DC Comics – Bombshells #45
Genre
Alternate History, Superhero, War Drama, LGBTQ+ Romance
Main Characters
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Batwoman / Kate Kane – A fierce vigilante and skilled fighter operating during World War II, blending her passion for justice with a deeply personal mission.
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Catwoman / Selina Kyle – A cunning anti-heroine and master thief, navigating the wartime underworld of Berlin with her usual elegance and calculated edge.
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Renee Montoya – A former lover of Kate Kane, Montoya’s presence adds complexity, emotion, and unresolved history to the mission in Berlin.
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Lex Luthor (mentioned) – Though not central in this issue, Luthor’s looming influence and technological ambitions remain part of the larger Bombshells narrative.
Writer
Marguerite Bennett – Known for her bold storytelling and dedication to LGBTQ+ representation, Bennett continues to infuse Bombshells with emotional depth and historical flair.
Artist
Mirka Andolfo – Her expressive style captures the emotional beats of Batwoman and Renee's reunion while maintaining the stylish, 1940s aesthetic the series is known for.
Editor Details
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Editor: Kristy Quinn
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Assistant Editor: Jessica Chen
These editors help guide the narrative’s tone and pacing, ensuring continuity within the Bombshells universe.
Publisher and Brand
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Publisher: DC Comics
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Brand: DC Comics Digital First / Bombshells Universe
This series exists in a unique continuity separate from the main DC timeline, inspired by the popular DC Bombshells statue line, reimagining female heroes in a World War II setting.
Release Year
2017
Brief Plot Summary
In Bombshells #45, Batwoman returns to a Berlin gripped by political unrest and covert resistance. Her goal: to support Catwoman in a dangerous mission that could alter the balance of power. However, the operation takes a personal turn when Batwoman is unexpectedly reunited with her ex-lover, Renee Montoya. Their meeting is charged with tension, unresolved emotions, and lingering questions about choices made in the past. Through flashbacks, readers witness poignant moments from their relationship, enriching their dynamic in the present. As the war rages on, their personal reconciliation becomes just as vital as their fight against tyranny.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
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"War Stories" Arc: Part of the ongoing narrative that places DC’s female heroes at the center of WWII resistance, emphasizing character-driven stories against a global backdrop.
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Batwoman & Renee Montoya's Past: This issue deepens one of the series’ most compelling relationships, weaving LGBTQ+ themes into the alternate wartime narrative.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Symbolism of Berlin as Emotional Battleground: Fans interpret Berlin not just as a war zone but a symbolic stage for Batwoman and Renee to confront their shared history—where political intrigue mirrors emotional tension.
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Possible Future Team-Up: Some speculate this reunion hints at a larger arc where Batwoman and Renee become partners once more, both professionally and romantically, within the resistance.
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Catwoman as Catalyst: Fans believe Selina’s role in orchestrating the mission may have been partially motivated by a desire to reunite the estranged lovers, adding a subtle emotional layer to her character.
Review Summary
Bombshells #45 delivers a beautifully layered issue that balances action, romance, and character development. Marguerite Bennett’s writing remains strong, offering authentic emotional resonance without sacrificing narrative pace. Mirka Andolfo’s art is equally effective—evoking the period’s style while giving emotional weight to every glance and gesture between Kate and Renee. This issue stands out for its commitment to representation and its ability to tell a deeply human story within a stylized, alternate-history world. A must-read for fans of character-driven superhero tales and LGBTQ+ narratives in comics.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
