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thetarantulalounge's review
2.0
Poison Ivy is a great example of a comic character that can change with the times. Initially, Ivy was a one-dimensional woman. She became this kind of floral sexpot, and a Halloween costume favorite. My understanding of the most recent DC lore is that Ivy is more of a benevolent eco warrior (terrorist?) interested in taking care of planet through whatever means necessary. She has also had a romantic relationship with Harley Quinn. (I got a little bit of that in Paul Dini’s Harley & Ivy, but I’m not up to speed fully.) One of my personal favorite versions of Ivy is in the 2015 video game Batman: Arkham Knight. Without giving too much away, I found her to be the most compelling character in the game. She has a strong moral code. Her understanding of what life is, and the line between nature and humanity, was fascinating.
I was hoping Amy Chu’s Ivy would be that Ivy. To some extent, she is. Chu’s Ivy is first and foremost a researcher. She’s interested in pursuing scientifically the harmonization of flora and fauna. That makes sense and is the most interesting aspect of the book. I also enjoyed the cameo by Catwoman. While I’m not fully caught up on Gotham City Sirens and other storylines, Chu’s writing makes it obvious that Catwoman and Ivy have a friendly past and easy chemistry. The plot itself is an interesting mystery, although illustrator Clay Mann’s focus on Ivy’s butt and torpedo-like breasts detracts from both the character and the plot. (The book cover isn’t indicative of the art inside.
Everyone probably has a different opinion about how Ivy should look and act. My personal mix is Detective Comics #752. In this issue, Ivy is a charismatic eco-warrior clothed in flora. Why would she need a lot of clothes when she’s a plant, anyway? Plants love sun! In that version of Ivy, she’s a natural leader and cares for both her plants and her human disciples. The natural conflict that results from her priorities vs. mainstream society’s makes for a compelling character.
Overall, I liked Amy Chu’s writing and characterization. With a different artist this book would’ve been 3.5/5.
I was hoping Amy Chu’s Ivy would be that Ivy. To some extent, she is. Chu’s Ivy is first and foremost a researcher. She’s interested in pursuing scientifically the harmonization of flora and fauna. That makes sense and is the most interesting aspect of the book. I also enjoyed the cameo by Catwoman. While I’m not fully caught up on Gotham City Sirens and other storylines, Chu’s writing makes it obvious that Catwoman and Ivy have a friendly past and easy chemistry. The plot itself is an interesting mystery, although illustrator Clay Mann’s focus on Ivy’s butt and torpedo-like breasts detracts from both the character and the plot. (The book cover isn’t indicative of the art inside.
Everyone probably has a different opinion about how Ivy should look and act. My personal mix is Detective Comics #752. In this issue, Ivy is a charismatic eco-warrior clothed in flora. Why would she need a lot of clothes when she’s a plant, anyway? Plants love sun! In that version of Ivy, she’s a natural leader and cares for both her plants and her human disciples. The natural conflict that results from her priorities vs. mainstream society’s makes for a compelling character.
Overall, I liked Amy Chu’s writing and characterization. With a different artist this book would’ve been 3.5/5.
depreydeprey's review
3.0
Interesting story from Chu that really ads an interesting layer to Poison Ivy that felt earned and believable but at times the art in this collection, particularly in the last issue of the collection, is jarringly bad or rushed and took me out of an otherwise very good story.
heypretty52's review
4.0
Fun conclusion and great guest stars, though I'd like to know more about what happens to the sporelings.
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