ADVANCED REVIEW: Bomb Queen,’ Issue #1

Bomb Queen #1 is published by Image Comics under the Shadowline imprint, with writing and art by Jimmie Robinson. After numerous years in hiding Bomb Queen has been discovered, lying low in Moscow. When she is captured by White Knight she is given a choice. She can run for the presidency against Trump, or be tortured. Deciding that winning the election could be a lark, Bomb Queen agrees. But what will the world make of this new presidential candidate?

Satire is a tricky thing to utilize. Just like with all forms of humor, everyone has their own point that defines when something goes “too far”. The thing that makes satire even touchier is the fact that its almost always aimed at something that is sure to upset people. More often than not, politics. And while many satirical acts have tried to walk this tightrope, Robinson seems to choice instead to just cut the rope all together and see where Bomb Queen #1 will land. And as is the long tradition of satire, there will definitely be people upset.

There is a minimal amount of actual story to talk about in Bomb Queen #1. By and large it’s all been covered in the opening paragraph. The vast majority of this book is dedicated to highlighting how the people of America react to Bomb Queen’s decision to run for office. These reactions run the full gamut of approval to outrage. And unfortunately, given many of the bizarre statements I’ve heard people say between the news and social media, I can’t rule out even the most over the top reactions as being impossible for some one to say. It is a crazy world out there. And Bomb Queen #1 is loving it.

For me personally, I think Bomb Queen #1 goes too far. Not like in a, “someone is going to be sued” too far. Just for me, it goes past the point of satirical humor with a point and just gets into being mean. Which, to be fair, there is a lot out there to be mean too. And, in Bomb Queen #1’s defense, the Queen is willing to put her sights on everyone. As liberals and conservatives alike get lampooned within the pages of this book. If you simply wanted to see the many facets of the American political system be made fun of, this book may be for you.

Just as with it’s writing, Bomb Queen #1 art is all about shock value. Bomb Queen’s opening scene in the book, where she’s hanging upside down with her miniskirt around her waist and only the tiniest pair of panties covering her serves as a perfect way to set the tone for the books visual approach. As crass as the humor, the art revels in its subject matter fully committing to its concept. As they say, “go big, or go home”.

While the subject matter of the art wasn’t really my cup of tea, it does deliver its story well from a technical standpoint. The images are clear, and the layout is easy to follow. The coloring is also well done as it compliments the rest of the visuals fine.

If at this point you think that Bomb Queen #1’s style of crass satirical comedy is for you then you might want to check it out. If what I have described sounds like it falls somewhere between too much, well… I’d say go with that. No media is for everyone, and Bomb Queen #1  definitely isn’t for everyone.

Bomb Queen #1 is available on August 26th wherever comics are sold.