Back in 2013 DC debuted a new line of statues, collectively referred to as “Bombshells.” These statues, designed by Ant Lucia, took classic female characters and gave them the “pin-up” treatment. The line started with Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn, but quickly expanded to include other characters like Batgirl, Black Canary and even Mera. These statues were fun, sexy and a refreshingly different take on characters we know and love.
Recognizing that they have a good thing on their hands, DC is making this August the month of the Bombshell. 21 covers will have Bombshell variants, with art by Ant Lucia. DC rolled out the Bombshell treatment for the covers once before, back in June 2014, but this time it’s a bit different. It’s not just the women who are getting the bombshell treatment. Superman, Batman, Dick Grayson, Aquaman and more are all be given a more retro, pulpy vibe.
I don’t normally go in for variant covers. I spend enough on comics as it is. But for these covers I might make an exception (I may already have some of these prints and these button). They allow me to envision a different world for my characters to interact in. And while some have criticized the DC Bombshell line in the past, I have loved it from the get go. I see a group of women who are sexy and who are secure and in control of their own sexuality. Women who crave adventure and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. And who of course embrace their own style as they do so.
Which leads me to the best news of all.
Not only will the Bombshells steal the variant show this summer, they will also be the stars of their very own digital first series. The series, DC Comics Bombshells, will star Wonder Woman, Supergirl and Batwoman in an alternate World War Two setting, where female superheroes fight in the the frontlines of the war. The other Bombshell characters will be introduced as the series progresses. The digital first issue will be released in July and the first print issue in August.
This series will be written by Marguerite Bennett, the writer behind BOOM! Studio’s, Butterfly and Sleepy Hollow series and the Batgirl Zero Year one shot, and she has promised that it will explore ” war stories, romances, mysteries, heists, action adventure, and horror in a way that only these characters could do”
The comic will be illustrated by another Marguerite. Marguerite Sauvage. (Who we spoke to earlier this year about her work on the Thor annual) Her work is stunning and I have no doubt that she’ll be able to capture the tone and the style.
So to sum up we have a new series, headlined by 3 female superheroes, created by two mega-talented female creators. Is it July yet?
I am very excited that the boys are getting the pin-up treatment, and I would very much like a statue of Dick as pin-up!
I’m not usually a Superman fan but I would happily take a statue version of that Action Comics cover.