Let the free for all begin!
Creative Staff:
Story: Marguerite Bennett
Art: Mirka Andolfo
Colors: J. Nanjan
Letterer: Wes Abbott
What They Say:
While the Bombshells are distracted fighting the Soviets, Killer Frost unleashes her mythical army into Leningrad and the supernatural Nazi invasion begins!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
There’s a certain delight that I have when I get the latest installment of Bombshells and can sit down to take it in. Part of it comes from when I get into the book itself on ComiXology as their listings aren’t always accurate when it comes to the art team, leaving me curious as to the truth. With the start of this new arc within an arc, the always wonderful Mirka Andolfo delivers the artwork for it and I’m simply in love once again. She’s done some great stuff throughout the run and that’s no different here but I do find that she has some of the best scenes when it comes to Ivy and Harley, especially in the winking to the reader comics awareness aspect, right down to the little hearts that pop up around them when they’re all smooshy together.
The book does work the split track approach once again, going in a half and half design that works better than intermingling stories as it’s wont to do. The opening half deals with the arrival of Kara’s parents as they’ve come flying in to reconnect with their daughter amid all the chaos. It’s a little messy in its own way, but mostly just because it shifts to a lot of character material with apologies over past acts and Kara going on a good bit of forgiveness along the way, including some amount of it toward Whitmore when you read between the lines. It’s a welcome bit of closure in a way that puts certain character pieces to rest when it comes to Kara and on top of her learning of her true lineage will only serve to reinforce her bonds to humanity and intent to protect them against Faora, who is even worse off in her view now after what was done to her birth mother.
The other half of the book focuses on all the craziness going on with the attacking army that Hugo Strange is controlling. While this does set up some of what Kara has to do to deal with everyone it shifts more to the rest of the Bombshells that are in the area. Harley’s bit with Strange is comically fun with the giant octopus that he’s riding as is the material we get with her and Ivy about how to deal with it, noting its cartoon eyes. The supporting side gets their nods as well with Zatanna and Constantine helping out while Power Girl and Superman are doing their part, all while getting to connect with Raven a bit as she’s naturally taking all of this very personally. These are all small moments but they build a wonderful narrative that’s dominated by Harley, which is no surprise considering her personality. And unlike other books she just delights me here.
In Summary:
Bombshells wraps up certain character bits here with Kara and her past and giving her a proper focus to move forward with. It’s a little messy with the structure of it all and how quickly some aspects are dealt with, but it has a kind of light breeziness that feels appropriate. The back half was more fun for me just in seeing the various characters getting in on the fight and pushing back against Strange and his creatures since it blends seriousness and comedy in some good ways. And, frankly, Mirka Andolfo really captures something special in how she puts Harley and Ivy together with the expressions and costume design, making it highly appealing.
Grade: B
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: DC Comics via ComiXology
Release Date: May 5th, 2017
MSRP: $0.99
