Review DC Bombshells 29
DC Comics Bombshells #29 came out last week, one of the last remaining print issue of this first run of the concept. After stumbling a bit in the middle issues, the title has found itself again these last few issues. For me, this most likely is because Wonder Woman and Supergirl have taken center stage again. And I just think that these stories of the Bombshells heading into Russia has just been more compelling than the Africa side adventure that preceded it.
Writer Marguerite Bennett has also given us a familiar trope for Supergirl, dealing with the existence of Power Girl. And, like many before, Bennett has the two fight each other at first before realizing that they are more alike than different. Bennett also gives us a very sympathetic Supergirl, dealing with grief but still striving to do what is right.
Ill focus on the Supergirl story but this issue also includes a nice opening with Raven, Ivy, and Harley. As readers we are asked the question what would you have done if faced with the horrors of WWII. What are we doing now?
The art is done by Laura Braga and Aneke, veterans to the book. The two styles differ a bit. One is more fine lined and detailed, the other more broad stroked and economical. The characters look great in both versions and the action flows well.
On to the book!
Power Girl has been raised by Hugo Strange and feels that Supergirl is a traitor, abandoning Russia in its time of need. Supergirl knows that Strange wants to change the world, creating an Aryan landscape. So obviously, the two will fight. Well, sort of. Supergirl is powerless and basically gets tossed around.
This Supergirl is definitely a sympathetic character. You might recall that she was willing to sacrifice herself against the Tenebrau in the battle of London. Then Stargirl did in her place and she has been grieving since. She has had self-loathing and survivors guilt and a loss of her powers as a result.
It is sad to hear her tell Power Girl that she herself doesnt want to be like Supergirl. How terrible!
She asks Power Girl if there is a person in her life that is the foundation of her thoughts. Is there someone that slows the world down. For Supergirl it was Stargirl.
You can see from the wide-eyed look that there is someone for Power Girl. This is true.
In flashback, we see that Supergirl didnt abandon Russia. She was powerless and grieving. But when riding with Wonder Woman, she was able to act. She was able to fight for justice. And she did it to honor Stargirl.
Throughout this fight and discussion, Supergirl keeps bringing up that Strange is a dictator who wants to wipe out anything different. She keeps asking Power Girl about her brief experience on Earth and how that clearly impacts her worldview.
But more importantly, Supergirl keeps talking about some day there will be a moment that will impact Power Girl more than any other, that will inspire her and inform her way of thinking about the world.
The Reaper and Lois have been tracking Supergirl and break into Stranges compound. The Reapers act first, worry about consequences later approach ends up cutting power to the place. As a result, Steve Trevors cage, suspended high above the floor, is released and plummets.
Kara, with no powers, rushes to save him. This heroic act of selflessness impresses Power Girl enough that she saves Trevor. And then she knows what Supergirl has been talking about all this time. She wont work for Strange. Shell join the bombshells.
It is a nice showcase for the inspiration of Kara as a hero.
Of course, this being Bombshells, Supergirl sees Lois and is immediately smitten.
But there is one last reveal.
Strange cloned a Superman. Power Girl loves this Superman, a pacifist and hardly the Aryan Ubermensch. It is this love and desire to protect Superman that nudged Power Girl to the light. And now, having dealt with these emotions (and maybe feeling some love again), Supergirl feels her powers returning. Im glad that we got to see Supergirl both inspiring and inspired here.
I do hope that all these Bombshells in all these different parts of the globe are somehow united before this series ends. I hope we get a big send off just like that Battle of Britain issue was.
And I dont know if this still saves this book from picking up the next volume.
Overall grade: B
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