STORY STUDY - MEDIUM: COMICS/GRAPHIC NOVELS - “DC Bombshells #1-3”
When the men are off fighting a world war, the women take up the responsibility to fight the war at home… and take part in some covert operations.
Typically, when it comes to comic books, I want to cover the entire story or story arc, but since it’s a big story that spans 33 issues, I figured only covering the first three, which is also a 3-parter, titled “Enlisted,” would be easier for everyone.
Written by Marguerite Bennett, and illustrated by a variety of artists including Marguerite Sauvage, Laura Braga, Stephen Mooney, Ted Naifeh, and Garry Brown, DC: Bombshells is set in 1940, one year into America’s involvement in World War II. It tells an alternate DC Universe history where only the female heroes exist. The male counterparts either do not exist, or is played in such a supporting role; they are never the focus.
The first story arc sets up our main heroes from all over the world, including Kate Kane the Batwoman from Gotham City, Princess Diana of Themyscira and Princess Mera of Atlantis, sisters Kara and Kortni Starikov, the Supergirl and Stargirl from Moscow, and Duela Dent the Joker’s Daughter and Zatanna Zatara from Berlin.
Each character has a mission and storyline that slowly intertwine with each other, either becoming allies or enemies.
The series began as a line of statues putting the DC characters in 1940s costumes. Their popularity grew which ultimately got them an ongoing series.
The world depicted is very different in that none of the characters are inspired by their male counterparts to take up their superhero mantle. This is very evident in the first page of issue #1, where Batwoman saves (presumably) Bruce Wayne and his parents from being murdered after coming out of the movie theater; Mera is the princess of Atlantis, which is run by her sister and husband; Supergirl and Stargirl are raised on Moscow, though I think this is so they can use the plotline of Superman: Red Son.
The only origin story that still retains its original origin story is Wonder Woman. Like how it is depicted in the 2017 film Wonder Woman, Steve Trevor is chased by enemies in a plane, lands on Themyscira, and is saved by Diana, who becomes inspired by him to leave the island to fight in the war to protect her mother and people.
I love the tone of this book. I don’t recall ever stating the kind of tone I love in my stories, but my absolute favorite are the ones that can be serious, but can remember to be comedic when it can be; a fair balance.
The new history of the characters is a lot of fun to read; seeing them in a new era and situation, but still remain familiar in their roots. Then, of course, there is the artwork, and they are gorgeous. I mean, the heroines were already gorgeous in how they look today, but seeing them wear 1940s clothing adds another layer of beauty to them.
Add the fact that both men and women had an important part to do during wartime, and you have some very strong and powerful women, both literally and figuratively, out there to save the world.
I honestly can’t comment on the story of the 3-parter much because the purpose of it is to introduce our main characters, their background, and being told they have a mission to do, whether on the warfront, or in their home city. It’s all setup. Whether this can be considered to be a negative or not is up to the reader.
DC: Bombshells came from concept that didn’t come originate from a story, much like how a movie/series is made based on a toy line. However, the story created is epic, and all the characters stay true to themselves, showing that no matter what era it is, you can always count heroes to save the day.
Enlist, and check it out.
