DC Direct 13" Poison Ivy

As we all know (or should) the San Diego Comic Con is taking place this weekend. One of the functions of Comic Con is to introduce new lines of comic book related collectible items. If you look to the left you will see a soon-to-be released 13" Poison Ivy action figure. (Image from Action Figure Insider) This is being offered by DC Direct and it's part of DC Direct's 1:6 scale line of characters. I have mixed feelings about this creation overall. The face sculpt is quite pretty but it's a bit too cherubic (round and sweet faced) for my liking. The wavy hair is Jim Lee esque in some ways and the green skin tone is good. However, the costume is a fright. I'm really not sure what the design concept is supposed to be here. It's like an amalgam...

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The Batman

.nobr br { display: none } When "The Batman" premiered in 2004, it had been approximately five years since the Batman character headlined a cartoon. This venture would introduce a new Gotham City; a clean break from the Bruce Timm universe. Jeff Matsuda was given the task of redesigning the characters of Gotham. The Batman was markedly different in style but also tone. It seemed that Kids WB preferred a more user friendly offering. Meaning, more action and less drama. Poison Ivy did not appear in this series until the third season. It was in the two-part story "Batgirl Begins" that a new Pamela Isley would meet the animated world. But this bad seed was not like the others. The Batman took pride in straying from a strict continuity. Poison...

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The Poison Ivy Leaf Eyebrow Masks (A Tutorial)

I've received hundreds of emails with questions regarding this particular costume accessory. Can it be bought? As far as I know there was not a stand alone replica of this mask for retail purchase. Trust me, I've looked. The only thing released was a sequined eye mask made to resemble Poison Ivy's eyebrow prosthetics. That unfortunate creation came packaged with the officially licensed Poison Ivy costume from Batman and Robin. That would simply never do for costume enthusiasts, so most people made their own. This tutorial is very much a do-it-yourself project and it will cost you practically nothing. I've created a template that can be printed out at home; it's no larger than a standard 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper. It's available in three different...

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Gotham City Sirens #2 (Preview)

Once again, DC Comics is providing a hearty preview of the upcoming issue of Gotham City Sirens. Featured are the final cover and seven preview pages. I liked what was offered -- a restrained (and snarky!) Catwoman is still being grilled by Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn. Will she crack and reveal Batman's true identity? Buy Gotham City Sirens #2 and find out! Also, I'm not sure how I feel about Poison Ivy's new orange lips. Apparently, she switched lipsticks while brow beating or the colorist slipped up. GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #2 Written by Paul Dini ; Art and Cover by Guillem March Tommy Elliott, a.k.a. the villainous mastermind known as Hush, has escaped the confines of Batman's headquarters and is wreaking havoc throughout Gotham City all...

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Episode Synopsis & Review: "Pretty Poison"

.nobr br { display: none }Pretty Poison Original Airdate: September 14th, 1992 Season 01, Episode #005 Harvey Dent builds his dream penitentiary for Gotham City with funds donated by Wayne Enterprises. But, it comes at the expense of a rare bloom; much to the chagrin of a certain Pamela Isley. Years later, after a game of seduction, Pamela enacts her revenge on Harvey by planting a poison kiss on his lips. Harvey is left for dead but is rescued by his friend Bruce Wayne. Batman later learns it was Pamela who poisoned Harvey and pays her a visit. While at Ms. Isley's greenhouse Batman battles a few plant-beasts before Pamela steps into the light. At this point, she reveals herself as Poison Ivy and explains her motivations. A greenhouse chase...

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Fruit of the Earth: The Costume That Never Was

.nobr br { display: none }In the late Summer of 1999 the "No Man's Land" saga was coming to an end. While looking after the orphans of Robinson Park a distracted Poison Ivy was captured by Clayface. For six months she was held prisoner in an underground cave; deprived of sunlight and water. Clayface forced her to grow crops for a devastated Gotham City and the children were also forced into this slave labor scheme. Eventually Batman and Robin arrive on the scene to save Ivy and her brood. They tear the place apart and as it floods Poison Ivy swims into the sunlight. Now revived she regains her powers and commands the plants below to wrap themselves around her body; forming the costume in question. I'm about to speculate so don't quote me....

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How To Draw Batman : Poison Ivy (Page Scan)

I bought this book years ago; however, I can't remember where. It's titled "How To Draw Batman", and published by Walter Foster (sometimes credited to Titan Books). While flipping through the rather large pages (12 x 16 inches) I found a rather quaint looking one page demonstration on how to draw the Timm style Poison Ivy. So, of course I had to own this book. It also features guides for almost every main character on Batman: The Animated Series. Though, I must say, I find it odd that this came out in February of 1998. "The New Batman Adventures" had already premiered six months prior (along with the redesigned characters). But, even now there still exists an affection for the BTAS era that can't be denied. Join professional comic book artist...

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Absolute Justice (Dustcover Preview)

The Source has released a preview image of the dustjacket for the collected "Justice" mini-series. Poison Ivy is up there in the distance - with spinach leaf swimcap in tow. It's a beautiful cover and everyone is sooo serious. Except the Joker...of course. Clayface seems to be mocking Black Canary as well. Written by Alex Ross and Jim Krueger; Art by Alex Ross and Doug Braithwaite; Cover by Alex Ross The spectactular 12-issue series by Alex Ross, Jim Krueger and Doug Braithwaite is collected in this amazing, oversized, slipcased Absolute edition. The members of the Justice League of America are about to learn they aren't the only ones who can band together toward a common goal. The greatest criminal masterminds of our time appear to be acting...

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Justice League: Cry For Justice #1

I hope you enjoy the cover art for Justice League: Cry For Justice #1 because it's the only place Poison Ivy appears (in this first issue). The promotional image for this title was done by Mauro Cascioli. Two covers were produced by splitting the original artwork; Poison Ivy appears on the alternate offering. I'm wondering if Cascioli used a few live-action films as references for this piece. Lex Luthor bears an uncanny resemblance to Kevin Spacey while Poison Ivy is giving some serious Uma Thurman face. (With a smidge of Julianne Moore.) Either way I do enjoy this illustrative style. If you aren't familiar with this mini-series here's the official DC Comics description of this inaugural issue: Written by James Robinson; Art and covers Mauro...

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