DC Comics – Bombshells #74 (2016) – Comic Review & Breakdown
đ Genre
Alternate History, Superhero, War Drama, Gothic Horror
đŠž♀️ Main Characters
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Vampire Batgirl (Babs Gordon) – A fierce and cunning version of Batgirl, transformed into a vampire in this universe.
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Luc – A former ally presumed dead, now discovered imprisoned by the sinister forces of the Reich.
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The Reich – The oppressive and supernatural enemy faction in this alternate World War II-era setting.
✍️ Writer
Marguerite Bennett – Known for her poetic storytelling and powerful portrayal of women, Bennett masterfully blends horror, heroism, and historical fiction in the Bombshells series.
đš Artist
Sandy Jarrell – Jarrell’s clean yet expressive style brings a haunting vibrancy to every panel, capturing the emotional weight and gothic undertones of this issue.
đ ️ Editor Details
Jessica Chen – As an editor, Chen helped shape the series' distinctive tone, ensuring consistent narrative quality while balancing historical elements with supernatural drama.
đą Publisher and Brand
DC Comics
Brand: DC Bombshells (Digital First Series) – A line reimagining classic female heroes in a 1940s wartime setting, heavily inspired by vintage pin-up aesthetics and feminist storytelling.
đ Release Year
2016
đ§♀️ Brief Plot Summary
In Bombshells #74, Vampire Batgirl (Babs Gordon) finally reunites with Luc—someone she had believed dead for years. But joy quickly turns to dread as the truth is revealed: Luc has been a prisoner of the Reich all this time. Through a series of emotionally-charged flashbacks and haunting confrontations, the issue dives deep into themes of betrayal, survival, and love stretched across war-torn decades. Babs must come to terms with what Luc endured and confront the lingering pain of the past.
đ Notable Arcs or Storylines
This issue is a pivotal part of the Bombshells United arc where truth meets trauma. The Batgirl-Luc subplot stands out as a gothic romance tragedy within the broader war narrative, layering the emotional landscape of the series and emphasizing the human cost of war.
đ§ Fan Theories or Interpretations
Many fans speculate that Luc’s prolonged imprisonment was more than physical—it may have involved mystical or psychological manipulation by Reich occultists. Some even theorize that Luc could return with enhanced powers or secrets that will impact Babs’ fate in future issues. Others interpret Babs’ vampirism as a metaphor for trauma and isolation, with her rediscovery of Luc symbolizing a fractured piece of her humanity.
⭐ Review Summary
Bombshells #74 is a beautifully tragic issue that merges historical storytelling with supernatural suspense. Marguerite Bennett's dialogue is lyrical and emotionally raw, while Sandy Jarrell’s artwork conveys both subtle expressions and sweeping horror with equal finesse. The story digs into Batgirl’s psyche, revealing vulnerabilities rarely seen in mainstream comics. This issue is a must-read for fans of character-driven narratives, alternative timelines, and meaningful explorations of love and loss.
đ️ Rating: 8.5/10
đ Best For: Fans of Elseworlds stories, gothic drama, and emotionally grounded superhero tales.
đŠ A haunting reunion, a war-scarred past, and the vampire who dared to feel again—Bombshells #74 is darkly beautiful.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
