Bomb Queen vs. Blacklight (one-shot)

Genre action Author Scott Wherle Publisher Image Comics External Links Official Image Comics Website

Don't let the cover fool you. You are not about to witness a torrid lesbian affair between Bomb Queen and Blacklight. Instead, Scott Wherle treats us to a fun one-issue crossover story that gives us some fresh insight on these two Shadowline characters. We learn that some Shadowline characters are aware of each other and are able to crossover within the Shadowline books, and the possibility exists that we could see some of these characters making their way to other series for guest appearances.

Blacklight and Bomb Queen, in their alter egos of Lina Juarez and Debra Benton respectively, are headed to Las Vegas for a convention. Not the some one, mind you, but the conventions are at the same hotel which leads to a confrontation between Lina and Debra at the snack bar and a throwdown when Bomb Queen tries to steal The Intimidator, a new gun that she simply must have, later that night. Blacklight proves to be a capable opponent for Bomb Queen. In addition to fighting Queen to a stalemate, she is clever enough to sneak in a sucker punch at the end that will not win her Queen's admiration, rather her indignation.

One of the insights learned from this issue include Bomb Queen not being allowed to wander freely from New Port City for fear of being arrested because she is considered a villain in the rest of the Shadowline Universe. Remember, crimes are an accepted part of life there. Still, she is quite capable of pulling off occasional escapades to other locales by going incognito and having film footage on hand that her supercomputer, Occularium, will run if necessary to give the illusion that she is still in New Port City. Additionally, we find out that Lina is a member of Cape-Watch. This group of observers keeps an active database on background, activities and whereabouts of heroes and villains that proves useful for Blacklight in this issue.

Artist Jimmie Robinson has done another good job. The work seems a little rushed, as if they wanted to get something out to keep Bomb Queen readers interested until the next series comes out. Since we do not see the comedic detail in the backgrounds as we normally would, there is the aspect that he is drawing Bomb Queen outside of New Port City that may have influenced his work. Nevertheless, it is a well-drawn issue.

I liked this issue because of its future ramifications but also because of the humorous interjections interspersed throughout. If there are future crossovers with other Shadowline characters and Bomb Queen, the writer will have to be very creative to integrate her into a story outside of New Port City. But I think that it can be done, and opens up some intriguing possibilities. Overall, this is a fun issue that provides insight to both characters and the Shadowline Universe and provides a welcome Bomb Queen injection for those suffering through withdrawal until October.