Bombshell! Valkyrie : Michael Dooney

Although her image was emblazoned into the fevered brains of modern-day fanboys everywhere via the '80s Airboy covers drawn by the late, great Dave Stevens, Valkyrie -- the aviator hero's German-born nemesis turned ally -- began her career in Hillman Comics' Air Fighters in 1943. She's brought to Bombshell! life here by Michael Dooney, whose real-life nose art adorns the aircraft of the 104th Fighter Wing, a.k.a. "The Barnestormers," based in Westfield, Massachusetts. It was Mike's idea to show Valkyrie wielding the Spear of Destiny, a nod to the Nazis' infamous infatuation with mystical icons. (Lost Ark, anyone?)