It's the age of World War II, when men are off fighting wars on foreign shores and women are at home, working in factories and even taking part in America's favorite pastime, baseball. In DC Comics' new Bombshells title, some of these women are actually superheroes, such as Batwoman, whose story gets featured in issue #1.

In this issue, Batwoman isn't quite yet a superhero, though. In fact, her title as Batwoman actually comes from her time spent on the baseball fields of Gotham, where women remain disguised so that would-be haters won't know their identities. Although Kate Kane (Batwoman's secret identity) fights crime and haters with a sure fist, she feels like she's missing out, sure that she could become so much more than what she is.

Kate expresses these feelings of frustration with her lover, Maggie Sawyer, in the pages of Bombshells #1, with the issue ending with an appearance by someone (a familiar DC character) who will probably change Kate's life forever.

However, what's most interesting in Bombshells #1 is the first page, where we get an instant retelling of Bruce Wayne and Batman's story, and it's enough to prevent Batman from ever becoming a superhero. Early on, it's obvious that this anthology is about the women of DC Comics.

The writing by Marguerite Bennett is spritely and interesting, especially in the quick dismissal of Bruce Wayne as Batman. That's where the story grabs you and keeps you interested, giving you a quick view of the character as well as introducing her new origin story. This is not a Batwoman we've seen before. This is Batwoman as played by Lauren Bacall: at times sultry and moody, but also strong and independent.

The artwork, too, by Marguerite Sauvage, elicits the mood of the 1940s, with sharp lines and bright colors. Batwoman's costume is also interesting: the cute baseball outfit with the mask harkens back to simpler times and shows a character that is sexy and self-assured. It's likely that this costume will turn up on cosplayers soon at upcoming conventions and comics events.

The action panels play out similarly to 1940s comics titles, but with a modern roller derby vibe thrown in for good measure. Some of the simple panels are anything but: they're a collage of vibrant colors and emotions: don't miss the beautiful artwork of Kate and Maggie on page 17 standing in front of a wall of portraits.

Bombshells #1 is off to a good start, with an interesting story arc. We look forward to seeing where this title goes next.

Bombshells #1 is available now on ComiXology.

Story

★★★★☆

Art

★★★★★

Overall

★★★★☆

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