DC Comics – Bombshells #40
Genre
đ„ Alternate History | đŠž♀️ Superhero | đ️ War Drama | đ§♀️ Mythological Fantasy
Main Characters
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Aquawoman (Mera) – The fierce Atlantean queen, known for her loyalty, power over the seas, and unwavering courage.
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Nereus – A manipulative undersea commander and political rival, exploiting wartime chaos for personal gain.
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Wonder Woman (Diana Prince) – Although not the central focus, she looms large as a symbol of resistance and power.
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Batwoman (Kate Kane) – A prominent figure in the Bombshells series, offering military insight and tactical support.
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Amanda Waller – Oversees operations from a political angle, ensuring alliances and motivations remain complex.
Writer
đ Marguerite Bennett
Bennett brings powerful emotional depth and layered storytelling to the Bombshells universe, portraying heroines with resilience and complexity.
Artist
đš Laura Braga
Braga delivers fluid panel work and rich, vintage-inspired visuals. Her art captures both the period-appropriate aesthetics and the expressive emotion of the characters.
Editor Details
✏️ Jessica Chen (Editor)
Jessica Chen ensures continuity and tone are consistent across this alternate reality series, maintaining a balance of action, politics, and personal stakes.
Publisher and Brand
đ DC Comics
đ·️ DC Bombshells (Digital First Series)
An imaginative reimagining of iconic DC heroines set during an alternate version of World War II, originally launched under DC’s digital-first publishing initiative.
Release Year
đ 2017
Brief Plot Summary
In Bombshells #40, readers dive into the harrowing tale of Aquawoman during the Battle of Britain. Stripped of her elemental powers and held captive by her former ally-turned-enemy Nereus, Mera is forced into a brutal confrontation with her identity, leadership, and loyalty. This emotionally driven issue explores what it means to be a queen without her throne, and a warrior without her weapons. Against the bleak backdrop of war, her internal and external battles collide in ways that redefine her legacy. đđĄ️
Notable Arcs or Storylines
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“War Torn Waters” – A key arc in the Bombshells saga, this storyline traces Mera’s journey from a royal combatant to a political prisoner, highlighting themes of betrayal, loss, and defiance.
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“Atlantis Rising” (building arc) – Hints are dropped about the tensions brewing beneath the seas, setting the stage for larger-scale aquatic conflicts in later issues.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
đ Fans speculate that Nereus’s betrayal is not solely driven by power hunger, but possibly under external magical manipulation—perhaps even by unseen forces like Circe or a rogue faction of Atlantean mystics. Others believe Mera’s power loss isn't physical but psychological, symbolizing a loss of purpose in a chaotic world war.
Review Summary
Bombshells #40 stands out as a character-focused issue that beautifully blends wartime tension with mythic personal struggle. Laura Braga's evocative art perfectly matches Marguerite Bennett’s poignant script. Aquawoman’s emotional depth is a highlight, portraying strength beyond superpowers. The issue balances action with introspection, providing readers with both spectacle and substance. Highly recommended for fans of alternate history narratives and powerful female-led storytelling. ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
đ§♀️ A must-read for those seeking rich character arcs and bold reimaginings of DC’s iconic heroines.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
