Comic Book Review: Gotham City Sirens #16

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: Peter Calloway

Penciller: Andres Guinaldo

Inker: Bit

Colorist: JD Smith

Letterer: Travis Lanham

Cover Art: Guillem March

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

This issue is a definite boost in the right direction.  Peter Calloway’s “Beginning Again” story for the Sirens is very intriguing.  However, I believe a trend is evolving for Catwoman as she seems to constantly be dealing with the paranormal and supernatural within this title, and #16 reeked of it.  Even towards the end of the book, the moment before Selina is dragged into the ground has a very “cultish” feel.  The potential in this story is tremendous though and I can’t wait for #17 to come out.

I was jolted by the artwork, not gonna lie!  The first four pages caught me way off guard as being poorly printed and colored.  But then I realized what was going on.  The 4^th page where Selina and Bruce embrace each other was absolutely gorgeous and reminded me of a Victorian style painting one could find in a historical museum.  But aside from that, the book kept bouncing back and forth between moments of brilliance and low quality art.  The body structures many times looked very pruny and lumpy.  But other scenes, like Harley’s first attempt at getting Selina and Ivy’s attention, are incredibly detailed and full of angst.  There was never a consistent quality traveling throughout the book; it seemed to go 50/50 in its artistic quality and laziness.

I love how Harley is utilized in this issue.  Everyone, even readers, always seem to take Harley for granted, throwing her off as the demented comedic relief who can swing a mean hammer!  It was nice to see Calloway show that, as crazy and kookoo as she is, Harley still knows when she and her friends are in danger and we shouldn’t ignore her as often as we do.  (I’d certainly like to see Harley feature in a future arc, wouldn’t you?)

The dialogue between characters was very creative, especially when it came to Harley doing her best to point out the next big thing.  But I did take issue with Zatanna’s brief explanation (or lack thereof) of why Ivy needed to stay away.  Selina hit the nail on the head, how in the world is she supposed to keep Ivy away when she herself has no idea what’s about to happen that will piss Ivy off so much.  She could have at least instructed Selina to keep Ivy away from the windows so she couldn’t see the immense forest fire.  I felt this was a poorly written plot device on Calloway’s part.

Let’s get straight to it, that cover is amazing!  It’s one of the reasons why I think Guillem March is one of THE BEST comic book artists in the field; there is just so much depth and angst in everything he does.  However, I’d like to know what the hell it has to do with the story inside?  Who the fuck is that women holding the sword and why is Catwoman ready to pounce her?  Ugh, please people, make some sense of all this!

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

I love the Sirens, and this issue is a lot of fun.  I can’t say it’s a great issue, but it’s definitely moving in the right direction as far giving the Sirens the much needed edge to bring it out of the dull drums it’s been lingering in for a few months. 

Rating: 7 out of 10  

Writing: 7

Art: 7

Themes: 7