Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Review: Bombshells United #8

By Philip Schweier
December 20, 2017 - 09:35

Marguerite Bennett – like many writers – falls into a trap when portraying homosexual characters. She tends to reinforce ad nauseum the fact that Batwoman is a lesbian. Yes, she is. She is also a soldier, a daughter, a crime fighter, and many other things. But here’s the thing about people (real or imaginary) who wear that identity on your sleeve: If that’s all you show the world, that’s how the world will judge you. This is what leads to phrases like “black comedian,” or “Jewish scholar” – or lesbian super-hero.

Bombshells United #10 features a 1940s version of Batwoman, who is still a lesbian, in case it hasn’t been made clear. And this is why I didn’t enjoy this issue very much. Not because she’s gay, I am totally fine with that. People of all types should be represented in comics. What I take issue with is that hardly an issue goes by that there isn’t some reminder of that; a romantic interlude between two women. I wouldn’t mind if it was a romance comic, but it’s not, is it?

In the story, Batwoman and Renee Montoya are trapped below ground, in a hidden crypt that is a mix of ancient catacombs and M.C. Escher. The tunnels hide a secret far deadlier than any mythic minotaur, and the are soon joined by yet another 1940s variant of a DC character.

Mirka Andolfo’s artwork is cartoony, yet trippy, reflecting the whimsy and the weirdness of the environment. It works very effectively, enhanced by Nanjan’s colors.

Rating: 7/10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12