Catwoman, Ivy & Harley vs. Despero - Gotham City Sirens: Unfit for Orbit #5
The latest chapter in the Gotham City Sirens saga, Unfit for Orbit, catapults the fan-favorite antihero trio (Catwoman, Harley Quinn, and Poison Ivy) into a high-octane, zero-gravity showdown against one of DC’s most formidable foes: Despero. Written by Leah Williams with dynamic art by Christian Duce, this issue blends razor-sharp dialogue, explosive action, and the signature chaotic charm that defines the Sirens.
A Mission Gone Cosmic
The adventure kicks off at the Lunaria Nightclub, a glitzy orbital lounge hovering 200 miles above Gotham's skyline. What begins as a seemingly straightforward mission quickly spirals into disaster when Despero, the tyrannical telepathic conqueror, hijacks the station with a cataclysmic plan: deploying the Kala-Ray, a weapon capable of rewriting Earth’s genetic code to turn all living beings into extensions of himself.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, if the Sirens fail, Earth’s population will be enslaved under Despero’s will. But with the station’s systems failing and the ship hurtling toward Earth’s atmosphere, survival becomes just as urgent as stopping the villain.
The Sirens’ Desperate Gambit
Each member of the trio plays a crucial role in the battle:
Catwoman engages Despero directly, using her agility and cunning to keep him distracted. Their duel is a highlight, showcasing Selina’s ability to outmaneuver even a psychic powerhouse through sheer unpredictability.
Poison Ivy scrambles to keep the ship from falling apart, her green thumbs working overtime to patch failing systems with whatever plant-based tech she can whip up. No fancy engineers here, just a pissed-off botanist trying to prevent a crash landing. Her desperation is palpable, she knows that if the Lunaria crashes, millions will die.
Harley Quinn, ever the wild card, provides both comic relief and unexpected ingenuity. At one point, she nonchalantly texts a mysterious contact for help, leaving Ivy exasperated. ("WHO COULD YOU POSSIBLY BE TEXTING RIGHT NOW? AND HOW DO YOU EVEN HAVE SERVICE UP HERE?")
The trio’s chemistry crackles with tension and dark humor, especially as they bicker over payment (or lack thereof) post-mission.
Harley’s Unconventional Rescue
Just as all seems lost, Harley’s off-the-wall resourcefulness saves the day. Her cryptic "I know a guy" leads to a last-minute rescue, though the details remain delightfully vague. The resolution underscores Harley’s unique role in the DC Universe, she’s not just chaos incarnate but also a surprisingly effective problem-solver when the odds are impossible.
Aftermath: Banter, Bills, and Unfinished Business
With Earth saved (mostly—the Kala-Ray grazed the Atlantic, but "it’s probably fine"), the Sirens debrief in classic fashion:
Ivy is smug about destroying the Lunaria, relishing the carnage.
Harley grumbles about missing out on a payday, joking they could’ve sold the rescued child ("TECHNICALLY, THE ARTIFACT WAS A HUMAN KID").
Catwoman dryly negotiates compensation in groceries instead of cash, a nod to their dysfunctional yet endearing dynamic.
The issue ends with a teasing glimpse of Gotham’s skyline—scorched but standing—and Harley’s cheeky promise of future misadventures.
Why This Issue Stands Out
Williams' writing really works well by mixing humor with heartfelt moments, and Duce's artwork beautifully shows both the big, exciting parts of space and the close, meaningful connection between the Sirens. Whether it's Harley's funny comments that break the fourth wall or Ivy's steady, quiet strength, each character's actions feel real and meaningful.
Final Verdict
Gotham City Sirens: Unfit for Orbit is a rollercoaster of wit, action, and sheer audacity. Whether you’re here for the explosive set pieces or the dysfunctional family vibes, this issue delivers. And with Harley’s closing line—"NEXT ADVENTURE?"—readers are left eagerly awaiting the next calamity.