Gotham City Sirens #1

Today is the day to snag your copy of Gotham City Sirens #1. Hmmm, I've been referring to this title as "Gotham Sirens" all this time (oops). Of course I have my copy in hand - or rather on my desk. My reaction is mixed. But that's mostly because I'd seen so many preview pages that I felt as if I'd actually read most of the book. As expected, Guillem March's designs are lively and lovely. It still boggles my mind that some people feel his style is not a good fit for this title. I disagree and believe it's going to help move copies. Paul Dini seems comfortable (as he should) writing for these characters. The three ladies seem not unlike their DCAU counterparts. Gotham City Sirens #1 could easily play out in the animated universe. Written by...

Read more »

Poison Ivy Costume : Secret Wishes (889103)

This is an officially licensed ready made (out of the bag) Poison Ivy costume produced by "Secret Wishes"; they are a sexier (see: Leg Avenue) sub-brand of Rubies. The latter company is an industry giant and they often score the licensing rights to many trademarked characters. Rubie's is known for putting out trendy mass produced goods. The costume details and accessories are quite often already attached (sewn or printed). So all one has to do is step inside and away you go. Though the Secret Wishes line seems to have more thoughtful and quality craftsmanship. This offering appears a bit plain in detail; it doesn't exactly scream Poison Ivy. The dress comes in a shade of muted forest green. There's a lime green trim across the bust line and...

Read more »

Poison Envy (Ivy) Costume : Charades 01514

Charades costumes are a mixed bag. The quality is there - but sometimes the ideas behind them tread into goofy territory. However, Poison Envy here is a nice ensemble. Okay, for the rest of this post I'm referring to this costume as Poison Ivy. Clearly that is what the manufacturer intended. They did not get an official license to produce Poison Ivy costumes so they created something "in the spirit of" to avoid lawsuits. The Charades package includes a leotard, arm sheathes, boot covers, and a cape. All done in green lame (metallic fabric). I know that seems a bit too disco fever-ish for some people but it's actually quite stunning in person. The only questionable piece is the leotard - it rarely fits as needed. There's no real bust support...

Read more »

Poison Ivy Costume : Gotham Girls (Rubie's 888104)

Okay, I cannot tell a lie. I think this costume is adorable. It is certainly on the cartoon side of things -- but that's the point. This Poison Ivy costume is part of a series called "Gotham Girls" (of course). It is supplied by Rubie's. The remaining three characters in this series are Harley Quinn, Catwoman, and Batgirl. The greens are bold and fabulous! I love the small details like the leaf on the leotard. But also the spiraling tendrils on the arm sheaths and boot covers. Speaking of boot covers -- they are basically sturdy sock like devices that slip (or rest) over your shoes to create the appearance of boots. In case you didn't know. A bonus feature for this costume is the included wig. However, I think the wig seems rather poorly...

Read more »

Poison Ivy Costume : Batman and Robin (Rubie's)

The creators of Batman and Robin partnered with Rubie's to recreate many of the costumes that appeared in the film. These were the variants offered for Poison Ivy's first costume in the Botanical Gardens scene. The first costume on the left is the standard (cost effective) version. I prefer the leaf print on the standard because it is more in keeping with the leotard leaf detail from the film. The second and third from the left are the adult and child "deluxe" Poison Ivy costumes. I suppose by deluxe they mean sequined details along the bust line and on the arm sheaths. These two costumes did offer a slightly more finished look. Including ivy vine details on the tights and finger loops on the arm sheaths - but let's get real. These are not...

Read more »