The Gotham City Siren No. 4: Not suitable for orbit, the woman not only reunites, but finally begins her ascent into space! As I doubted the previous issue, the third article was a bit of a narrative speed bump to pad out the story to meet the five problem requirements. As it gets out of the way, the book goes back to what made the first two questions work well. The trio of Catwoman, Harley and Poison Ivy kick the ass, take their names and tighten up Quisk while they do it.
The Sirens reunion occurs fairly quickly on this issue as Harley manages to prevent Poison Ivy from gaining altitude above Gotham City (which also arrives conveniently when Catwoman arrives after he escapes Despero’s army). Ivy is trying to prevent her from being launched into space, but unknown to her, the higher the ship, the larger the radius, which allows Despero to acquire an army of almost planetary-sized humans to make his bid. Towing the conduit, the women discover that little aliens are actually amplifying the abilities of the surrounding metahumans. So Despero is the most deadly in keeping it. When Despero arrives to deal with this threat to his plan, the Sirens become power-boost revenge against the Big Pink villain. However, this battle moves Ivy’s attention away from the ship’s engine, which brings the large buttons that are pushed against Despero’s army to set the next stage of his plan, as Lunalia hits the top of the atmosphere of the earth.
Leah Williams has returned to a more comfortable place with this issue. This is because three siren women returned together. After the troubles arise from them, it’s a little too convenient for Williams to meet up at the same time, which is very exhilarating and reassuring that Williams has ensured that they all get back together so quickly. While some aspects of Williams’ script seem to make it clear that it’s too late due to publication constraints, there are some interesting developments here, like the revelation of the Conduit’s ability to amplify the human power of Meta, and the planning of things with ships and humanity (humans don’t burn fuel at first, but perhaps become desperate sellers?) Naturally, bringing the team back together is a huge help for the series as well. Because allowing these three to joke during the battle will make the book even better. Despero is still a major threat to the sirens, but Willams’ script introduces the chaotic teamwork that gives them the edge in the fight. It’s great that Williams was able to bounce back easily here and she does a very good job overall, so I’m looking forward to more from her with these characters in the future.
DC
Haining’s art is truly incredible here too. Their art is one of the most surprising things I have come across in cartoons this year, as there is a risk that it sounds like a broken record, and the work they were suited to orbit should be a very high demand artist in the future. This issue gets another great fight sequence between Despero, Catwoman and Harley. Just like before, Haynes draws it with so many personalities and styles that it feels like it’s moving right in front of your eyes. Despero’s use of power is also really appealing, adding a cool layer to the battle scene when Williams and Hayne work together to reveal that Harley is dominant. Plus, Ivy gets the cool dual grape sword she uses to take on Despero’s henchmen! That’s enough reason for me to recommend the problem!
Gotham City Siren: Not suitable for orbit #4 is a major return to form from past issues, but there are no hiccups here and there. Certainly, some of the beats in the plot in question are a bit too useful, and while some of the publications of this issue were probably supposed to happen sooner, this was still a really fun surprise to check in every week. I’m hoping Williams and Haynes will stick in the next issue of Landing.
“Gotham City Siren: Not suitable for orbit” #4 Review: Turbulence Levels:
Gotham City Siren: Not suitable for Orbit #4
Gotham City Siren: Not suitable for orbit #4 is a major return to form from past issues, but not without some hiccups.
You get some necessary disclosures behind Lunaria and Conduit
Haining’s art continues to excel
Sirens reunite really brings the script to life by Williams
Some of the publications should have been revealed previously
Half of the problems sometimes feel like they’re rushing to the next one
