Bombshells United #16 Review

Writer: Marguerite Bennett

Artist: Sandy Jarrell

Colorist: Kelly Fitzpatrick

Letterer: Wes Abbott

Published by: DC Comics

In entertainment, whether it be the written word or pictures on the screen, one concept has been used pretty much everywhere? That concept, the Deus Ex Machina. For those unfamiliar, this narrative device is defined as an unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation. That is pretty much exactly what happened in this issue.

After submitting this group of Bombshells to ever increasing odds, Bennett finally have them confront the main antagonist… which is then replace by another main antagonist… which is then replaced by another main antagonist. This was a weird one to say the least. After having an unknown sound be the focal point of the Bombshells investigation, it was strange that Bennett fakes out the real culprit twice in the span of like 10 panels.

As for the use of the Deus Ex Machina, well, none of the Bombshells who are present are used to defeat this newfound bad guy. Nope, Bennett has them call for one the most powerful members of their community. How they call her is well done in my opinion, and the swerve as to who appears is also well done (I totally thought it was going to be one long standing member of the DC Universe, only to have be someone else).

However, the use of the Deus Ex Machina and the flip flopping of antagonist in this story took away from what had been a somewhat enjoyable story. I see why Bennett chose to do it this way, since she is clearly setting up for the final run of issues with this chapter (it was announced that Bombshells United was ending soon). It’s just too bad it was done in such a haphazard way.