Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Review: Bombshells United #15

By Philip Schweier
April 6, 2018 - 08:41

I’m beginning to dislike Bombshells. The concept of WW II-era, Rosey-the Riveter versions of DC’s classic heroines is all well and good, but the execution is poor. I mean, how many Bat-girls can there be in this environment? It seems to be the go-to concept when writer Marguerite Bennett wants to introduce a lesser-known character, like a Felicity Smoak.

The other failure is the general pace of the stories. They plod along at a snail’s pace, with many people pausing for exposition that does very little to advance the narrative. I read the latest issue half an hour ago, and I can’t remember anything that happened other than, “Maybe Black Canary is responsible for the strange, mind-controlling music.” And that was addressed last issue, as well.

Or, maybe it's just the similarity to the previous story arc: A team of Bombshells go underground in search of something mystical.

I understand Marguerite Bennett is a relatively new writer to comics. I don’t begrudge her learning the ropes on the job, many writers and artists have done the same. Thankfully, she was given a gimmicky title with narrow appeal, rather than a major character. If she chooses to stay with it, I am confident she can improve. Bombshells United will be that earlier career embarrassment all creative types – writers, artists, musicians, etc – will have to acknowledge. But it will offer the perspective of contrast. “This is how far I’ve come on my journey, and it aint over yet.”

Bombshells is an interesting notion, up to a point, and I’m uncertain DC has acknowledged that. It’s fine for figurines and merchandise, but an ongoing series? Perhaps not. Maybe it should be published on an irregular basis, when there is truly a great story needing to be told.

Rating: 3/10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12