940 and the Allies and Axis have been fighting on Greece's Peloponnese island. There have been deaths and casualties on both sides, and villagers in the middle of the conflict have been slaughtered. The constant assault has US military man Steve Trevor in shock and despair, but Wonder Woman uplifts his spirits with a lullaby. And she sees a symbol of hope... or so she thinks. 
War won't be  denied in this powerful chapter that opens with a heartbreaking scene of brutality and closes with a traditional superhero cliffhanger as it brings in one of Diana's greatest villains. It's beautifully written by Bennett and exquisitely drawn by Laura Braga. 

Braga captures emotions with her careful linework, and while the Wonder Woman she's drawing is miles from canon, I adore her - the strength, the grace... this is Diana. She's partnered by colourist J Nanjan, whose naturalistic approach ensures the supernatural moments truly pop. Wes Abbott letters, Jessica Chen and Jim Chadwick edit and Ant Lucia - designer of the original statues - provides the gorgeous cover. 

If you've not yet tried this series - also available as a regular comic - shell out 99c for Bombshells #22 and enjoy the explosion of talent. 

Comments

  1. Rob S.Sunday, 20 December, 2015

    This is one of my favorite books the DC is publishing. It really scratches my All-Star Squadron itch; World War II is one of my favorite settings for superhero action. And it has the added bonus of focusing on the underappreciated contributions of women to the war effort. Sure, these women are fictional, but so are Superman and Captain America -- and the metaphor packs a wallop that can dislocate Hitler's jaw just the same.

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    1. Martin GrayTuesday, 22 December, 2015

      I miss ASS, and I think the recent Invaders revival hobbled itself by not being set in the Second World War.

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  2. MurrayMonday, 21 December, 2015

    Hey Martin, good review. I'll check it out over the holidays. What's the concept of the series? Is it super powers or just regular people in costume? How do they explain the lack of costumed dudes? Or do they?

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    1. Martin GrayTuesday, 22 December, 2015

      Thanks Murray. The series is set in an alternate Earth where the Bombshells statue women are emerging to fight for the Allies. We don't know that there aren't any male heroes around, there's no magical rule that's been mentioned - it's just that heroines are the focus. We have seen Swamp Thing and Constantine.

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    2. MurrayThursday, 24 December, 2015

      Cool! I'll definitely give it a look. Sounds like it's right up my alley!

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