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