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Gotham City Sirens #1

Gotham City Sirens, Vol. 1: Union

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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?

Collects GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #1-7.

176 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2009

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About the author

Paul Dini

726 books714 followers
Paul 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

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5 stars
1,078 (38%)
4 stars
919 (32%)
3 stars
619 (22%)
2 stars
134 (4%)
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42 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
Profile Image for Jeff .
912 reviews815 followers
June 2, 2015
Batman/Bruce Wayne is still pushing up the daisies, so it’s Ladies Night Out in Gotham City. It’s a team up of Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn – their agenda: watch each other’s backs.

Catwoman is still recovering from having her heart removed by Hush (and returned by the real Batman) and Poison Ivy and Harley have taken over an addled Riddler’s pad. Poison Ivy has that slinky, planty mind-control thing going on, hence Riddler’s predicament. Ivy’s powers have grown and expanded – she can communicate via plants and can create vines for subduing and gagging purposes. Harley is the ditzy-moony-can’t-get-over-The-Joker version. I’m probably in the minority here, but I prefer the smart, capable, quippy portrayal of Harley, after all, she was a psychiatrist. Some goofiness is okay; the bimbette stuff – not so much - it wears thin rather quickly.

The ladies are chasing down Hush, who’s had himself surgically altered to resemble Bruce Wayne and they also come up against Gaggy (yes, Gaggy!), the Joker’s ex-dwarf circus clown sidekick. We get to see how The Joker went from being the PG rated Gagsmith of Crime to the homicidal, psychopathic version we love and cherish.

There’s also an excellent issue about Riddler’s new legitimate detective agency (he recovered) and the requisite crappy Christmas issue here as well. Bah. Humbug.

Bottom line: This is a fun collection. One thing I can always say about Paul Dini, he knows how to write for the extended Bat family and his stuff is, at the very least, entertaining.
Profile Image for Sam Quixote.
4,801 reviews13.4k followers
December 4, 2017
Paul Dini is undoubtedly one of the all-time great Batman writers. He gave us the Batman Animated Series, the first (and best) two Arkham games, a bunch of awesome Batman comics and, probably his most significant and lasting contribution to the world of Batman, co-created Harley Quinn. That said, he’s not infallible and has written his share of forgettable drek which unfortunately includes this first volume of Gotham City Sirens.

There’s disappointingly little in the way of story. Things get off to a very shaky start as Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn join forces to become the Sirens and subsequently end up not doing much else but bicker for a few issues. A tangible, but still weak, storyline emerges in the second half as Harley’s ex-puddin’ Mistah J gets a dose of the jealousy bug after seeing her going out with “Bruce Wayne” (secretly Tommy Elliot/Hush, standing in for Bruce while he was time-travelling back from caveman times - see Grant Morrison’s The Return of Bruce Wayne) and decides to kill them both. It’s momentarily interesting until the anticlimactic reveal which features a very obscure (for a reason) Silver Age character.

The book reaches its nadir when Scott Lobdell (NOOOOOO!) takes over for an absolutely pointless issue featuring Dick Grayson/Batman and the Riddler, who at this time was trying to go straight as a private investigator in a dreary storyline that failed to no-one’s surprise. I’m glad it was only for an issue but the unmemorable case of these two stopping some nobody serial killers added nothing to the volume and could’ve easily been left out to no effect.

Guillem March’s art is pretty good, if a bit ass-centric (the ladies almost always have their backs to the reader), and some of his character designs are questionable. The “bookseller” from the Lobdell issue looked like she’d be more at home in a strip-club! And, while he may be lacking ideas in the story department, Dini writes all the girls well.

It’s not nearly enough to recommend checking this one out though - Gotham City Sirens, Volume 1: Union is a wearying slog through one boring comic after another. Nuh-uh!
Profile Image for Liam.
335 reviews2,220 followers
August 20, 2016
This was such a fantastic volume and I'm so excited to read the rest of the series!

Harley, Ivy and Catwoman make the best girl gang ever and it was great to see them working as a team! It was also cool to see them have a more human side to them; like when they were all trying to convince Harley to get over the Joker. The group worked really well together and it was just super great to read!

The twists and turns within the story kept me wanting to carry on reading and I loved how the story progressed! It was also pretty cool to get to meet Harley's actual family and see how the way they are made her who she is today!

Haven't read a comic series this good in a while and I can already tell it's going to be one of my favourites!
Profile Image for Sesana.
6,266 reviews329 followers
December 2, 2011
So Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn move in together and try not to break too many laws. It's campy in a very fun way, it has nice art, and it's written by Paul Dini. What's not to like? Ok, so there's a bit too many fan service panels for me. But it is Paul Dini, and it's Harley, so I'm going to love it. And campy fun it may be, but the characterization is good anyways. Maybe not worth a buy unless you're a big fan of one (Harley!) or all three of these ladies.
Profile Image for Magdalena aka A Bookaholic Swede.
2,058 reviews886 followers
December 20, 2015
Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn decided to work together, which, well, not work too smoothly, not when the first thing Ivy and Harley decided to do is to tie Catwoman up and try to make her tell them who Batman really is. But what is a little tying up between friends? They are soon best buddies again, and out to fight bad men and rescue Harley that gets kidnapped by Bruce Wayne?

I like this series, Ivy, Catwoman and Harley are hilarious together. And it’s fun to see the three main women of Gotham team up and kick asses…and perhaps one day Harley will get over her obsession with Mr J! Well perhaps not…
Profile Image for Cupcakes & Machetes.
369 reviews62 followers
November 10, 2017
DC Comic's three best ladies (in my opinion) move in together and of course, crazy antics ensue.
There are clearly some things I missed jumping into this one however, it was nothing that the comic didn't review so you knew what was going on.

Catwoman will always be my favorite.

The artwork was spot on.
Profile Image for Chenda.
41 reviews5 followers
August 22, 2016
actual rating: 3.5 stars

"You're about to learn in no uncertain terms what it means to mess with me and my girls!"


I'm kind of in a reading slump right now, so I decided to pick this up. I've read some comics but never really in the right order (I know, what's wrong with me?!). This did make things difficult for me, because I was often really confused!

I love reading about female friendships! I'm so glad there's never any tension between the girls. Well except sexual tension between Harley and Ivy ;)

It's nice that we also get to see these characters when they're not 'working'. I do think Harley's mom is really harsh. She fucks up but she used to be a good person! It's not her fault The Joker tortures her. It was so odd to see her in 'normal' clothing!
I'm glad Selina didn't wear her outfit in every scene. Let's face it: it's sexualised. But she wore a pantsuit in the last issue of this volume, and she looked FABULOUS!

One of the reason I'm not giving this a higher rating is because in one issue, the women were only in it for one page. AND I LOVE THE CHARACTERS!
I'd also like a bit more action. When I look back, I don't remember that many things that happened. And like I already mentioned: it was confusing.

This is certainly something I'll continue reading. Each comic is very short which is positive. And I'm glad there's a story and not just a different case every issue.
Profile Image for Cory.
Author 1 book405 followers
December 11, 2011

This is one of the more lighthearted Batman comics. In all actuality, I prefer it to Hush or anything by Jeph Loeb. It combines humor (the thing I love about the Batman villain line up) with violence. And that's what I think most Batman comics are missing -- something to balance out serious!Batman.

And I have to say, I'm liking this team up between Selina, Harley, and Poison Ivy. Their characterization isn't half bad and they're actually portrayed in a pseudo-positive light without the self-righteous, "am I good or evil" and "we can't kill people" bullshit you get with hero team ups. If you prefer Rose Wilson/Wonder Woman style hero morality to boyscout Superman whinging, you'll enjoy this.

The story itself is a bit slow, especially when Hush and Edward Nigma are introduced, but whenever the main players interact, it really shines.

As for the art? There's a bit too much fanservice, but if you like Jim Lee or Michael Turner, you won't notice.
Profile Image for Cassie.
516 reviews14 followers
February 22, 2015
Friggin' terrible. Lame storytelling and ridiculously oversexualized art. Every page managed to contort an impossibly curvaceous woman into impossibly twisty cheesecake poses. I only kind of liked Poison Ivy, Catwoman was mostly declawed, and Harley Quinn came off as an idiot most of the time. Plus one whole issue is wasted on The Riddler doing PI work.
Profile Image for Ryan Stewart.
501 reviews41 followers
February 10, 2018
This is a lot of fun. Paul Dini just gets The Batverse and nobody writes Harley better than the guy who created her. There is a lot to like here.
275 reviews
March 23, 2025
I’d give the Paul Dini stories a 4.5 but there is a drop off once he leaves the book. Fortunately, he scripted the bulk of the stories.
80 reviews
May 17, 2022
Just a fun night out with the gals
Profile Image for Emi Gharbi .
103 reviews3 followers
April 8, 2022
Graphically a bit poor, let's be honest, I've found it pretty basic. Not too much either in the story apart from the usual love / hate relationship betwen The Joker and Harley, the 'good girl /bad girl' with Ivy and Catwoman inside mental fight. And generous curves of course all the way.
It's nice and easy for an evening where you're tired 😊. I myself have a very soft spot for the Ladies of Gotham.
Profile Image for Paige Johnson.
Author 53 books73 followers
June 14, 2025
Okay ish drawings. Story not interesting enough to keep track of. Cat, Ivy, Harley live together until they don’t. Riddler annoying. Some little Gagsworthy minion of J. He’s jealous Harley seems to be flirting with Batman. Or a Batman and maybe it’s not even J who’s jealous. Meh.
Profile Image for Twinkle.
16 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2011
Before reviewing this I have to admit that I am a hardcore Harley fan. I have perfected my "Mista Jay", and have an adorable figurine sitting by my computer. This is all very embarrassing to type out, but that being said, I am very critical of not only how she is portrayed personality wise, but how she is drawn as well. I am happy to say Harley shines in both aspects in this graphic novel! Her playful psychotic cuteness just beams from beginning to end! I will never be a fan of catwoman I'm afraid, but she plays a minimal enough role in volume 1 that I'm not grumbling under my breath.

In this collection of tales, we find our lady villians of Gotham City are teaming together for good (in the varying shades of gray "good" always is in this perpetually overcast town). Gotham City Sirens seems to catch the girls right after the Hush situation in Gotham. If you haven't kept up with the fact that Bruce's childhood friend took his FACE, ripped out catwoman's heart, & is now successfully posing as the wealthy playboy, never fear, Paul Dini does a good job here giving an adequate back story, at least enough to still make this enjoyable if you are just tuning in for the sirens.

Harly and Ivy are found living with a near comatose Riddler (compliments of Ivy) with little funds left of their own. Ivy of course has all but given her money away to one rain forest project or another, Harley shops a lot to compensate for boredom and lack of her sociopath lover to keep her entertained, and it seems catwoman is the only one with any money sense so everyone ends up shacking up with her in her newly renovated fab pad. (complete with toyroom!)

This Graphic Novel is great! With other great characters gracing it's pages like the Riddler, embittered little gaggy...but I wont give away all the surprise guests, I've said too much already. It's dark, funny, the art is fantastic, and you don't want it to end. So don't be like me and wait on the 2nd one in case the 1st one wasn't worth it, buy volumes 1 & 2, curl up with some candy and be immensely entertained!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Chris.
56 reviews4 followers
March 4, 2016
I wasn't sure what I was going to think about this series when I started it. I thought that there was a fair chance that this was just going to be silly nonsense. The more I read, the more I started to enjoy this book. The stories are though not very complex, very enjoyable. The relationship between the 3 sirens is interesting. As you can imagine, they often don't see eye to eye on various issues.

The events here follow on from Heart of Hush and Final Crisis. They also tie into the Streets of Gotham : Hush Money so reading this book around the same time may be beneficial though not necessary.

It is also very interesting to see the riddler gone good. He becomes a Private Investigator in this book and even teams up with Batman in one of the stories. However for me the story involving the joker was the highlight of this book. I would probably have given this book 3 stars had it not been for this story. I enjoyed it that much I couldn't mark the book it was in that low (even though the rest of the book is definitely 3).

In conclusion, if you like the three main Characters, I'm pretty sure you will enjoy this book. I wouldn't say I am a huge fan of any of them particularly and I really enjoyed it. Like the start of any new series or team up, much of the start of this book is setting the scene and showing how the characters will interact. The stories are still good though and having read the full series, they do get even better so for that reason alone it's worth reading.
Profile Image for Erin Cataldi.
2,536 reviews63 followers
March 10, 2016
Lavishly illustrated, this comic collection is a definite treat. "With its dark knight fallen, Gotham's dark angels ascend..." Cat woman decides to pair up with Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn because after having her heart ripped out, she realizes that there is safety in numbers. Without Batman, Gotham has retreated back into darkness and even these feminine criminals need to watch their backs.

Cat woman is happy for the company, but even so sometimes she wants to strangle her new friends and roommates. Ivy is determined to figure out Batman's identity, even if it means drugging cat woman, and Harley Quinn won't stop going on about the Joker. Loads of good fun, this kept me more than entertained.
Profile Image for Jenna.
3,808 reviews48 followers
March 27, 2015
This was an entertaining volume, but it could have been much better had the proportions been more...accurate. Really, how do they fight like that? And some of those fighting poses that Harley does while being shot at...just look rather painful. But the drawing style otherwise wasn't horrible and I liked the coloring.

The entire "girl power" theme that this book is supposed to be headlining wasn't really there much, but maybe it's because it is the first volume. Might read more, might not.

Is it odd that I found the Riddler chapter the most intriguing?
Profile Image for Sean.
4,151 reviews25 followers
February 25, 2013
This is something that more comics should be...fun. While the themes were light-hearted for the most part this book was still serious. I really enjoyed hearing Ivy's and Harley's voice as it hasn't happened much in the past. I was not up to speed on the Hush and "replacement" Bruce Wayne stuff so that left me scratching my head some. The by newcomer Guillem March was very good. I didn't always enjoy his portrayal of the ladies out of costume but overall a solid book. Good stuff!
Profile Image for Rejena.
107 reviews19 followers
October 31, 2010
This started out slow and ended on a good note. Love the three ladies involved. I was worried we wouldn't get much characterization with them, but I was pleasantly surprised. I'd like to see more about Selina and whats making her tick now. But overall a good read.
Profile Image for David.
2,565 reviews87 followers
April 16, 2012
Ah, it's okay. This is a collection of the first seven issues of the series, but it reads more like a single issue. We get the set-up for the series as Ivy, Harley and Selina become roommates. I've already started the second volume and it's much better than this one.
Profile Image for Gabriella.
78 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2015
This was a lot of fun! The bad girls of Gotham team up and hang out. I especially enjoyed when Jenny Duffy, aka the Carpenter, shows up to help with a few reno projects. I'm hoping the next collection features even more of the women and their activities and less of their enemies.
Profile Image for Kayla.
128 reviews
May 21, 2015
That was probably the most fun I've had reading a comic book in my whole life. I loved all of the characters! Riddler, Poison Ivy, Catwoman and most importantly Harley Quinn! I will definitely be picking up the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Emilie.
647 reviews22 followers
November 24, 2021
L'alliance des 3 personnages féminins les plus emblématiques de l'univers Batman fait des étincelles dans cette histoire particulièrement haletante. Je retire une étoile parce que la fin est vraiment précipitée, et ça gâche clairement le plaisir de la lecture.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews

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