Memorial Day Off!

Happy Memorial Day!

Thanks to all those who have served our great nation.

I have had a very tough recent period at work and today is a day off for me. So no post for me.

Enjoy the day!

I know I will be!

April 2019 Solicitations

Last week, the DC solicits for April were released. You can head to the Newsarama and other sites to review the entirety of the DC line. Here is the link:
https://www.newsarama.com/43570-dc-comics-april-2019-solicitations.html

It's hard to believe but April marks a year of the Bendis-ification of the Super titles. Last year at this time, we saw the solicits for Action Comics #1000. We then got the weekly Man of Steel in June. And we have been off to the races since.

Of course, this impacted Supergirl as much as anyone. So while April marks the year mark of this redirection, we are only 9 issues into Supergirl's solo title reflecting it. I am starting to hope this 'Supergirl in space' storyline will wrap up soon. I want her hero-ing on Earth.


SUPERGIRL #29
written by MARC ANDREYKO
art by EDUARDO PANSICA
cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
variant cover by AMANDA CONNER
The sins of the Circle—revealed! With a galaxy-wide bounty on Supergirl’s head, she, Krypto and Z’ndr must hide out at an abandoned planet until it’s safe enough to continue tracking the Circle’s trail of misdeeds. Unbeknownst to Supergirl, this planet is where the last crystal of Appa Ali Apsa was left to be found for the hidden messages in her other collected crystals to be revealed! Who killed Appa Ali Apsa? What other deeds happened at the hands of Rogol Zaar? Find out here!

Maybe this is a good sign. We are learning secrets. We are getting history of Appa Ali Apsa and Rogol Zaar. So let's bring it on home!

Bullet Review: DC Comics Bombshells #33

DC Comics Bombshells #33 came out this week, the last issue of this volume of the characters and my last issue reading this. When this series started out, I was very impressed at writer Marguerite Bennett's ability to weave a very solid story about World War II and the arrival of super-women fighting the Nazis. The first year was fabulous.

But since then, since the battle of London around issue 12, it has felt like the book has lost its way. There are a lot of ideas in this book but the stories haven't read well. It's like those ideas haven't gelled into a narrative. As a result, the book has been something of a mess. On top of that, there has been a bit too much cutesy dialogue recently ... something that I might have tolerated more of the story around it was stronger.

And so this last issue wraps up the story. Bennett has brought a bunch of subplots together into a large battle in Russia. So Supergirl's grief and Raven's familial issues and Lois's optimism are all here. But it seems so scattershot. So much happens with little explanation. The moments in the story where I have said to myself 'I guess I have to roll with that' were numerous. Now I will admit that I haven't been paying significant attention here. Perhaps my laziness as a reader because I haven't been engaged has been part of the problem.

One of the things that hasn't been a problem on the book has been the art. In particular, I discovered Mirka Andolfo, Laura Braga, and Sandy Jarrell in this book. All three are here and shine. In particular, Mirka Andolfo has become a favorite in my mind.

On to the book.

Bullet Review: DC Bombshells #32

DC Comics Bombshells #32 came out this week, the penultimate issue of this run.

The storylines of all the Bombshells have all come together in Russia. Faora has been revealed as the villain pulling the strings from behind the scenes all along. The Kryptonian general is hoping to create an army of super-powered army through cloning  so she can overrun the world.

Supergirl has overcome her grief. She has put the death of her sister behind her. It still motivates Supergirl but she isn't weighed down by it. The rest of the Bombshells are ready to fight Hugo Strange's army of creatures.  And a bulk of the issue is devoted to Raven's origins.

But I am running on fumes with this title.

Review: DC Comics Bombshells #31

DC Comics Bombshells #31 is the penultimate issue of this title and the penultimate issue of me collecting this title. I have been talking about dropping this title for a while. The series is coming to an end next month. There is a new title coming out shortly thereafter but I think I am out. The stories have become too meandering and too confusing. And the whole thing seems to be weighed down with the messages that Marguerite Bennett is trying to impart and proselytize to the audience.

I have said it before and I'll say it here. Tell me a good story that has a message and I'll be engaged. Have a message you want to say and then construct the story around it and everything just feels forced and I feel preached at.

And it is a shame that I am leaving because the first year of this book was brilliant. The story came first there. And it is also a shame because Supergirl has taken center stage in this last arc.

On to the book.

Review: DC Bombshells #29

DC Comics Bombshells #29 came out last week, one of the last remaining print issue of this first run of the concept. After stumbling a bit in the middle issues, the title has found itself again these last few issues. For me, this most likely is because Wonder Woman and Supergirl have taken center stage again. And I just think that these stories of the Bombshells heading into Russia has just been more compelling than the Africa side adventure that preceded it.

Writer Marguerite Bennett has also given us a familiar trope for Supergirl, dealing with the existence of Power Girl. And, like many before, Bennett has the two fight each other at first before realizing that they are more alike than different. Bennett also gives us a very sympathetic Supergirl, dealing with grief but still striving to do what is right.

I'll focus on the Supergirl story but this issue also includes a nice opening with Raven, Ivy, and Harley. As readers we are asked the question 'what would you have done' if faced with the horrors of WWII. What are we doing now?

The art is done by Laura Braga and Aneke, veterans to the book. The two styles differ a bit. One is more fine lined and detailed, the other more broad stroked and economical. The characters look great in both versions and the action flows well.

On to the book!

Bullet Review: DC Bombshells #28

DC Bombshells #28 came out in print last week and continued a pretty engaging Supergirl portion of the Bombshell universe. We hadn't had Supergirl in the book for some time. Her arc is gripping with emotional layers and great call backs to the main DCU. I suppose one of the dangers of having a book with a cast as large as Bombshells is that sometimes characters can get lost or cast to the backburner. It can't be easy for writer Marguerite Bennett to give everyone the time they deserve in the few pages she has.

I'll focus on the Supergirl chapter in a bit. The rest of this issue focuses on the other members we have been following along on their trip into Russia. First off, Lois is chided by Killer Frost for not having killed Hugo Strange when she had the chance. The Frost turns out to be a bigger threat than had been anticipated, revealing herself as Strange's boss. not the other way around. We get a Bombshell version of the Reaper/Phantasm which was very interesting.  Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy continue to work their way into Stalingrad, commandeering circus animals as new friends, and ultimately using Ivy's powers to grow crops and feed the hungry. 

As always, the art is stunning. From the beautiful cover by Marguerite Sauvage to the lush work of Mirka Andolfo and Richard Ortiz, the book really pops. And Carmen Carnero really shines in Supergirl chapter.

After several months of what I would describe as doldrums, this books is sort of picking up again. This setting, the actual war, and these characters are much more interesting to me than prior focus of Vixen, Hawkwoman, and Cheetah. Will this last rally save this book from being dropped when it gets relaunched?

On to the book!

August 2017 Solicits

The full August solicits for DC Comics were released last week and it looks like the summer season is going to go out with a bang, especially for Supergirl fans! I am pretty thrilled with the comics and can't wait to talk about them so I am going to jump right in.

For viewing all the solicits, here is a link to Newsarama:
http://www.newsarama.com/34577-dc-comics-august-2017-solicitations.html

SUPERGIRL #12
Written by STEVE ORLANDO
Art and cover by ROBSON ROCHA and DANIEL HENRIQUES
Variant cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU
“EMERALD ERADICATION” part one! Emerald Empress’ attack on Supergirl begins as her new Fatal Five assembles. Empress’ plan to destroy Supergirl’s present to preserve her future goes into full swing as Supergirl tries to hold her own—but soon even her abilities are out of her control.

I spoke a bit about this before in terms of Robson Rocha coming on board as series artist. But there is a lot to love here. I like the idea of the Emerald Empress being a sort of Supergirl- specific Legion foe. Given the timey-wimey nature of these stories, my assumption is somewhere in Kara's future but Emerald Empress' past, these two have tangled.

I am wary of 'powers out of control' stories in general. But only one year into a new take on Supergirl might be too early, but we'll see.

But the cover ... wow! It took me some time to see that Kara has been shot through the left shoulder and is sliding down the wall. And who is that shadow? The art is beautiful and if this is what Rocha is going to bring,  I am going to be very happy!

On to the rest of the month!

Bullet Review: DC Comics Bombshells #26

DC Comics Bombshells #26 came out this last week, the print version of the digital first comic based on the Bombshells merchandise line. It is a comic which started out on fire. The first twelve print issues were fantastic. But after that it seemed to lose its way. It has been a bit on the firing line for me recently, always about to be dropped.

It didn't help that Wonder Woman and Supergirl basically disappeared from the book after the climax in issue twleve. They were my two favorite characters, especially with their character arcs in the earlier books, and suddenly they were gone.

Luckily, writer Marguerite Bennett has decided to bring those two back into the throng. Diana and Kara are back. And nothing says that more than the Supergirl cover on this issue. Hurrah!

All that said, the current stories haven't grabbed me as much as the origin story did. I also think that Bennett is walking a fine line for me on the focus of the book. Initially, this was a character driven book which clearly had a political agenda as a foundation. At times recently this has felt more like an agenda driven book which has characters. And I'll tell you, for me historically, when the agenda overtakes the characters, the story tends to suffer.

The art continues to be a high point. In particular, Mirka Andolfo, who does the Supergirl pages, is a favorite of mine. And Adventures of Supergirl alum Carmen Carnero does very crisp pages here as well.

On to the book.

Bullet Review: DC Bombshells #25

DC Comics Bombshells #25 came out this week, the print version of the digital first book. As always, this means I am behind the times.

When this book first started, I was completely engaged. We were introduced to the characters. Writer Marguerite Bennett was writing the main characters' arcs in the style of movie genres. And it all came together eventually in a battle over London. After that, perhaps because it wasn't meant to go on, the book seemed to wander a bit. For me, the lack of Diana and Kara in the book was maddening.

Why am I bringing this up?

Well, this issue reminded me of those early issues. I felt something for these characters, for the first time in a while. There were two moments that hit me nicely as a reader. And I definitely like the addition of Rose Wilson and June Moone. Ravager and Enchantress are definitely two of my favorites.

The art is by Aneke. This is the first I have seen of this artist and their style fits the book.

I won't go in depth here. But I felt I should hit on the high points.

Review: DC Bombshells #23

I've been collecting Marguerite Bennett's DC Comics Bombshells from the beginning and, for the most part, I have loved it. As I have said before, this is a comic based on cheesecake statues. I wasn't expecting much. But what we have been given is an engaging war story. The initial arcs, told in the style of film genres of the time was particularly brilliant. And, no surprise, it was the portrayal of Supergirl and Wonder Woman I found most intriguing.

It all came to a head when the Bombshells finally gathered together to fight a demon battering London. Stargirl sacrificed herself to bring about victory. That issue was so powerful that a Supergirl moment landed at #2 of my Top Ten Supergirl moments of 2016.

But with that victory over, at least for me, the book sort of lost its way. Suddenly it was all about Batwoman and Catwoman. We were away from the front and on side missions. Supergirl and Wonder Woman weren't in the book at all. And there was a subtle feeling that the book made the switch from a character driven book with an underlying agenda to an agenda driven book that has some characters in it. Those books usually don't succeed with me.

It felt like I was collecting the book out of habit, reluctantly. Never a good sign for longevity.

Bombshells #23 came out this week and finally brought back Supergirl and Wonder Woman. Their chapter was a deep dive into their characters, looking at how each looks at grief. It is drawn with some grit and some grandeur about Matias Bergara. And suddenly it felt like I was reading 'my' Bombshells book again. Thankfully.

The cover is a fun look at Diana and Kara relaxing on a beach. The omnipresent 'Keep Calm and Carry On' is emblazoned in the corner. It is a beautiful image by Marguerite Sauvage. But it hardly mirrors the tone of the book.

May 2017 Solicits

The May solicits for DC Comics came out and there are a few happy surprises for me sprinkled in the month. In particular, I am looking forward to the Supergirl main title. With Cyborg Superman behind us, it looks like writer Steve Orlando and artist Brian Ching are going to dive into the deep end of the DC Universe And that makes me happy.

Here is a link to all the solicits:
http://www.newsarama.com/33251-dc-comics-may-2017-solicitations.html

And here are my thoughts!

SUPERGIRL #9
Written by STEVE ORLANDO • Art and cover by BRIAN CHING • Variant cover by BENGAL
“Escape from the Phantom Zone” part one! Trapped in the Phantom Zone, Supergirl and Batgirl must face the Phantom King to escape! But what deadly team is Emerald Empress building? And what does it have to do with the future of the Girl of Steel?

As I said, this arc looks like it is going to be great fun. Supergirl and Batgirl teaming up! That alone is worth it. Throw in the Emerald Empress and this Legion fan is smiling. Add the Phantom King, a nice link to Kara's Krypton past, and I am thrilled.

Hooray for us!

March 2016 Solicits

The March solicits for DC Comics were released earlier this month and as usual there were a couple of surprises and some interesting things to mull over. I have to say, I am very excited for March not only for the Supergirl stuff but also the Superman stuff. It seems as if things might be coming to a head with the summer peeking around the corner when these issues come out.

While I'll be looking forward to the super-books, here is a link to look over all the solicits:
http://www.newsarama.com/32436-dc-comics-march-2017-solicitations.html

SUPERGIRL #7
Written by STEVE ORLANDO
Art by MATIAS BERGARA
Cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Variant cover by BENGAL
“Mission Mind”! Supergirl’s powers mean nothing when she’s trapped inside the consciousness of a killer. Creeping through the mind of a Kryptonian monster, Supergirl finds herself on a suicide mission to return Lar-On to sanity inside the D.E.O.

This seems like a great concept. Supergirl in Lar-On's mind trying to help his madness. These sort of Dreamscape stories give the creators a lot of liberty which should make this interesting.

I don't know Matias Bergara's art at all so I look forward to see what he brings to the book!

And there are more books!

DC Bombshells Supergirl Bust

It is an early Christmas for me. Last week the DC Bombshells Supergirl bust arrived at my local comic store. I had been slowly paying this off over the last several months so the financial bite was lessened by time. Also, I was thrilled that this was marketed as I can feel okay displaying this, more than the bustier wearing Bombshell Supergirl statues that have been marketed.

This is just a great bust. I love the formal dress uniform look for Kara here, especially the S-shield cap and tie look. I also like the dynamic nature of the scarf, replacing the cape here.

I also think Supergirl's face is quite lovely here. That smile is fantastic.

And the back is nicely detailed as well. I like the details in the hair and the wrinkles in the jacket and cap.

I also love the folds and swooshes of the scarf as well. This could have been a simple design but the sculptor gave the cape some volume and action. I love it.

No pun intended, but the biggest thing about this bust is it's size. It is big! Look at how it sort of dwarfs the other Supergirl busts that are out there. it definitely is worth the price when you factor that in.

This is a lousy shot of its space on my shelf but I added it here. This shelf showcases the most recent costumes Supergirl has worn and so I think it was appropriate to place here.

After Christmas I promise I'll do a post showing the whole collection.

November 2016 Solicits

DC Comics' solicits for November came out last week and continued to build on the general optimism that Rebirth has garnered. While I have some questions about where things are going, at least books seem to be going somewhere. By month three of the New 52, I was already questioning the overall grim tone. Here, things feel different.

Here is a link to Newsarama's coverage:http://www.newsarama.com/30736-dc-comics-full-november-2016-solicitations.html

I have my usual quibbles. So read on!

SUPERGIRL #3
Written by STEVE ORLANDO
Art and cover by BRIAN CHING
Variant cover by BENGAL
“REIGN OF THE CYBORG SUPERMEN” part three! At last, Supergirl returns to Argo City! But when Kara Zor-El arrives back to her childhood home, a grim discovery awaits, courtesy of the Cyborg Superman! Supergirl must battle for the fate of not one but two worlds as yet another face from her past returns to stop her!

So a couple of things here.

One, I don't know if I will every get used to the sort of warped style of Brian Ching. Limbs seem thin and stretched. Everything is angular. I don't mind stylized art. I just think I will have to become accustomed to this look.

Next, it looks like Cyborg Superman has quasi-resurrected the dead on Argo City. In Supergirl Rebirth we learned from Lar-On that the soil of Argo had turned to Red Kryptonite.

It made me go back to look at what actually happened to Argo City in the New 52. Here was my post way back when:http://comicboxcommentary.blogspot.com/2012/03/argo-city-dcnu.html

So who knows if in the spirit of Rebirth that continuity will be forgotten. Or if the city didn't disintegrate in a blue sun. Or why Kara didn't get whammied by Red K back then. I suppose it is a sort of new world. We'll have to see how it all plays out.

Bullet Review: DC Bombshells #16

DC Bombshells #16 came out in print last week and was another great issue in the this run. Writer Marguerite Bennett uses the issue to flesh out the back story of several of the Bombshells, giving us an understanding of their motivations and fears. The back half of the issue is focused on Mera and her origin, looking at her exile from Atlantis and her dysfunctional family.

As I said, this issue really added some depth to these characters. It is one thing to have an image of Kate Kane smiling and swinging her bat in her Batwoman costume. It is another thing to learn that she has witnessed tragedy and how it has scared her. We have moved a long way from simple pin-ups by Ant Lucia. We have fully formed characters now.

As usual, Mirka Andolfo and Laura Braga bring some beautiful and powerful art. Andolfo is artist on Huntress/Batwoman pages in Europe. I love Andolfo's style which can seamlessly veer from the silly (Harley pages) to the serious. And Braga brings some weight and fascinating page layouts to the Mera pages.

My one complaint? No Supergirl and no Wonder Woman ... again. I'd love a check in with those characters. This will be a quick review.

October 2016 Solicits

The October solicits for DC Comics were officially released last week and I don't know if I have been this excited about the entire line in quite some time. Here is a link to all of DC's books and merchandise:
http://www.newsarama.com/30132-dc-comics-october-2016-full-rebirth-solicitations.html

For me, the biggest news is that we get more of the Young Animal books. It feels like those years when a number of books out out by DC were pushing the envelope, those early days of Vertigo. So this month we get Shade the Changing Girl as well as the second issue of Doom Patrol. Shade the Changing Man is one of those properties that I have always enjoyed. So I am really looking forward to that book.

On to the super-books.

SUPERGIRL #2
(W) Orlando (A/CA) Brian Ching (CA) Bengal
“REIGN OF THE CYBORG SUPERMEN” part two! Supergirl battles Cyborg Superman in the Fortress of Solitude-and there can be only one winner! But even a temporary victory can spell certain doom for Kara and her new home as her father’s plan at last comes to light! Meanwhile, the race for Cat Grant’s prized internship heats up, and Kara finds her human competition to be just as challenging!

This must be the main cover as it is clearly Brian Ching's art. I am glad to see that we are getting a variant by Bengal whose work sparkled in Adventures in Supergirl.  I might have to get used Ching's art which seems pretty stylized. Those are long thin legs on Kara.

That said, there is a lot to like about this solicit. I am not a fan of Zor-El as Cyborg Superman but maybe this 'plan' will make things interesting. But having Kara be Cat Grant's intern is brilliant. Could the human competition be  Siobhan Smythe? Nasty Luthor?

ACTION COMICS #965
(W) Jurgens (A) Stephen Segovia, Art Thibert (CA) Clay Mann (CA) Gary Frank
“BACK IN THE PLANET” part one! Superman returns to the public eye-but what of Lois Lane? When a mysterious package arrives for Lois and Clark back on the farm, Lois can stay on the sidelines no more. But where does that leave Superman’s human doppelgänger, Clark?

ACTION COMICS #966
(W) Jurgens (A) Stephen Segovia, Art Thibert (CA) Clay Mann (CA) Gary Frank
“BACK IN THE PLANET” part two! As the Daily Planet’s star returns to work, so does Lex Luthor. Meanwhile, Superman continues to investigate the devastation in the aftermath of the Doomsday attack.


Hmmm ... does this mean the older Lois Lane is taking over the role of the current Earth's Lois? We know that the current Lois will be Superwoman. Maybe she can't be the reporter so the older 'Author X' Lois needs to take up the mantle? Won't people notice she's older?

And who is that Clark?

SUPERMAN #8
(W) Tomasi, Gleason (A) Jaime Mendoza (A/CA) Doug Mahnke (CA) Kenneth Rocafort
“RETURN TO DINOSAUR ISLAND” part one! Father and Superson work on a science assignment with bizarre consequences that transports the pair along with Krypto to Dinosaur Island! Now, amid relics of World War II, Superman tries to keep Jon from the jaws of prehistoric predators! Worse, Kal-El can’t find a way to fly off the Island.

  SUPERMAN #9
(W) Tomasi, Gleason (A) Doug Mahnke, Jaime Mendoza (CA) Patrick Gleason (CA) Kenneth Rocafort
“RETURN TO DINOSAUR ISLAND” part two! Trapped on a strange island removed from time, Superman and Son encounter a lone survivor from the past. He may hold the key to their escape, but first they must survive the other denizens of the Island.


Superman and Superboy fighting dinosaurs amid WW2 relics? And Krypto will be there? And who could the sole survivor be? Iron Munro?

This cover screams everything I love about comics.

SUPERWOMAN #3
(W) Jimenez (A) Emanuela Lupacchino, Ray McCarthy (CA) Phil Jimenez(CA) Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson
“WHO IS SUPERWOMAN?” part three! Ultra Woman is revealed, and her unstoppable Bizarress army are hunting for Superwoman! But that’s not the only challenge facing the new hero-Steel has made a terrifying new discovery: Superwoman’s powers are killing her-and the only chance to save her life is to leave her powers behind!

Who is Ultra Woman? I really really really hope it isn't Lana. But we'll see. 

Superwoman dying from the power seems a bit too familiar. Haven't we just seen that plot? 

Anyways, the cover has a sort of Dark City feel to it. And I am looking forward to this book. 

NEW SUPER MAN #4
(W) Yang (A) Richard Friend (A/CA) Viktor Bogdanovic (CA) Bernard Chang
“MADE IN CHINA” part four! It’s the Justice League of China vs. the Chinese Freedom Fighters! As the New Super-Man tests his power against the Flying Dragon General’s team, a shocking new revelation will stop our young hero dead in his tracks. And trust us, you won’t believe what Kenan Kong discovers! All this, plus the Chinese Freedom Fighters’ ultimate weapon arrives, and it’ll be the STAR of the show…

What could it be that he discovers? I hope it isn't that he is dying.

And the fact that STAR is capitalized makes me think that the word is in the codename. Any ideas?

I was thrilled by the first issue. So I am on board for now.

DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS #18
(W) Bennett (A) Laura Braga, Mirka Andolfo (CA) Ant Lucia
With the help of the real Raven and Miriam Bätzel-now transformed into Mary Marvel-the Bombshells must defend the Jewish rebels against a Nazi army magically controlled by the Joker’s Daughter. But as the city of Atlantis rises out of water mid-battle, the Bombshells may be facing an even bigger threat than they ever imagined!

Again, no mention of Supergirl in this solicit. I keep hoping we'll see Kara again and soon. But introducing Mary Marvel is a brilliant stroke for this book. I hope she is played like the earliest Mary, almost Pollyanna in the face of the atrocities around her.

But a new Shade book and a Doom Patrol title on the shelves makes me very happy!  

September 2016 Solicits

The wait is over.
We finally have an official solicit for Supergirl #1 and all the DC books for September.

Solicits have one job, to grab me as a consumer and make me want to buy a book I normally wouldn't. And this month's solicits do just that. I am on board with a lot of the DC Rebirth books. And some of these solicits make me even more interested! Here is a link to the whole slate:
http://www.newsarama.com/29792-dc-comics-full-september-2016-solicitations.html

And here are the actual solicits and some comments.

SUPERGIRL #1
Written by STEVE ORLANDO
Art and cover by BRIAN CHING
Variant cover by BENGAL
Blank variant cover
“REIGN OF THE CYBORG SUPERMAN” part one! Supergirl is back and working for the DEO to defend National City! As Kara Danvers, average American teenager and high school student, Supergirl must balance her life as a superhero with her new life on Earth. But some demons from her Kryptonian past are coming back to haunt her, and Kara will find herself face-to-face with her father: the sinister Cyborg Superman!
On sale SEPTEMBER 7

So mark the calendar! September 7 is the drop date for Supergirl. We will have read the Supergirl Rebirth Special by now. But this book's set up seems to resonate with the show. She is Kara Danvers. She works for the DEO. She lives in National City.

Now one of my least favorite parts of the New 52 Supergirl was the revelation that Zor-El was a creepy scientist who experimented on his daughter and ultimately became the Cyborg Superman. Will Steve Orlando be able to make decent sense of this? I hope so.

But how great that we get a Bengal variant and a blank variant!!
And now the rest of the super-solicits.

Review: DC Bombshells #14

I was worried that DC Bombshells might be one of the casualties of #Rebirth. Luckily, the ax didn't drop and we have been able to get even more excellent stories from Marguerite Bennett, Laura Braga, and Mirka Andolfo.

Two issues ago we had the major battle at the front, the main Bombshells defending London from the Tenebrau army. Last issue (which I didn't review) was a look back at Lois Lane and the Batgirls as they thwart a rather Trump-ian Harvey Dent running for office.

DC Bombshells #14 came out and caught us up on a number of the plotlines which are happening away from the front. While I want to know how Kara is recovering from the death of her sister and what is happening with the new League, I loved this issue for showing us the other characters we have come to know and show us what has been happening with them.

In particular, Marguerite Bennett really tugged on the old heart strings with this book. There were many touching moments in this book, some which made me sad and others which were joyous. I have said it before. I didn't expect such depth of character from a title based on cheesecake statues.

And I have probably gushed enough about artists Laura Braga and Mirka Andolfo in prior reviews. Both are able to produce excellent action sequences but also ratchet it down to these quiet emotional moments which are powerful.

We even get a new Bombshell in this issue. So it had something for everyone.

On to the book!

Review: DC Bombshells #12

DC Comics Bombshells #12 came out last week and was a tremendous end to an incredibly entertaining first year. I will admit to being surprised at how fantastic this book has been. This a WWII book written with the social conscience of present day starring pin-up model versions of the women of the DCU. Kudos to the creative team for putting those concepts together into a brilliant story.

The plot has been moving forward quickly bringing us to this moment. The Bombshells are finally unified, defending London, and fighting an undead army of Tenebrau and underwater monsters. I have been clamoring for the time when the separate character threads would finally merge into one. And so we get this action-packed, war comic. But war is hell. And always has casualties. There is loss here; loss that feels natural and necessary. And heartbreaking.

Writer Marguerite Bennett has really shined on this book. Each character has a unique personality. There are varied and engaging storylines. And there is real emotion here.

The art on this book is done by Bombshell veterans Laura Braga and Mirka Andolfo. And both bring their A game here, giving us the energy of battle and the depth of emotion. I will admit, I shuddered at one page in this book because the art and words meshed so beautifully. On to the book!