As regular Scoop readers know, during the disruption caused by the COVID-19 virus, we’ve featured reviews of individual back issues, runs, collected editions, and original graphic novels that captured and held our attention over the long haul. Now that “new comics Wednesday” has returned in some form for many around the country, we’ve decided to continue including great older comics among our features. Remember, once your store is open, checking out their back issue bins or bookshelves is a great way to #BackTheComeback. 

Gotham City Sirens – Book 1
DC Comics; $24.99

In Gotham City Sirens, Catwoman, Harley Quinn, and Poison Ivy ‒ the three most popular villainesses of Gotham ‒ get together for hijinks and shared hideout. That’s right, the ladies take the spotlight. What’s not to love?!

Initially published in June 2009, the story by Paul Dini, Guillem March, Tony Bedard, and Andres Guinaldo is set after the events of Heart of Hush, Batman R.I.P., Final Crisis, and Battle for the Cowl. Catwoman is suffering from limitations after Heart of Hush and is saved by Poison Ivy. They go back to Ivy’s new hideout where Harley Quinn is also living, prompting Harley to suggest that they team up.

Ivy and Harley try to coax Catwoman into telling them the identity of Batman, they interact with Riddler, face Hush, Harley deals with her dysfunctional family, Ivy is framed for murder, and Catwoman encounters her unstable sister.

Gotham City Sirens is very entertaining. It’s quintessential comics with great action, interesting story, beautiful, vivid art, and a variety of panel designs. All three of the ladies have strong personalities and each is tested – facing their own weaknesses and insecurities. Of course, they end up fighting each other often enough, but collectively, they stick together.

With a Gotham City Sirens movie in the works, now is a great time to read the source material before any plot points are ruined by spoilers.

-Amanda Sheriff