Scan barcode
A review by kyera
DC Comics: Bombshells, Vol. 1: Enlisted by Marguerite Bennett
4.0
The DC: Comics Bombshells series was created based upon an artist's reimagining of classic DC superheroines as pin-up girls. That artwork spawned a collection of variant covers, which led to a comic book series and a rabid feminist fandom - who could have guessed? I have always been in love with these 40's style superheroines, but this was the first time that I actually read any of the comics that attempted to bring this story to life.
I read a lot, but I still have my favourites in the DC Universe like Wonder Woman and Batgirl. As a result, there are some characters in this series that I am less familiar with. In general, I feel that the DC continuity and history is generally ignored in favour of putting a group of female heroes at the forefront and building a new World World II narrative around that concept. For example, Stargirl's name in this series is Kortni (although she later discovers that her name is Courtney) and she is Russian. Shortly after her birth, Kara joins her life and they are raised as sisters. To my knowledge, this is a severe departure from the typical narrative, so I would then assume that the author took other liberties with characters.
My one qualm with the series is the vast number of characters in it. They want to set up this 'bombshells' team, but I never felt that any of the characters received enough page time to connect with them before we were on to the next storyline. It was a little jumpy and jumbled and if more time had been dedicated to each character, I think this book could have shone so much brighter. That being said, as much as I love Wonder Woman it was Mera that stole the spotlight for me. I now want to read more comics featuring her.
I really enjoyed the artwork in this book and how the artist brought the characters to life. I can be put off by the artwork in graphic novels and not end up wanting to read them if the art isn't appealing. I would definitely recommend this book for some feminist, girl power feels - but wish that the author didn't feel the need to make the men in the story weak to do so. Girls can be strong and fierce without needing the men to be put down. Equality means that they both can be amazing and save the world. At the same time.
I read a lot, but I still have my favourites in the DC Universe like Wonder Woman and Batgirl. As a result, there are some characters in this series that I am less familiar with. In general, I feel that the DC continuity and history is generally ignored in favour of putting a group of female heroes at the forefront and building a new World World II narrative around that concept. For example, Stargirl's name in this series is Kortni (although she later discovers that her name is Courtney) and she is Russian. Shortly after her birth, Kara joins her life and they are raised as sisters. To my knowledge, this is a severe departure from the typical narrative, so I would then assume that the author took other liberties with characters.
My one qualm with the series is the vast number of characters in it. They want to set up this 'bombshells' team, but I never felt that any of the characters received enough page time to connect with them before we were on to the next storyline. It was a little jumpy and jumbled and if more time had been dedicated to each character, I think this book could have shone so much brighter. That being said, as much as I love Wonder Woman it was Mera that stole the spotlight for me. I now want to read more comics featuring her.
I really enjoyed the artwork in this book and how the artist brought the characters to life. I can be put off by the artwork in graphic novels and not end up wanting to read them if the art isn't appealing. I would definitely recommend this book for some feminist, girl power feels - but wish that the author didn't feel the need to make the men in the story weak to do so. Girls can be strong and fierce without needing the men to be put down. Equality means that they both can be amazing and save the world. At the same time.