DC Comics – Bombshells #72 (2016)
🏷️ Genre
Superhero • Alternate History • War Drama • Fantasy
🎭 Main Characters
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Vixen (Mari McCabe) – The mystical hero and protector of Zambesi, empowered by the Tantu Totem.
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Wonder Woman (Diana Prince) – Amazonian warrior and global symbol of resistance.
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Batwoman (Kate Kane) – A fierce soldier and strategist.
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Zambesi Elders and People – Representing the soul and traditions of the land.
✍️ Writer
Marguerite Bennett – Known for her deeply feminist narratives and ability to reimagine characters through an empowering historical lens.
🎨 Artist
Mirka Andolfo – A standout visual storyteller with a dynamic style that blends expressive character work with atmospheric panels.
🖋️ Editor Details
Kristy Quinn (Editor) – Known for shaping Bombshells into a unique and progressive series spotlighting female DC heroes in WWII-era settings.
🏢 Publisher and Brand
Published by DC Comics under the DC Bombshells digital-first imprint, inspired by the popular collectible statue line reimagining female characters in 1940s aesthetics.
📅 Release Year
2016
📖 Brief Plot Summary
In Bombshells #72, Vixen rises from the heart of conflict as Zambesi is caught between opposing forces. With her mystical connection to the animal kingdom and the spiritual legacy of her ancestors, she must make a soul-defining decision—will she embrace the path of vengeance or rise to become a beacon of hope for her people? As the war rages, Vixen’s inner strength, cultural pride, and leadership are put to the ultimate test.
🔥 Notable Arcs or Storylines
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“The Battle for Zambesi”: A powerful climax within the Bombshells arc, centering around identity, sovereignty, and female empowerment.
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Vixen’s Spiritual Awakening: This issue elevates her beyond a fighter to a true symbol of resistance and wisdom, enriched by cultural depth and heritage.
🧠 Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Totem as a Metaphor: Many readers interpret the Tantu Totem not just as a mystical object but as a symbol of ancestral memory and generational trauma, now reclaimed by Vixen as a tool of healing.
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Zambesi’s Struggle = Colonial Legacy: Fans have drawn parallels between the comic’s fictional conflict and real-world anti-colonial resistance movements in Africa.
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Vixen’s Rise as a New Wonder Woman of Africa: Some interpret this issue as Vixen’s transition into a mythic figure akin to Wonder Woman, but with Afrocentric spiritual foundations.
🧐 Review Summary
Bombshells #72 delivers a satisfying emotional payoff with strong feminist themes, vibrant art, and mature character arcs. Vixen is portrayed with a depth rarely explored in mainstream comics, blending cultural roots with personal evolution. Mirka Andolfo’s artwork adds elegance and tension, using bold lines and expressive faces to bring every emotion to life. The narrative is well-paced, thematically rich, and visually stunning. A powerful chapter that cements Bombshells as more than a stylized spin-off—it’s a meaningful reimagining.
⭐ Rating: 8.5/10
🖼️ Art: ★★★★☆
📝 Story: ★★★★☆
💫 Character Depth: ★★★★☆
📚 A must-read for fans of alternate-history superhero tales with heart, heritage, and heroism.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
