''DC Comics Bombshells'' refers to a line of
figurine
A figurine (a diminutive form of the word ''figure'') or statuette is a small, three-dimensional sculpture that represents a human, deity or animal, or, in practice, a pair or small group of them. Figurines have been made in many media, with cla ...
s released by DC Collectibles depicting
DC Comics
DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...
superhero
A superhero or superheroine is a fictional character who typically possesses ''superpowers'' or abilities beyond those of ordinary people, is frequently costumed concealing their identity, and fits the role of the hero, typically using their ...
ines in a retro 1940s look based on designs by Ant Lucia.
[DC Collectibles A Bombshell of A Journey]
DC Comics
DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...
. January 22, 2015. The line has further expanded to encompass variant covers of
DC Comics
DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...
[DC Announces Bombshell Variants for June]
Comic Book Resources
''CBR'', formerly ''Comic Book Resources'', is a news website primarily covering comic book news, comic book reviews, and comic book–related topics involving movies, television, anime, and video games. It is owned by Valnet, parent of publicat ...
. March 14, 2014. and licensed memorabilia such as art prints, T-shirts, mugs and their own ongoing
comic book
A comic book, comic-magazine, or simply comic is a publication that consists of comics art in the form of sequential juxtaposed panel (comics), panels that represent individual scenes. Panels are often accompanied by descriptive prose and wri ...
.
[First Look DC Collectibles Newest Bombshells]
DC Comics
DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...
. May 15, 2015.
Initial conception
The ''DC Comics Bombshells'' franchise began "in spring 2011 at a convention in Chicago where DC Collectibles found Ant Lucia's prints re-imaging DC superheroines as pin-up girls". World War II history, fashion, and air planes were studied to conceive the franchise. DC Comics worked with
Udon Entertainment to produce illustrations. In fall 2011, four character designs of
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a superheroine who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in ''All Star Comics'' Introducing Wonder Woman, #8, published October 21, 1941, with her first feature in ''Sensation Comic ...
,
Stargirl,
Poison Ivy
Poison ivy is a type of allergenic plant in the genus '' Toxicodendron'' native to Asia and North America. Formerly considered a single species, '' Toxicodendron radicans'', poison ivies are now generally treated as a complex of three separate s ...
, and
Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn (Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel, PhD) is a fictional American character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm for ''Batman: The Animated Series'' as a henchwoman for the ...
were used to pitch the idea of a nine-inch statue line. DC later asked Ant Lucia to redesign their initial conception of a retro Wonder Woman. Tim Miller was requested to handcraft the sculptures. In 2013, the first sculpture of the franchise, Wonder Woman, was sold in stores.
Ant Lucia, the creator of the sculptures and variant covers design, drew a heavy influence from World War II aesthetics and pin-up models.
[ He juxtaposed past pin up girl designs with current rockabilly culture. The sculptures created a convergence between modern ideologies regarding feminine agency and nostalgia for the golden age of comics. The Bombshells variant covers were able to cultivate a coherent narrative by placing contemporary characters in the past. Ant Lucia details his process on detaching the characters from their current history and the construction of their new placement in World War II era: "In our initial conversations, we brainstorm on who this character is and if they were set in this period, what elements would make up their costume".] The sculptures were able to pay homage to acclaimed images in America's 1940s cultural landscape. Wonder Woman's sculpture has noticeable similarities to Rosie the Riveter
Rosie the Riveter is an allegorical
cultural icon in the United States who represents the women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II, many of whom produced munitions and war supplies. These women sometimes took entirely n ...
's famed iconic image. The similarities between the two icons is seen in both of the characters’ bandanna pinned back hair and nearly identical color scheme of red, yellow and blue.
The American pop culture references of the sculptures become more tongue-in-cheek
Tongue-in-cheek is an idiom that describes a humorous or sarcastic statement expressed in a serious manner.
History
The phrase originally expressed contempt, but by 1842 had acquired its modern meaning. Early users of the phrase include Sir Walte ...
in Harley Quinn and the Joker's statue as to better reflect the former's explosive behavior. The Bombshells statue for Harley Quinn depicts her dressed in a World War II nurse's uniform. Harley Quinn is seen dipping a flustered, lipstick-stained Joker in an Sailor's uniform. The sculpture was a humorous rendition of the infamous " Kissing on VJ" photo where a sailor embraces a nurse in a moment of celebration.
DC Collectibles statues
The first statue was released in September 2013 with an initial assortment of twelve statues planned for the line. High interest in the line has meant that the line has continued beyond the initial twelve statues, with releases planned through 2019.[Bombshells: An Oral History of the DC Collectibles Line that Exploded in Popularity]
Comic Book Resources
''CBR'', formerly ''Comic Book Resources'', is a news website primarily covering comic book news, comic book reviews, and comic book–related topics involving movies, television, anime, and video games. It is owned by Valnet, parent of publicat ...
. October 2, 2015. The DC Collectibles statues have matching "steel plate" bases. The earliest statues were shipped with the nameplates attached to the bases; some statues were shipped as single solid pieces. However, DC began using separate pieces attached with pegs or magnets due to a high percentage of damaged early statues. Between 2013 and 2016, the statues had Edition Sizes of 5200 (during DC's New 52 era). Beginning with 2017's Katana, the statues currently have Edition Sizes of 5000.
Deluxe statues
The Deluxe statues have diorama-style bases instead of the shared "steel plate" bases of the regular statue line. Currently, they have Edition Sizes of 5000 each.
Comic books
''DC Comics Bombshells''
Based on the increased interest in the property, a digital-first ongoing series written by Marguerite Bennett and various artists began in July 2015, with a printed comic book following in 12 August. The series ran for 100 digital issues, concluding in June 2017 and 33 print issues with the final issue release in August.
In her initial conception for building a narrative out of Ant Lucia's designs, Marguerite Bennett has stated: "We were able to retro-engineer this complete environment that lets them showcase their powers that lets them have good relationships and friendships that they wouldn't have been able to explore in another sphere....Going down to the smallest details that nt Luciaputs into the statues and creating whole backstories for items". Bennett also speaks on her decision to incorporate mainstream canonical backstories of characters in this new world. Bennett explored traditional genres and mediums of the 1940s such as radio shows and propaganda films to provide a realistic history for the Bombshells franchise. Bennett speaks on this decision when she states: "Each of the heroines actually has, essentially, her own genre. Batwoman started off as this cheesy radio adventure reel, Wonder Woman is a war story, Supergirl is a propaganda film, Zatanna is this Hammer horror film, Catwoman is like a noir spy story". Bennett concludes and acknowledges the importance of the decision: "We were able to complete this whole new world that wasn't just one thing because no woman is just one thing. So they each got to have a distinct voice, a distinct personality". The foundation of feminist tones in the comic are seen in the structure of this atypical history as Bennett says: "We wanted to make a principle of the series to have the conceit that in this alternate history World War II the women came first. No heroine is derivative of a male counterpart. They are the heroes".
''Bombshells United''
A second digital-first series was launched on 25 August 2017 with the print release following on 6 September. Picking up from the end of the previous ''Bombshells'' series, the new series begins in 1943 with the Bombshells now back in America. Each arc focuses on a specific group of characters, with the first storyline introducing the Bombshells versions of Donna Troy
Donna Troy is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She is the original Wonder Girl, and later temporarily adopts another alias, Troia. Created by Bob Haney and Bruno Premiani, she first appeared in ''The Brave an ...
and Cassie Sandsmark
Cassandra "Cassie" Sandsmark, also known as Wonder Girl, is a superheroine appearing in DC Comics. She was created by John Byrne (comics), John Byrne and first appeared in ''Wonder Woman (comic book), Wonder Woman'' (vol. 2) #105 (January 1996). ...
. The series was cancelled after 38 digital installments and 19 print issues.
The series is collected in trade paperbacks
A paperback (softcover, softback) book is one with a thick paper or paperboard cover, also known as wrappers, and often held together with glue rather than stitches or staples. In contrast, hardback (hardcover) books are bound with cardboar ...
.
Characters
Batwoman - In the 1930s, Kate Kane was an "adventurer". She kept her father's company afloat in the depression and fought in the Spanish Civil War
The Spanish Civil War () was a military conflict fought from 1936 to 1939 between the Republican faction (Spanish Civil War), Republicans and the Nationalist faction (Spanish Civil War), Nationalists. Republicans were loyal to the Left-wing p ...
with her then girlfriend, Renee Montoya. In 1940s, Kate is "The Batwoman" a vigilante inspiring hope in Gotham City. She was named after the bat and baseball uniform she uses to fight crime in. She is recruited by Amanda Waller to enlist in the Bombshells war effort.
Wonder Woman - Diana Prince was first introduced in the series as she disrupted an air raid between US troops and an unidentified opponent because they were causing unintentional harm to Themyscira. Diana soon meets Steve Trevor and cultivates a need to protect him from his impending execution for harming Themyscira. With the help of Mera, Aquawoman, Diana helps Steve escape. Diana soon joins the United States Army corps and fights against Germany.
Supergirl and Stargirl - Kortni Duginova and Kara Starikov were raised together as sisters after Kara's Kryptonian pod landed in Russia. Their parents believed they were "like the twin Goddesses-made where the sky met the Earth. We are blessed by the creatures of the Forest and the creatures of the sky, she says. Her little fallen stars". After their parents met unfortunate circumstances, Kortni and Kara lived in the Dormitory For Daughters of the Workers’ Revolution and had dreams of flying for the Night Witches
"Night Witches" was a World War II German nickname for the all-female military aviators of the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, known later as the 46th "Taman" Guards Night Bomber Aviation Red Banner and Order of Suvorov Regiment, of the Soviet Air ...
, "the most terrifying bombers of the Soviet Air Force". At an enlistment exam, Kara's Kryptonian powers were revealed and the sisters were turned into propaganda for Russia's war effort. Kara is described as "the wonder of Soviet science-the supergirl walks among us! A gift from the heavens, to favor the motherland in crushing her enemies" in a Russian newsreel. Kortni is described as "armed with the strength of the revolutionary soviet cosmonaut program—the Stargirl wields the cosmic staff. A design pioneered by comrade Ipati Dugin, the Stargirl's distinguished father".
Zatanna - In Germany, Zatanna is held captive by The Joker's Daughter. She performs in a cabaret singing songs embedded with her signature magic. Zatanna meets John Constantine
John Constantine (), also known as Hellblazer, is an antihero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. He was created by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, and John Totleben, and first appeared in ''Swamp Thing'' #37 (June 1985). I ...
and in order to save his life, she transforms him into a rabbit. Zatanna is forced to aid the Joker's Daughter by summoning a beast called the Tenebrus, who will bring about destruction. She conspires with Constantine on how to successfully revolt against the Joker's Daughter, yet her affection for him is constantly used against her.
The Batgirls - Harper Row has a chance encounter with Batwoman where she aids in stopping a crime. Batwoman leaves Harper her Bat, which inspires Harper to form the Batgirls with her best friends and coworkers, Nell Little and Kathy Duquesne. The trio quickly grows in ranks as Bette Kane
Mary Elizabeth Kane, better known as Bette Kane, is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in the 1960s as "Betty Kane", the Batgirl#Betty/Bette Kane, Bat-Girl. Her name was later mo ...
, Alysia Yeoh, and Felicity Smoak
Felicity Smoak is a fictional character appearing in comics published by DC Comics. Her first appearance was in ''The Fury of Firestorm'' #23 (May 1984), created by writer Gerry Conway and artist Rafael Kayanan. She was originally the manager of ...
join them. The Batgirls stop corruption from running rampant in an orphanage to rescue Harper's brother Cullen and come across Tim Drake
Timothy Jackson "Tim" Drake is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. Created by Marv Wolfman and Pat Broderick, he first appeared in ''Batman'' #436 (August 19 ...
. They both join their ranks as well.
Variant covers
In June 2014, a selection of DC Comics monthly titles featured variant covers featuring the DC Comics Bombshells.[ This was repeated again in August 2015.] The Bombshells variant covers were able to cultivate a coherent narrative that placed contemporary characters in the past. Ant Lucia details his process on detaching the characters from their current history and the construction of their new placement in the World War II era: "We brainstorm on who this character is and if they were set in this period, what elements would make up their costume. Obviously with Batgirl's mask- what would she actually use left to her own devices to create this style costume in that period? What would her persona be — maybe she is this pilot alter-ego superhero? We take a little time in thinking about who these characters are and who they might be in this alternate reality".
Merchandise
Based on the success of the initial statues, the Bombshells designs have been licensed out to a number of other companies for a range of merchandise. DC Collectibles released a set of three busts (Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Mera) based on artwork by Emmanuela Lupacchino and sculpted by Jack Mathews. Another company, Icon Heroes, has released a Bombshells Harley Quinn bust. Cryptozoic Entertainment
Cryptozoic Entertainment is an American publisher of board and card games, trading cards and collectibles based on both licensed and original intellectual properties. The company is well known for its "Cerberus Engine Game", the catch name for i ...
have released a line of PVC statues based on the Bombshells designs, as well as Mystery-Box mini figurines titled 'Lil Bombshells. Funko
Funko Inc. is an American company that manufactures Brand licensing, licensed and limited popular culture, pop culture collectibles, known for its licensed Polyvinyl chloride, vinyl figurines and bobbleheads. In addition, the company produces li ...
have released a range of Bombshells figures in their POP! and Rock Candy lines and a wave of Mystery Mini figurines. The Tonner Doll Company have also released fashion dolls of Harley Quinn, Wonder Woman, Supergirl and Batwoman in their Bombshells designs.
Action figures
Based on the continuing success of the line, DC Collectibles announced at San Diego Comic-Con
San Diego Comic-Con is a comic book convention and multi-genre entertainment event held annually in San Diego, California, at the San Diego Convention Center. Founded in 1970, originally showcasing primarily comic books and science fiction/fant ...
2016 that they would be releasing a line of articulated action figures based on the ''DC Comics Bombshells'' line as part of their 'Designer Series' range of 6.75-inch figures. The first wave of figures was released in April 2017 and features Bombshells versions of Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy and Batwoman.[DC Bombshells Storm San Diego Comic Con with First Ever 6.75" DC Collectibles Action Figure Line]
DC Comics
DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...
. July 21, 2016 In a trailer for the series released on the DC Entertainment YouTube
YouTube is an American social media and online video sharing platform owned by Google. YouTube was founded on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim who were three former employees of PayPal. Headquartered in ...
Channel they also revealed that a second wave would be released in fall 2017, with a figure of the Bombshells version of Mera previewed.[DC Collectibles – DC Bombshells Action Figures...Coming Soon!]
DC Entertainment. November 1, 2016 The second wave features: Mera, Batgirl, Hawkgirl and Katana. The third wave was also announced, consisting of Bumblebee and Supergirl to be released in early 2018, but has been cancelled.[DC Designer Series Bombshells Supergirl & Bumblebee Figures Canceled?!?]
/ref> A two-pack of Joker and Harley Quinn have been announced for release in 2018, before being re-solicited as single release figures for 2019 before again being cancelled.[DC Comics Cancels Your Opportunity to Make Ant Lucia’s Harley Quinn Kiss The Joker Yourself]
Bleeding Cool
''Bleeding Cool'' is an Internet news site, focusing on comics, television, film, board games, and video games. Owned by Avatar Press, it was launched by Rich Johnston in 2009. Avatar Press also publishes an associated magazine, also called ''B ...
. December 13, 2018 Prototypes of Black Canary and Zatanna figures have also been shown though remain unreleased.
Collectible pins
FanSets created 3 lines of Bombshell pins. Character line art, FanSets MicroCrew Style and Bombshell pin-ups. Several were done for special conventions.
Trading cards
In 2017, Cryptozoic released a Bombshells trading card set featuring cover arts and variants as well as portraits of characters from the series. Two subsequent sets were released in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
HeroClix
Several of the Bombshells were featured prominently in the DC HeroClix set Harley Quinn and the Gotham Girls, including Batgirl, Batwoman, Black Canary, Catwoman, Harley Quinn, Hawkgirl, Katana, Mera, Poison Ivy, Raven, Stargirl, Supergirl, Wonder Woman, and Zatanna.
Video games
''Infinite Crisis
"Infinite Crisis" is a 2005–2006 comic book storyline published by DC Comics, consisting of an eponymous, seven-issue comic book limited series written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Phil Jimenez, George Pérez, Ivan Reis, and Jerry Ordway, ...
'' – alternate Bombshells costumes were added for Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn (Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel, PhD) is a fictional American character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm for ''Batman: The Animated Series'' as a henchwoman for the ...
in February and Stargirl in March 2015.
''DC Universe Online
''DC Universe Online'' (''DCUO'') is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online game set in the fictional universe of DC Comics. Developed by Dimensional Ink Games and co-published by Daybreak Game Company and WB Games, the game was initiall ...
'' – DC Comics Bombshells content was added to the game in August 2015. The story mission ''The Bombshells Paradox'' sees the Bombshells version of Talia al Ghul
Talia al Ghul (; , ) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with Batman. The character was created by writer Dennis O'Neil and artist Bob Brown (comics), Bob Brown, and first app ...
cause a tear in reality and leads to the players interacting with the Bombshells versions of Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Harley Quinn, and Catwoman. Various cosmetic items based on the Bombshells look and a number of posters with Ant Lucia's original Bombshells artwork were also added to the game.
References
{{Reflist
External links
* DC page
DCB2015
BU2017
Comics about women
DC Comics titles
Feminist comics
Fictional World War II veterans
Alternate history comics
World War II alternate histories
Comics set during World War II
LGBTQ-related comics