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Gotham City Sirens #1-2
Gotham City Sirens: Book One
This graphic novel features the bad girls of Gotham City! Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn are tired of playing by other people's rules regardless of which side of the law they're on. These tough ladies have a new agenda that's all their own, and they'll use any means necessary to pursue it. But can they get along and work as a team? And who will get hurt along the way?
Contains issues 1-13.
Contains issues 1-13.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2010
About the author
Paul Dini
687 books682 followersPaul Dini is an American television producer of animated cartoons. He is best known as a producer and writer for several Warner Bros./DC Comics series, including Star Wars: Ewoks, Tiny Toon Adventures, Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, The New Batman/Superman Adventures, Batman Beyond and Duck Dodgers. He also developed and scripted Krypto the Superdog and contributed scripts to Animaniacs (he created Minerva Mink), Freakazoid, Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. After leaving Warner Bros. In early 2004, Dini went on to write and story edit the popular ABC adventure series Lost.
Paul Dini was born in New York City. He attended the Stevenson School in Pebble Beach, California on an art scholarship. He attended Emerson College in Boston, where he earned a BFA degree in creative writing. (He also took zoology classes at Harvard University.)
During college, he began doing freelance animation scripts for Filmation, and a number of other studios. In 1984, he was hired to work for George Lucas on several of his animation projects.
The episodes of the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon that were written by Dini have become favorites amongst the show's fans over the internet, although despite this as well as contributing to interviews on the released box sets of the series, Dini has made no secret of his distaste for Filmation and the He-Man concept. He also wrote an episode of the Generation One Transformers cartoon series and contributed to various episodes of the Ewoks animated series, several of which included rare appearances from the Empire.
In 1989, he was hired at Warner Bros. Animation to work on Tiny Toon Adventures. Later, he moved onto Batman: The Animated Series, where he worked as a writer, producer and editor, later working on Batman Beyond. He continued working with WB animation, working on a number of internal projects, including Krypto the Superdog and Duck Dodgers, until 2004.
He has earned five Emmy awards for his animation work. In a related effort, Dini was also the co-author (with Chip Kidd) of Batman Animated, a 1998 non-fiction coffee table book about the animated Batman franchise.
Dini has also written several comics stories for DC Comics, including an acclaimed oversized graphic novel series illustrated by painter Alex Ross. (A hardcover collection of the Dini and Ross stories was published in late summer 2005 under the title The World's Greatest Superheroes.) Other books written by Dini for DC have featured his Batman Animated creation Harley Quinn as well as classic characters Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel and Zatanna.
Best known among Dini's original creations is Jingle Belle, the rebellious teen-age daughter of Santa Claus. Dini also created Sheriff Ida Red, the super-powered cowgirl star of a series of books set in Dini's mythical town of Mutant, Texas. Perhaps his greatest character contribution is the introduction of Harley Quinn (along with designs by Bruce Timm) on Batman: The Animated Series.
In 2001 Dini made a cameo appearance in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back during the scene in which Jay and Silent Bob wear ridiculous looking costumes for a film being directed by Chris Rock, in which Dini says to them "you guys look pretty bad ass".
In 2006, Dini became the writer for DC Comics' Detective Comics. That same year, he announced that he was writing a hardcover graphic novel starring Zatanna and Black Canary. In 2007, he was announced as the head writer of that company's weekly series, Countdown. Paul Dini is currently co-writing the script for the upcoming Gatchaman movie. Dini is also currently writing a series for Top Cow Productions, based in a character he created, Madame Mirage.
Paul Dini is an active cryptozoologist, hunter and wildlife photographer. On a 1985 trip to Tasmania, he had a possible sighting of a Thylacine. He has also encountered a number of venomous snakes, a Komodo Dragon and a charging Sumatran Rhi
Paul Dini was born in New York City. He attended the Stevenson School in Pebble Beach, California on an art scholarship. He attended Emerson College in Boston, where he earned a BFA degree in creative writing. (He also took zoology classes at Harvard University.)
During college, he began doing freelance animation scripts for Filmation, and a number of other studios. In 1984, he was hired to work for George Lucas on several of his animation projects.
The episodes of the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon that were written by Dini have become favorites amongst the show's fans over the internet, although despite this as well as contributing to interviews on the released box sets of the series, Dini has made no secret of his distaste for Filmation and the He-Man concept. He also wrote an episode of the Generation One Transformers cartoon series and contributed to various episodes of the Ewoks animated series, several of which included rare appearances from the Empire.
In 1989, he was hired at Warner Bros. Animation to work on Tiny Toon Adventures. Later, he moved onto Batman: The Animated Series, where he worked as a writer, producer and editor, later working on Batman Beyond. He continued working with WB animation, working on a number of internal projects, including Krypto the Superdog and Duck Dodgers, until 2004.
He has earned five Emmy awards for his animation work. In a related effort, Dini was also the co-author (with Chip Kidd) of Batman Animated, a 1998 non-fiction coffee table book about the animated Batman franchise.
Dini has also written several comics stories for DC Comics, including an acclaimed oversized graphic novel series illustrated by painter Alex Ross. (A hardcover collection of the Dini and Ross stories was published in late summer 2005 under the title The World's Greatest Superheroes.) Other books written by Dini for DC have featured his Batman Animated creation Harley Quinn as well as classic characters Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel and Zatanna.
Best known among Dini's original creations is Jingle Belle, the rebellious teen-age daughter of Santa Claus. Dini also created Sheriff Ida Red, the super-powered cowgirl star of a series of books set in Dini's mythical town of Mutant, Texas. Perhaps his greatest character contribution is the introduction of Harley Quinn (along with designs by Bruce Timm) on Batman: The Animated Series.
In 2001 Dini made a cameo appearance in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back during the scene in which Jay and Silent Bob wear ridiculous looking costumes for a film being directed by Chris Rock, in which Dini says to them "you guys look pretty bad ass".
In 2006, Dini became the writer for DC Comics' Detective Comics. That same year, he announced that he was writing a hardcover graphic novel starring Zatanna and Black Canary. In 2007, he was announced as the head writer of that company's weekly series, Countdown. Paul Dini is currently co-writing the script for the upcoming Gatchaman movie. Dini is also currently writing a series for Top Cow Productions, based in a character he created, Madame Mirage.
Paul Dini is an active cryptozoologist, hunter and wildlife photographer. On a 1985 trip to Tasmania, he had a possible sighting of a Thylacine. He has also encountered a number of venomous snakes, a Komodo Dragon and a charging Sumatran Rhi
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
September 1, 2020
(B+) 79% | Good
Notes: It’s about affinity, belonging and companionship; shining the brightest when tapping into its inner ensemble sitcom.
Notes: It’s about affinity, belonging and companionship; shining the brightest when tapping into its inner ensemble sitcom.
December 12, 2016
In an effort to cut the crap like it's never been cut before, I'll jump straight to the fascinating moral of this Super Crappy Super Non-Review Crappy Non Review (SCSNRCNR™):
Gotham City is definitely not for me. Kick-Ass Villainous Chicks Only Cast (KAVCOC™) or not, I DO NOT like GothamSilly City. I DO NOT like its OTT characters. I DO NOT like its silly super heroes. I DO NOT like its ridiculous super villains. I DO NOT like that all women in this story have the Pathetically Clichéd Thin Waist Huge Boobs Big Ass ARGH I Think I'm Gonna Shoot Someone Look (PCTWHBBAAITIGSSL™). I DO NOT like a single shrimping thing about this freaking comic. Which I DO NOT like because I wanted to like it because Paul Dini and because Paul Dini = Madame Mirage and stuff.
The end.
See? I can do short and to the point when I want to.
I do try, my Little Barnacles. I do try. It's just that I'm not very good at it. Which is quite surprising considering I was born talented.
P.S. Alex, I still love you. I think.
P.P.S. I'll let you in on a little secret: I did not like this. You're welcome.
Gotham City is definitely not for me. Kick-Ass Villainous Chicks Only Cast (KAVCOC™) or not, I DO NOT like Gotham
The end.
See? I can do short and to the point when I want to.
I do try, my Little Barnacles. I do try. It's just that I'm not very good at it. Which is quite surprising considering I was born talented.
P.S. Alex, I still love you. I think.
P.P.S. I'll let you in on a little secret: I did not like this. You're welcome.
October 16, 2019
There are two volumes in this collection and the first volume is the better story.
Friendship, roomies, kicking butt and some girl power are the fun ingredients for this story. The Riddler is on the straight and narrow, but will he be able to continue that.
Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn are BFFs. They find a lair and live together. Harley is off the Joker and I must say, I like her so much when she isn't crazy for the Joker. She was entertaining in this caper. Poison Ivy was probably my favorite character. I do enjoy how the plants love her. Dehydration is her weakness. I thought this worked well and these characters make great friends. They have a lot of play off each other. Harley is less crazy and more down to Earth and I enjoy that in a story. She can still kick some butt.
The girls get caught up in schemes and have to rescue each other, but they have each other's backs. It was an exciting romp through a different Gotham. The Batman did not make an appearance and he didn't need to as the girls were do-gooders in this story.
Friendship, roomies, kicking butt and some girl power are the fun ingredients for this story. The Riddler is on the straight and narrow, but will he be able to continue that.
Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn are BFFs. They find a lair and live together. Harley is off the Joker and I must say, I like her so much when she isn't crazy for the Joker. She was entertaining in this caper. Poison Ivy was probably my favorite character. I do enjoy how the plants love her. Dehydration is her weakness. I thought this worked well and these characters make great friends. They have a lot of play off each other. Harley is less crazy and more down to Earth and I enjoy that in a story. She can still kick some butt.
The girls get caught up in schemes and have to rescue each other, but they have each other's backs. It was an exciting romp through a different Gotham. The Batman did not make an appearance and he didn't need to as the girls were do-gooders in this story.
January 4, 2018
I have always been a big fan of Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Catwoman and the Riddler. So, lucky me, this book did not leave me disappointed! I am craving the next book in this series wildly - now I'll just have to find it.
This ensemble works well together and are quite amusing. Yes, there are some aspects of this book that I didn't like (*cough* their body types *cough*), but you get what you get with comic books. I don't like that Harley isn't very smart, but that seems to be her portrayal often in the media (before Suicide Squad, that is). She also doesn't seem to be the main focus, which is kind of sad. Harley Quinn is just as important as the other three, and probably more well known at this point.
The plot and overall storylines are amusing and easy to follow. I like that each comic leave it open to continue, but also closes the story so if you wanted to stop you could.
I do have to say, this book has left me with a high expectation for DC comics. I've read other comics since and have been left disappointed because of this book. To me, it's a high end, fun story arc that should be read by comic fans wanting a little fun in their life. It's definitely not one of the darker DC arcs.
I like the art style of this book - it's bright, it's beautifully drawn and there's lots of details in the background.
Overall - I loved this book! Five out of five stars! I want more!
This ensemble works well together and are quite amusing. Yes, there are some aspects of this book that I didn't like (*cough* their body types *cough*), but you get what you get with comic books. I don't like that Harley isn't very smart, but that seems to be her portrayal often in the media (before Suicide Squad, that is). She also doesn't seem to be the main focus, which is kind of sad. Harley Quinn is just as important as the other three, and probably more well known at this point.
The plot and overall storylines are amusing and easy to follow. I like that each comic leave it open to continue, but also closes the story so if you wanted to stop you could.
I do have to say, this book has left me with a high expectation for DC comics. I've read other comics since and have been left disappointed because of this book. To me, it's a high end, fun story arc that should be read by comic fans wanting a little fun in their life. It's definitely not one of the darker DC arcs.
I like the art style of this book - it's bright, it's beautifully drawn and there's lots of details in the background.
Overall - I loved this book! Five out of five stars! I want more!
September 1, 2022
Harley, Selina and Ivy make for one entertaining trio. Set after the events of Hush (not a must read to understand this, but definitely a helpful one), it serves as more of a slice of life comedy, but with some of the Bat's most notorious female rogues. Nothing about their lives is normal, yet watching them attempt the mundane of buying a house together and living as roommates makes for an engaging premise. There are mentions of events that someone going in blind might not understand, however, it never takes away too much from the enjoyment one will get out of each story. It's an anthology done right, and one that will have you chasing after more trio shenanigans.
October 4, 2022
Note: This book takes place after Batman: Hush. The events that take place during Hush are referenced frequently. It's not needed to understand this, but I do recommend reading it to understand this a bit better. You can see my review for Batman: Hush here.
Ok, with that out of the way let's get into the story. Basically, this is a huge team up book. But, no it's not a big cash grab, because Catwoman, Harley and Ivy make a great trio. Catwoman is the main star of the show but they all get to be front and center at one point. There really isn't one storyline, rather every two issues or so, there's a new story being told (They do connect to one another though).
I think my favorite story, was when hush disguises himself as Bruce Wayne and goes on a date with Harley. This of course makes Joker very angry, and that's when chaos ensues. There were tons of twists that I wasn't expecting and give you some backstory on Harley's and Joker's relationship.
There's is also quite a bit with Riddler. He has decided to put the crime down and be a detective. I now want to read some Batman stuff (If there is any) that go along with this plotline because the issues with him were a lot of fun.
I recommend.
Ok, with that out of the way let's get into the story. Basically, this is a huge team up book. But, no it's not a big cash grab, because Catwoman, Harley and Ivy make a great trio. Catwoman is the main star of the show but they all get to be front and center at one point. There really isn't one storyline, rather every two issues or so, there's a new story being told (They do connect to one another though).
I think my favorite story, was when hush disguises himself as Bruce Wayne and goes on a date with Harley. This of course makes Joker very angry, and that's when chaos ensues. There were tons of twists that I wasn't expecting and give you some backstory on Harley's and Joker's relationship.
There's is also quite a bit with Riddler. He has decided to put the crime down and be a detective. I now want to read some Batman stuff (If there is any) that go along with this plotline because the issues with him were a lot of fun.
I recommend.
January 21, 2020
So I wasn’t expecting anything really... but damn, this is actually really good.
What’s it about?
So Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn decide to live together and be good guys... more or less. This book is basically about the various messes and adventures involving each other that they end up in.
Pros:
The story is surprisingly great. I kinda expected it to be a little silly and at times it is but it’s silly in a fun way, not an overly childish way.
The artwork is absolutely wonderful throughout!
The characters are great. So we got Catwoman who is her usual bad-ass self here. There’s also Poison Ivy who is not cut out to be a hero, even a little bit which makes her (who I already consider an interesting villain) even more interesting here. Harley Quinn is written well here, she’s a legitimately interesting character in this and tends to be actually humorous. All 3 are pretty awesome stunning, bad-ass and well written characters here!
The action scenes are very frequent and very exciting! Lots of fun with the intense action throughout as the book is never boring.
There is a lot of well written humor throughout.
This comic is surprisingly unpredictable. Quite a few good twists.
There’s a well done horror element towards the end. I’m not gonna give too much away but it’s surprising how well it works.
Why not 5 stars?
There’s some stuff that will probably be confusing to readers who aren’t keeping up with all the stuff going on in DC comics (like even ones besides this particular series) and their universe at that particular time.
Mixed thoughts:
The depiction of animal abuse (pretty much the only thing that makes me uncomfortable in fiction) in this book. I don’t like how it isn’t really avenged in the way that I prefer seeing it handled but I did appreciate how it wasn’t as graphic about it as most stories for some reason are. It also is necessary to progressing the plot. So yeah due to it not really being seen and it being necessary to the story I didn’t mind it as much though still was kinda sad to see poor puppers and kitties hurt and/or killed.
Overall:
I was expecting silly fun but nothing particularly great. I ended up really liking this comic though! It just barely missed my 5-star rating due to one minor issue. It’s a fun story with great art, lots of humor, well written takes on these characters and it is always exciting, not once did I feel bored while reading this. Yeah this is pretty great and 100% fun for DC fans!
Highly recommended!
4/5
What’s it about?
So Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn decide to live together and be good guys... more or less. This book is basically about the various messes and adventures involving each other that they end up in.
Pros:
The story is surprisingly great. I kinda expected it to be a little silly and at times it is but it’s silly in a fun way, not an overly childish way.
The artwork is absolutely wonderful throughout!
The characters are great. So we got Catwoman who is her usual bad-ass self here. There’s also Poison Ivy who is not cut out to be a hero, even a little bit which makes her (who I already consider an interesting villain) even more interesting here. Harley Quinn is written well here, she’s a legitimately interesting character in this and tends to be actually humorous. All 3 are pretty awesome stunning, bad-ass and well written characters here!
The action scenes are very frequent and very exciting! Lots of fun with the intense action throughout as the book is never boring.
There is a lot of well written humor throughout.
This comic is surprisingly unpredictable. Quite a few good twists.
There’s a well done horror element towards the end. I’m not gonna give too much away but it’s surprising how well it works.
Why not 5 stars?
There’s some stuff that will probably be confusing to readers who aren’t keeping up with all the stuff going on in DC comics (like even ones besides this particular series) and their universe at that particular time.
Mixed thoughts:
The depiction of animal abuse (pretty much the only thing that makes me uncomfortable in fiction) in this book. I don’t like how it isn’t really avenged in the way that I prefer seeing it handled but I did appreciate how it wasn’t as graphic about it as most stories for some reason are. It also is necessary to progressing the plot. So yeah due to it not really being seen and it being necessary to the story I didn’t mind it as much though still was kinda sad to see poor puppers and kitties hurt and/or killed.
Overall:
I was expecting silly fun but nothing particularly great. I ended up really liking this comic though! It just barely missed my 5-star rating due to one minor issue. It’s a fun story with great art, lots of humor, well written takes on these characters and it is always exciting, not once did I feel bored while reading this. Yeah this is pretty great and 100% fun for DC fans!
Highly recommended!
4/5
September 10, 2019
4.5 stars
This was a fun read! I'm not the biggest DC reader so I'm always a little hesitant going in but this book does a great job of filling in the reader of what's occured in other books without sounding overly expositional.
The friendship of convenience that is formed between these women has a nice build to it. I buy their relationships and appreciate the nuance. They aren't besties for life but they aren't bitchy either. They understand and mostly respect each other. I love that I get to see these powerful female characters in shades of grey instead of just crazy villain or side piece to male hero.
Now the way they are drawn is definitely what some would consider objectifying. But I'm gonna allow it. They're beautiful and drawn in a sexy way but no more so than a male comics character would be drawn with rippling muscles and chiseled features. I think this art has more tact than some caricatures I've seen where they no longer even look like people.
The highlight for me is poison ivy. She's already my favorite so I'm biased but she really gets to shine here. She is a f@$ing boss! She is so powerful and intelligent and knows how to play the game to get exactly what she wants. She uses her intellect, power, and yes, sexuality like moving chess pieces elegantly across a board.
The only complaint I have is little miss Harley Quinn. It's built pretty deep into her character at this point that she is portrayed as a dumb ditz. I would just love to see that downplayed a little. She's a doctor for crying out loud. She's got intelligence in there but she's not giving a way to use it. I did enjoy the issue though where we're given insight into her family life. That was a new dimension I had never seen before and if we aren't given her intellect we are shown her emotional side.
Overall this was quite an enjoyable read.
This was a fun read! I'm not the biggest DC reader so I'm always a little hesitant going in but this book does a great job of filling in the reader of what's occured in other books without sounding overly expositional.
The friendship of convenience that is formed between these women has a nice build to it. I buy their relationships and appreciate the nuance. They aren't besties for life but they aren't bitchy either. They understand and mostly respect each other. I love that I get to see these powerful female characters in shades of grey instead of just crazy villain or side piece to male hero.
Now the way they are drawn is definitely what some would consider objectifying. But I'm gonna allow it. They're beautiful and drawn in a sexy way but no more so than a male comics character would be drawn with rippling muscles and chiseled features. I think this art has more tact than some caricatures I've seen where they no longer even look like people.
The highlight for me is poison ivy. She's already my favorite so I'm biased but she really gets to shine here. She is a f@$ing boss! She is so powerful and intelligent and knows how to play the game to get exactly what she wants. She uses her intellect, power, and yes, sexuality like moving chess pieces elegantly across a board.
The only complaint I have is little miss Harley Quinn. It's built pretty deep into her character at this point that she is portrayed as a dumb ditz. I would just love to see that downplayed a little. She's a doctor for crying out loud. She's got intelligence in there but she's not giving a way to use it. I did enjoy the issue though where we're given insight into her family life. That was a new dimension I had never seen before and if we aren't given her intellect we are shown her emotional side.
Overall this was quite an enjoyable read.
August 9, 2015
A good solid group of stories but nothing mind blowing. I would have enjoyed it more if I had been caught up on the Batman series. Some things have happened that I have not read yet. But it didn't take away from the stories. The stories are centered around Catwoman, Poison Ivy And Harley Quinn. With a villain thrown in for good measure. Over all I enjoyed reading the book, now on to book two.
October 18, 2018
Loved this! Really funny and just the right amount of serious. Can’t wait to continue the series.
Side note: I rented a library copy and some monster ripped out like half of the issue covers throughout the book so there are just pages missing here and there. It took me a while to realize it after the first page was ripped out. So that sucks.
Side note: I rented a library copy and some monster ripped out like half of the issue covers throughout the book so there are just pages missing here and there. It took me a while to realize it after the first page was ripped out. So that sucks.
August 8, 2024
Suchh a quick, easy read and the SIRENS? I can't help but ♡ crazed girlies
May 20, 2022
I'm actually really glad we picked this up again. I think the first time I read this series was probably in college, and I'd forgotten all of it beyond the ladies teaming up. Nobody writes Harley like Paul (and rightfully so). I'm head over heels for Ivy, and I still love Selina. The artwork veered between gorgeous and skeevy. Can I get a reboot with all-female creators instead of a pack of guys? Nigma was a standout here for me too, although I seem to be in the minority there.
Already planning on N52 Catwoman (bc duh) but adding N52 Birds of Prey to my list. I need my Ivy.
#CharlieAndAshleyReadComics
Already planning on N52 Catwoman (bc duh) but adding N52 Birds of Prey to my list. I need my Ivy.
#CharlieAndAshleyReadComics
May 25, 2015
HERE THERE BE SPOILERS, YAR!
(Because I didn't want to check the stupid box, IS THAT OKAY WITH YOU? S'What I thought. :p)
More like 2.5 stars. I was enjoying myself pretty good for the whole volume, until that last issue. I was annoyed by the constant referencing of Hush which I've never read. But it wasn't so tied into the story that I couldn't figure out what was going on and it didn't really diminish my enjoyment -- so I was letting it slide. I also really liked the portrayal of Harley as a somewhat coherent adult, albeit one with major issues and tendency towards childish behavior. The holiday issue with Harley's family definitely gives some background on how she could've turned out so messed up. So, things were chugging along decently. Than in that last issue things got really BIZZARE!
Selina's homeless sister Maggie, a former nun (who has been locked up in the mental hospital after going bonkers -- I'm assuming she escaped!), goes to see another nun -- a renowned exorcist. Turns out, she thinks Selina is being possessed by a cat demon of some sort and Maggie thinks she has to "free" her...then the nun's cat comes into the room and Maggie kills it and the nun, cause she's been "compromised." WTF???!!! Maggie then goes through her relics and gets possessed by an "angel" (probably not a real angel - they never are...), who wants her to kill Selina. Who she then doesn't kill, because when Selina ripped off a holy relic from Maggie's church when she was a nun, turns out she felt GUILTY and took it back. So there's "hope" of saving her...y'know, from the cat demon!!!
I kind of want to know what happens to Ivy, who was on the verge of murdering a co-worker at S.T.A.R. Labs that learned her identity and was trying to kill her, but don't know if it's worth my effort now. Just, wow. What the actual fuck???
More like 2.5 stars. I was enjoying myself pretty good for the whole volume, until that last issue. I was annoyed by the constant referencing of Hush which I've never read. But it wasn't so tied into the story that I couldn't figure out what was going on and it didn't really diminish my enjoyment -- so I was letting it slide. I also really liked the portrayal of Harley as a somewhat coherent adult, albeit one with major issues and tendency towards childish behavior. The holiday issue with Harley's family definitely gives some background on how she could've turned out so messed up. So, things were chugging along decently. Than in that last issue things got really BIZZARE!
Selina's homeless sister Maggie, a former nun (who has been locked up in the mental hospital after going bonkers -- I'm assuming she escaped!), goes to see another nun -- a renowned exorcist. Turns out, she thinks Selina is being possessed by a cat demon of some sort and Maggie thinks she has to "free" her...then the nun's cat comes into the room and Maggie kills it and the nun, cause she's been "compromised." WTF???!!! Maggie then goes through her relics and gets possessed by an "angel" (probably not a real angel - they never are...), who wants her to kill Selina. Who she then doesn't kill, because when Selina ripped off a holy relic from Maggie's church when she was a nun, turns out she felt GUILTY and took it back. So there's "hope" of saving her...y'know, from the cat demon!!!
I kind of want to know what happens to Ivy, who was on the verge of murdering a co-worker at S.T.A.R. Labs that learned her identity and was trying to kill her, but don't know if it's worth my effort now. Just, wow. What the actual fuck???
August 4, 2015
First thing, this one's a long-un: it collects the first 12 issues of "Sirens", which means you'll see a few different artists and writers do their thing over the course of the compilation.
On the whole, I wasn't exactly smitten...though, at the same time, I wasn't entirely dismayed.
The titular (no! don't be lewd!) trio of rehabilitated (or...are they?) villainesses are charismatic enough, and given enough space to breathe to establish their own motivations, traits and weaknesses while at the same time bonding as a team.
I personally liked the more Catwoman-centric stories as she seems the most grounded (and least looney) of the group, but things went off the deep-end a bit with the story of her sister's "possession"- Paul Dini wasn't writing that storyline, and it sure showed!
Harley gets more backstory, meanwhile, and Ivy is...well...Ivy, walking her own weird garden path.
I'd recommend it for fans of "Batman: the Animated Series" and associated properties.
On the whole, I wasn't exactly smitten...though, at the same time, I wasn't entirely dismayed.
The titular (no! don't be lewd!) trio of rehabilitated (or...are they?) villainesses are charismatic enough, and given enough space to breathe to establish their own motivations, traits and weaknesses while at the same time bonding as a team.
I personally liked the more Catwoman-centric stories as she seems the most grounded (and least looney) of the group, but things went off the deep-end a bit with the story of her sister's "possession"- Paul Dini wasn't writing that storyline, and it sure showed!
Harley gets more backstory, meanwhile, and Ivy is...well...Ivy, walking her own weird garden path.
I'd recommend it for fans of "Batman: the Animated Series" and associated properties.
November 16, 2015
When DC come up with a good concept they can knock it out of the Park and they did that with this series of crime solving capers involving Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn. The stories in this book were all enjoyable written by Paul Dini who I assume had his tongue firmly in his cheek. The main characters are strong as are the supporting villains who the sirens chase after and there is plenty of action and fun to go around. The character are consistent throughout the book as is the artwork although this is not the new Harley Quinn but the court jester/harlequin era and she comes across a little flakey and airheaded but she's still crazy enough to be good fun and has plenty of quirks to go around. Catwoman is the head girl in charge and at her slinky best and Ivy is the most intense of the three but has some of the strongest story-lines. The villains are given more airtime than usual with the Riddler, the Joker (Sort of) and some lesser foes all trotted out but this is not the intense/brooding Gotham of Batman this is a funhouse Gotham full of amusing moments and well worth the ride.
March 16, 2017
A solid series. I mean, who doesn't want to see Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Harley become roommates? What could go wrong when you put three criminals together? Just their own villain, pissed off ex-employee (Ivy gets a new job), and crazy baby sister (Selina's sis, a former nun who's trying to cast the Cat demon out of her).
It's fun to see these women interact with each other and work together. It's even interesting to see the Riddler's guest appearance as a private detective. Still don't understand why he's "reformed" but okay.
It does have some drawbacks. I think what bothered me the most was the way Harley was written. In her flashbacks, she's the incredibly smart psychologist but then she sometimes comes off as childish. She's definitely still nuts, but sometimes she seemed dim and felt like a side character herself. I did like the bit with her family though.
The art was nice, even if it still sexualizes them. The references to Hush were lost on me but that's only because I haven't read it. But it doesn't distract from the story at all or make it hard to follow.
3.5 stars
It's fun to see these women interact with each other and work together. It's even interesting to see the Riddler's guest appearance as a private detective. Still don't understand why he's "reformed" but okay.
It does have some drawbacks. I think what bothered me the most was the way Harley was written. In her flashbacks, she's the incredibly smart psychologist but then she sometimes comes off as childish. She's definitely still nuts, but sometimes she seemed dim and felt like a side character herself. I did like the bit with her family though.
The art was nice, even if it still sexualizes them. The references to Hush were lost on me but that's only because I haven't read it. But it doesn't distract from the story at all or make it hard to follow.
3.5 stars
April 27, 2015
This was pretty damn good! Paul Dini keeps the Gotham steam going after his Detective Comics run, and with Harley, Ivy and Selina, he's right at home, writing some of his best stories. There's some great characterization, and a lot of fun, episodic hi-jinks, featuring some creative cameos and a wonderful Riddler sub-plot. Guillem March is perfectly suited to this book, with consistent gorgeous covers, and buttery interiors, that make this comic an absolute pleasure to read. The only mis-step here is a matter if consistency. Dini takes a few issues off, leaving some more underwhelming issues collected here-in. March is also occasionally absent, which is always distracting.
The best thing though for my money, is getting to read pre-New 52 Gotham again. I'm almost thankful I missed this book the first time around.
The best thing though for my money, is getting to read pre-New 52 Gotham again. I'm almost thankful I missed this book the first time around.
September 16, 2018
Other than the last two volumes, this was pretty solid. Just did not like the story of volumes 12 and 13 at all so this ended on kind of a negative note for me. However, I really enjoyed the dynamic of this trio and found their friendships really interesting. Some parts of the plot were a little dark for my liking though, but I guess that's to be expected as it's focused on villains. Dini always has very decent stories and the art by March was great. His covers were very seductive and befitting of the characters. Not sure if I'll read the next collection but still glad I was able to get more of Poison Ivy and Catwoman. Would love them to get their own individual reboots in the future.
Read
June 18, 2020Yeah, I can't.
DNF.
DNF.
October 1, 2024
A T&A book if there ever was one but the vibes between Selina, Harley and Ivy are sooooo good. Pro tip to DC please make more of your $10 trades with women in them please and thank you.
January 9, 2016
One of the main off-putting parts of this story, and while I ended up giving it only 3 stars, is how much Harley Quinn is depicted as a blond bimbo. Which is strange considering that isn't exactly how Paul Dini depicted her in his prior book staring Quinn. Um. Batman Adventures Mad Love or something like that.
Right. So. Catwoman, Harley Quinn. Poison Ivy. Three female criminals. Catwoman is weak from having her heart ripped out. And put back, I guess I should mention. Magically. Harley Quinn is a blond bimbo. Poison Ivy, uses her powers to dominate men. In this case the Riddler. Who, once he breaks out of that, becomes a private detective.
Strange story. I've never seen the Riddler do anything but cameo's and evil villain stuff, so it's interesting to see him with more lines. And as a Private Detective. Though still being in a cameo role, just an expanded cameo role. Guest star I guess.
Poison Ivy actually plays being a human female for a bit and goes and gets a job. Hadn't seen that before. I mean, I hadn't. In the comics.
Harley Quinn is targeted by 'the Joker' for stepping out with Bruce Wayne. Who is actually a criminal or something. There's a back story that I missed wherein Batman and Bruce Wayne are being played by some guy named "Hush". Whoever the fuck that is. Oh, and Hush is the one who tricked Catwoman and caused her heart to explode. Or whatever happened. I don't know. It happened before this collection of comics.
Oh, right. The blond bimbo thing. Harley Quinn keeps alternating between being depicted as a genius who faked her way into having a graduate degree, and being depicted as a . . hmm . . flightly, bimbo-esque . . . um . . nutball. She's some combo of nutball and genius, but some writer/artist teams lean more one direction or another. Sometimes in the same series. She only gets to be a blond bimbo in this one. A somewhat dim blond bimbo.
Right. So. Catwoman, Harley Quinn. Poison Ivy. Three female criminals. Catwoman is weak from having her heart ripped out. And put back, I guess I should mention. Magically. Harley Quinn is a blond bimbo. Poison Ivy, uses her powers to dominate men. In this case the Riddler. Who, once he breaks out of that, becomes a private detective.
Strange story. I've never seen the Riddler do anything but cameo's and evil villain stuff, so it's interesting to see him with more lines. And as a Private Detective. Though still being in a cameo role, just an expanded cameo role. Guest star I guess.
Poison Ivy actually plays being a human female for a bit and goes and gets a job. Hadn't seen that before. I mean, I hadn't. In the comics.
Harley Quinn is targeted by 'the Joker' for stepping out with Bruce Wayne. Who is actually a criminal or something. There's a back story that I missed wherein Batman and Bruce Wayne are being played by some guy named "Hush". Whoever the fuck that is. Oh, and Hush is the one who tricked Catwoman and caused her heart to explode. Or whatever happened. I don't know. It happened before this collection of comics.
Oh, right. The blond bimbo thing. Harley Quinn keeps alternating between being depicted as a genius who faked her way into having a graduate degree, and being depicted as a . . hmm . . flightly, bimbo-esque . . . um . . nutball. She's some combo of nutball and genius, but some writer/artist teams lean more one direction or another. Sometimes in the same series. She only gets to be a blond bimbo in this one. A somewhat dim blond bimbo.
December 17, 2014
There's a lot of light fun in this book, but there are also sweet moments, serious moments, and even scary moments. The personality of each Siren adds something special to the group and their interactions with each other are interesting while giving insight to their characters. There's something refreshing and fascinating in seeing Selina doing dishes and indulging Harley's whims; watching Ivy interrogate Zatanna, concerned for Selina's health; and seeing Harley realize the Sirens are more like family to her than her biological family. Little moments abound here and humanize each character effectively. They're not perfect, they're not always united, and they're still working out their relationships with each other. It's realistic, and it's beautiful.
The art is great and the stories are easy enough to follow for someone who's not very familiar with Gotham. Enough is explained and enough is implied for the reader to pick up on.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more Gotham City Sirens.
The art is great and the stories are easy enough to follow for someone who's not very familiar with Gotham. Enough is explained and enough is implied for the reader to pick up on.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more Gotham City Sirens.
February 17, 2023
This was the second time I read Gotham City Sirens, and I admit to feeling a slight trepidation that the comic wouldn't be as wonderful as I remembered. I should not have been worried! This series is a modest comic masterpiece. Paul Dini's writing is sharp, his storytelling is compelling and expertly paced, and Guillem March's artwork is stunning, a career highlight. In a way, the fact that this gem was being published while Dan Didio and the rest of the editorial clowns in the DC offices were preparing the next year's anathema The New 52 continuity reboot.
February 6, 2023
Decent for a story about women written by men.
September 15, 2019
4.5 stars! I have always loved Batman's villains far more than Batman himself. Poison Ivy and Catwoman are two of my favorites and it was a lot of fun reading this as they are alongside Harley for a litle trip of roommates and the shenanigans they get into. Hoping to pick up Book Two ASAP!
August 23, 2018
This was fan-freaking-tastic! World building, character driven, great art work. It was so good that I'm barely furious that it ends on a cliff hanger.
The stories take place in an odd portion of the DC time line. Bruce Wayne has been replaced by a villain who stole his face (somehow), Nightwing is wearing the cowl, Riddler is a Private Investigator and Catwoman...well apparently she got torn up really bad and had to be surgically and magically rebuilt. She's left with shaken confidence after this so she turns to her old friend the power couple (sometimes romantically sometimes just good friends) of Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn. They shack up together and their attempts at living semi-norm not-too-evil lives lead them to a series of interesting adventures. I won't go too into detail so as to avoid spoilers but Poison Ivy gets a job and that's awesome. This is 1 part wacky roommates, 1 part superhero action and several parts charming comedy gold. I love that the villains talk like they're old buddies! Oh, Poison Ivy mind controlled me and kept me as her slave for a few weeks...that darn girl. My friends tied me to a chair and tortured me for information? Well if they agree to make breakfast then bigones. It's all delightfully wicked without getting too silly.
This is a comic I picked up because I heard it may be a movie soon and, honestly, get the writers of this book and make it a Netflix show. I will binge a dozen seasons of this!
The stories take place in an odd portion of the DC time line. Bruce Wayne has been replaced by a villain who stole his face (somehow), Nightwing is wearing the cowl, Riddler is a Private Investigator and Catwoman...well apparently she got torn up really bad and had to be surgically and magically rebuilt. She's left with shaken confidence after this so she turns to her old friend the power couple (sometimes romantically sometimes just good friends) of Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn. They shack up together and their attempts at living semi-norm not-too-evil lives lead them to a series of interesting adventures. I won't go too into detail so as to avoid spoilers but Poison Ivy gets a job and that's awesome. This is 1 part wacky roommates, 1 part superhero action and several parts charming comedy gold. I love that the villains talk like they're old buddies! Oh, Poison Ivy mind controlled me and kept me as her slave for a few weeks...that darn girl. My friends tied me to a chair and tortured me for information? Well if they agree to make breakfast then bigones. It's all delightfully wicked without getting too silly.
This is a comic I picked up because I heard it may be a movie soon and, honestly, get the writers of this book and make it a Netflix show. I will binge a dozen seasons of this!
August 6, 2018
What can I say about this particular collection? I've always known the stories from this particular series, but I hadn't had the chance to read all of the issues. When my library had this book available to be checked out, I knew it was my time.
The continuity and care for these three women - Harley, Ivy and Selina - are probably what make this in my top favorite DC books/volumes. There is a lot of care that goes into acknowledging the damage, flaws and pitfalls of each woman's personality and past. Even more so, there is just as much effort put into acknowledging how truly strong, independent and individualistic all three of them are.
It's my favorite part about the "sirens", watching them fall together and fall apart so often, in pursuit of their own wants, needs and goals. Harley showed smarts, even if she was often easily distracted at times, and her expected high kicks. Ivy remained entangled in her struggle to concern herself more with humanity or the earth. Selina wrestled with her past, while showing ingenuity and strength even after having the heart ripped from her chest.
I love these women, and I can't wait to finally read book two. Especially since I've only formally read a handful of the issues in that one.
The continuity and care for these three women - Harley, Ivy and Selina - are probably what make this in my top favorite DC books/volumes. There is a lot of care that goes into acknowledging the damage, flaws and pitfalls of each woman's personality and past. Even more so, there is just as much effort put into acknowledging how truly strong, independent and individualistic all three of them are.
It's my favorite part about the "sirens", watching them fall together and fall apart so often, in pursuit of their own wants, needs and goals. Harley showed smarts, even if she was often easily distracted at times, and her expected high kicks. Ivy remained entangled in her struggle to concern herself more with humanity or the earth. Selina wrestled with her past, while showing ingenuity and strength even after having the heart ripped from her chest.
I love these women, and I can't wait to finally read book two. Especially since I've only formally read a handful of the issues in that one.
August 31, 2020
Gotham City Sirens is a cool concept: let's take three of Batman's supervillains who aren't really the worst supervillains but are still pretty villainous and put them on a team. Showcase some of the best female villains in DC comics and how their relationships bounce off one another. Allowing them to be the protagonists means we get to see sides of them that don't show up often in the main Batman titles, and it's fun! Unfortunately that's really all the plot. It's an ongoing series but mostly just a series of short plots all put together with the same characters. There's little overarching plot to be found, and you could almost read each story at any point instead of in order. Paul Dini does some great work with the characters, but he's not the only writer on so there's no consistent voice. Guillem March is probably the most talented and exciting artist in this book but he's also off the book halfway through- and when he is there, his art is weirdly sexualized for how the characters themselves act. It's a good book, I just wish it were better.
March 8, 2018
Sometimes ridiculous, but always fun misadventures of the less honorable ladies of Gotham. This takes place after Final Crisis . Thankfully, Batman and Bruce get minimal page time in this volume and the Sirens shine. Negatives include lame villains, plot holes, and sometimes weak artwork. While the art is generally pleasing to the eye, the cheesecake costumes are just a bit too much, especially for Poison Ivy. Aside from these problems, Gotham City Sirens is a good time. Worth a look.
June 24, 2018
I always loved these characters individually, so it makes sense that I would want to read this as well. Some moments feel redundant over the 13 issues collected here, especially with Poison Ivy. I enjoyed the final issues in this volume the most, as they focused on Catwoman. If you already love these characters, you will enjoy this collection. If you don't know them, this may not be the collection for you. It seems to assume that you already know them from the first issue, in my opinion. I personally wnjoyed the heck out of this and look forward to reading the other volume.
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