Poison Ivy has been reborn… and a reckoning is coming for Gotham’s new “Green Knight.” However, before the next arc of Pamela Isley’s iconic solo series can continue, Poison Ivy #25 has arrived to reflect on Pamela’s past, present, and fascinating future. The anthology is bookended by a story from Poison Ivy writer G. Willow Wilson with art from Marcio Takara and colors from Arif Prianto, offering a sweet, if swampy “slice-of-life” story. And I would be remiss not to highlight the talents of letterer extraordinaire Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, who lettered all 45 pages of this blossoming story!
The dark and wild Poison Ivy #25 opens with “Rewilding, Part 1” from main series writer, artist, and colorist, G. Willow Wilson, Marcio Takara, and Arif Prianto, where we see Team Ivy recovering after the recent battle with Jason Woodrue. Tasked by Pam with various responsibilities, the true highlight of this story to me was seeing all of Ivy’s supporters staying by her side. Janet-from-HR, who countless monsters have terrorized over the past 12 or so issues, is still dedicated to her friendship (and perhaps more?) with Poison Ivy, while Killer Croc clearly recognizes her as a true protector of the Swamp that he respects.
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This introductory tale leads directly into what I consider to be the best piece in the anthology, “Beneath the Surface” by writer Joanne Starer, artist Haining, and colorist Ivan Plascencia. Another story in a long line of “Batman trauma horror,” this tale explores Bruce’s early relationship with the fully villainous Poison Ivy, a truly terrifying entity. Reasonably, Batman questions if Ivy is even human, before she assaults him mentally and physically, using plants like wolfsbane and jimsonweed. This story is also important because it reestablishes Batman and Poison Ivy’s dramatic – and violent – history before her next arc sees Gotham coming after her. I wanted more of this because I sometimes miss when Ivy was portrayed as a twisted terrorist… but I understand why this version of her doesn’t mesh well with DCs current vibe.
Following Batman’s latest trauma dump, “Mushroom Hunters” from writer Grace Ellis, artist Brian Level, and colorist Arif Prianto explores Ivy’s recent impacts on humanity with her release of the lamia spores. Following two tragic cousins, the dark tale sees the family fanatically exploring the hallucinogenic properties of the lamia, with a level of interest in plant life that should have inspired Ivy. However, this story is a wonderful reminder of how anti-human, cold, and unforgiving Pamela was when G. Willow Wilson first started this saga, showing just how much she has changed over the past 24 issues. The final scene depicted by Level and Prianto is haunting, beautiful, and supremely gross.
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Back in the present, Killer Croc has been asked to explore a newly resurrected town in Slaughter Swamp – revealed to be named Marshview in the solicit for Poison Ivy #27 – in the story “Boots and Handbags” by writer Gretchen Felker-Martin, artist Atagun Ilhan, and colorist Déborah Villahoz. Bringing Killer Croc to his truly monstrous roots, the scaly villain brutally kills and eats two men… except these men are the true villains of the story. Killer Croc has proven himself to have heroic tendencies time and time again, and his response to two bounty hunters trying to murder and skin him is reasonable… if a bit bloody and dramatic. I am glad to see Croc sticking around this series as a part of Team Ivy, he brings brutality and hilarity to situations in a very unique way.
Next up is “The Pyrophyte” from writer Dan Watters, artist DANI, and colorist Brad Simpson, which is tonally the most different tale in this anthology. Following a former MI15 agent gone rogue, this story depicts the first visible member of the “Order of the Green Knight,” an eco-terrorism group that asserts Poison Ivy is their leader. Attempting to blow up several Earth-ruining companies, Robson is partially foiled by the efforts of the GCPD, but not until one of his three bombs goes off in central Gotham. DANI brings the unique darkness and flair from Arkham City: The Order of the World into this story, the perfect backdrop for the dangerous account. This is leading to an exciting new arc for Poison Ivy, where Ivy must investigate the Order of the Green Knight while avoiding the GCPD. I am not a comic reader who typically enjoys GCPD comics, but I would love to see more of Watters and DANI interacting with the Order.
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This fun, engaging anthology ends with “Rewilding, Part 2,” from the same creative as Part 1. To be honest, after reading the very different stories between Part 1 and Part 2, this conclusion left me wanting more. The last few issues of Poison Ivy have felt like they dragged on a bit too long, and I loved the fast-paced nature of the stories in between the core tale.
I am really hoping that Ivy’s newest arc will have a darker, dirtier feel, which seems likely seeing as the ongoing will explore the antihero’s complex relationship with the city of Gotham. I was very, very excited to see a teaser for Bella Garten, Ivy’s ecoterrorist ex-girlfriend who goes by The Gardener because I think her dynamic with Pamela (and how it would add some tension to her relationship with Harley) is intriguing and filled with genuine depth. The Poison Ivy #25 anthology made me excited for what’s to come for Poison Ivy and Team Ivy, and I hope the tone of Ivy’s next arc will lean on the darkness, despair, and devotion that is so core to this iconic character’s identity.
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