Poison Ivy is an emotionally resonant series as the character travels across the country discovering there are people worth saving. Going through a self-imposed trial, time and time again, she finds those who need saving and protecting and learns that a bit of her powers can save them (and kill their aggressors). These trials have taught her a lot, but in Poison Ivy #9, it’s time for a bit of a break-in a way only Harley Quinn can provide.
Fans of the Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy romance will simply love this issue. It doesn’t take long for Harley to show up at Poison Ivy’s base near Seattle, and quickly they’re off enjoying the town. After a quick break to enjoy each other, of course.
This issue captures Poison Ivy’s deep and personal thoughts about Harley through captions. It’s pretty clear she is deeply in love with Harley – from her perspective, she knows they are soulmates. On the flip side, we get to see how Harley perceives Poison Ivy and, in only a few words, sums up the trip Poison Ivy is on. Harley understands Ivy, which is not something most can claim.
Much of this issue is basically about a couple tripping out on mushrooms. Or in this case, Poison Ivy gives Harley a taste of what it’s like to see the Green. It’s a good example of how these two deeply love each other and live in the moment, but Harley comes and goes like the wind. You can see their unique relationship at work and understand how they function, even if they’re not with each other always.
Art by Marcio Takara captures the dynamic between these characters well. Harley’s emotions are big, excited, and loud, while Poison Ivy is subdued and reflecting. Visually speaking, Harley is much more relatable and grounded here, especially when she’s having a heart-to-heart with Poison Ivy. There’s a touch of comedy, but this is more about how these characters balance each other. Takara captures that well.
Harley will always find Poison Ivy.
Credit: DC Comics
Colors by Arif Prianto wash most scenes with green hues and yellows. Prianto adds nice volume where needed, like in Harley and Poison Ivy’s hair or in their skin. Filling out the visuals are Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou’s letters which always seem to be adding something. A key five-panel page has Harley pull out all sorts of weird things, and the word balloon looks different in each of the four panels of the same angle on Harley. It adds a bit of extra vocalization to what she’s saying.
Something a bit missing with this issue is a conflict. There’s no questioning why Harley is there or anything for them to defeat or accomplish together. There is a good revelation made by Harley that helps Poison Ivy understand herself better, but all in all, it’s an enjoyable time that you’re not necessarily turning the pages in great anticipation for what comes next.
Poison Ivy #9 is a nice break for Ivy as Harley Quinn enters the story for a little rest and relaxation. It’s a good issue in particular, as it makes a statement about their relationship, how they work, and how they truly are perfect for each other. For fans of this relationship, you couldn’t ask for a better example of why they work so damn well.
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