Review of Poison Ivy #25 Comic Book by The Batman Universe

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For months I’ve been lamenting the direction this book has taken and urging them to give it a fresh spin. Finally, the double-length Poison Ivy #25 takes a new path, but is it an improvement?

Poison Ivy #25 main cover by Jessica Fong. Image: DC Comics

Writer: G. Willow Wilson, Joanne Starer, Grace Ellis, Gretchen Felker-Martin, Dan WattersArtist: Marcio Takara, Haining, Brian Level, Atagun Ilhan, DaniColors: Ivan Plascencia, Arif Prianto, Déborah Villahoz, Brad SimpsonLetters: Hassan Otsamne-ElhaouCover: Jessica FongVariant Cover Artists: Marcio Takara, Noobovich & Brian BollandRelease Date: September 4, 2024

This comic book review contains spoilers

“Rewilding Part 1 & Part 2”

Writer: G. Willow WilsonArtist: Marcio TakaraColors: Arif Prianto

In a departure from the usual format, Poison Ivy #25 has transformed into an anthology this month with the original A-team of G. Willow Wilson and Marcio Takara providing a two-part story to frame the issue. After Ivy’s confrontation with Jason Woodrue and the mushroom zombies, Ivy assigns tasks to her crew to restore balance. Killer Croc inspects the town in Slaughter Swamp, Janet from HR assesses Gotham City, and Harley and Ivy handle the bodies. Ready? And… Break!

Skipping ahead to the second part of the story at the end of the issue, the team reunites, exhausted from their tasks. Ivy assures them she’ll make it up to them as they walk into the sunset, reminiscent of the ending of The Last Crusade.

Marcio Takara’s return to the book is a breath of fresh air. His portrayal of Ivy is unparalleled. He humanizes Pamela and Quinn, making them relatable. Despite being supervillains, they exude a casual charm that you might encounter at a local coffee shop. Pam’s jacket tied around her waist and Croc in a bathrobe create a relaxed atmosphere. While the framing device lacks a strong narrative, it is still enjoyable. Pamela finally calling her friend “Janet” instead of “Janet from HR” is a nice touch. The imagery of a crane landing on a branch at sunset is particularly striking and enjoyable.

Poison Ivy #25 variant cover by Marcio Takara. Image: DC Comics

“Beneath the Surface”

Writer: Joanne StarerArtist: HainingColors: Ivan Plascencia

The next story in the anthology takes us back in time to an earlier encounter between Batman and Ivy. Batman enters a greenhouse from the roof and is immediately affected by hallucinogenic pheromones and deadly poison. He must fight off psychic attacks forcing him to relive the trauma of his parents’ murder while protecting himself from the poison. When he regains consciousness, he finds himself alone in the greenhouse, surrounded by the scent of roses and damp earth.

This story feels somewhat inconsequential, with the theme of Batman being psychologically assaulted by past trauma feeling overdone. The story ends anticlimactically as Poison Ivy escapes, serving mainly as a showcase for Haining’s artistry. Haining’s talent shines through in her experimentation with psychedelic page layouts and her ability to create a disturbing version of Ivy within Batman’s subconscious.

Poison Ivy #25 variant cover by Noobovich. Image: DC Comics

“Mushroom Hunters”

Writer: Grace EllisArtist: Brian LevelColors: Arif Prianto

In Wyoming, two individuals experiment with mysterious psychedelic mushrooms, leading them on a journey across America in search of more. They encounter Poison Ivy in Montana, who shows no sympathy for their quest, ultimately leading to their demise. This dark and haunting story explores addiction and features compelling artwork and coloring that leave a lasting impression.

Poison Ivy #25 variant cover by Brian Bolland. Image: DC Comics

“Boots and Handbags”

Writer: Gretchen Felker-MartinArtist: Atagun IlhanColors: Déborah Villahoz

Returning to Slaughter Swamp, Killer Croc faces off against alligator hunters before noticing a newly emerged town across the shore. This action-packed scene sets the stage for potential future developments. The artwork and coloring effectively capture the atmosphere, hinting at more to come in subsequent issues.

“The Pyrophyte”

Writer: Dan WattersArtist: DaniColors: Brad Simpson

The Gotham City Police track a rogue former MI5 agent who believes he is receiving messages from Poison Ivy. A tense confrontation ensues, culminating in a dramatic and poignant conclusion. The art and colors enhance the urban setting, providing a stark contrast to the other stories in the collection.

Editor’s Note: You can find this comic and support TBU by purchasing this issue digitally on Amazon or a physical copy through Things From Another World.

Poison Ivy #25 Comic Book Review

Final Thoughts

Would Poison Ivy work as an anthology book going forward? Who knows, but this collection of stories is just what the series needed to get out of its creative rut. Plus, it’s easily the best issue this book has had all year.

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