Poison Ivy Pin Up by Maria Danalakis

I don't spend a lot of time on Etsy but found myself there the other day browsing wigs of all things. (Halloween is only about twelve weeks away my friends!) Etsy showcases the arts and crafts of those willing to sign up and put their efforts out there. Some good, some bad. I decided to search for "Poison Ivy" related creations and found quite a few interesting things. That is what lead me to this adorable Poison Ivy pinup by Maria Danalakis.

She is sooo cute I could just pinch her lovely little poisonous cheeks. It's done in a retro style complete with victory roll pinup hair and a darling leaf dress to match. The gloves are a nice touch. So elegant. Maria also has prints of Harley Quinn, Catwoman, Cheetah and a few other familiar dames. Her prices are very reasonable. So be sure to check her out!

[Maria Danalakis at Etsy]

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Louie Vitiello's Lifesize Poison Ivy

I find a certain amount of joy whenever I stumble upon something Poison Ivy related - especially when it wasn't planned. Such is the case here with Louie Vitiello's lifesize Poison Ivy figure. This is a special find because it's something I've always wanted to do (but have not). My hesitation is mostly due to finances but also because I don't have the room.

From Louie's blog:

I am a NYC based artist. Though I like to work on many things, my favorite subject is superheroes, or more so the supervillains.

The mannequins are my specialty; making life size statues of my favorite characters. They are all hand painted/sprayed. Each one is signed, numbered and dated on the foot. Alas, living in NYC, I don't have the space to store them so I am forced to let them go from time to time.

What an absolutely amazing and fun hobby - and she's a beauty (see below). I love the bright and bold colors. The hair is also a great choice. This look appears to be inspired by various interpretations of Poison Ivy. I see a bit of Uma Thurman's costume mixed with the classic costume (Brian Apthorp style).

Check out Louie Vitiello's tumblr page for more images of this piece and other projects including Catwoman, Emma Frost, Mystique and more.

[louievitiello.tumblr.com]

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SDCC 2011 (and Legos)

I've held off on posting for quite a few days now because I was watching the events of the San Diego Comic Con 2011. Now that every bit of news has been revealed I'm here to report that we Ivy fans with very little.

I'm aware that beyond the few merchandise reports, the cancellation of Sirens, and the retooling of Birds of Prey - nothing much has been going on in regards to Poison Ivy. But small news is better than no news - I guess.

Jim Lee, Mark Chiarello, and Cully Hamner hosted a panel specifically to discuss the new costume designs for the new DCU. When it came time to discuss Birds of Prey Hamner touched ever so briefly on Poison Ivy.

Hamner on Poison Ivy: "That was kind of a tough nut to crack." Hamner said he wanted her leaves to have different colors — change like the seasons.

Okaaay. Doesn't that sound charming? Well, no not at all. What color are her leaves going to be during the Winter season? Dry and brown? Perhaps some holly leaves will suffice. I guess we can surmise that Poison Ivy probably went thru quite a few costume options before they settled on the body suit we saw on the cover to Birds of Prey #1. But you all know my opinion on that. Moving on...

Beyond the festive gals walking the floor in Poison Ivy costumes and the (announced ages ago) Arkham Asylum Poison Ivy action figure there was only one pint sized beauty to make her presence known.

Lego collaborated with DC Comics to produce Batman themed Lego sets back in 2006. However, 2007 would see the release of our first Lego Poison Ivy as seen on the right. She's cute in many ways. I'm not a huge fan of the muted color palette but this is clearly Poison Ivy.

Quick side note: I must admit that I did not play with Lego toys much as a child because I wasn't much of a builder. Because of this I preferred action figures and sets ready to go out of the box. I didn't mind minor assembly and sticker application. There was fun in that. But the Lego toys never quite looked like what they were supposed to be. Go figure. (Pun intended.)

This year Lego announced that they were awarded a full DC Comics license:

Warner Bros. Consumer Products Awards The LEGO Group License
to Create LEGO® DC Universe SUPER HEROES

-Construction Toys Based on the Universe of DC Comics Super Heroes Slated for 2012-

BILLUND, Denmark – July 20, 2011 – Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) with DC Entertainment (DCE) and The LEGO Group announced today the extension of their successful partnership to translate some of the world’s most popular DC Comics Super Heroes into the world of LEGO® build-and-play adventures with LEGO DC Universe SUPER HEROES. The multi-year licensing agreement grants the world leader in high quality construction toys access to the entire library of DC Comics characters and stories to inspire LEGO building fun. Construction sets, minifigures and buildable characters and creatures inspired by the universe of DC Comics are slated to launch in January 2012.

The new LEGO DC Universe SUPER HEROES collection will feature 13 iconic super heroes in LEGO minifigure form, including: Batman™, Robin™, Catwoman™, The Joker, The Riddler™, Two-Face, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn™, Bane, Bruce Wayne, Superman™, Lex Luthor™ and Wonder Woman™. Buildable characters will include Batman, The Joker and Green Lantern. Select figures will be on display in the LEGO booth (#2829) at Comic-Con International at the San Diego Convention Center July 21-24.

“We have enjoyed a successful, longstanding relationship with The LEGO Group and this agreement enables the vast universe of DC Comics to inspire an array of incredible offerings,” said Karen McTier, executive vice president, domestic licensing and worldwide marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “Fans of our legendary Super Heroes and villains will be delighted with the uniquely imaginative creations which only LEGO Group can create.”

The company will revisit their previous successful collections like LEGO BATMAN™ that also inspired the best-selling LEGO BATMAN: The Videogame, published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, which has sold more than 12 million units worldwide since its launch in 2008.

“Given the fan enthusiasm for previous LEGO BATMAN collections, we couldn’t be more thrilled to continue the build-and-play adventures with new LEGO BATMAN play sets and the addition of other DC Comics properties,” said Jill Wilfert, vice president, licensing and entertainment for The LEGO Group. “This partnership gives builders a chance to recreate the characters, vehicles and worlds of some of the most iconic Super Heroes, so they can relive the action and even customize it – a proven and winning formula in LEGO construction.”

At San Diego Comic-Con, 3,000 exclusive Batman and Green Lantern LEGO minifigures will be distributed to kick off a promotion that will take place from August to December in advance of the launch. Fans are encouraged to use their collectible minifigures and existing LEGO collections to create original LEGO DC Universe SUPER HEROES adventures through video, photography or illustration, then share their submissions on www.LEGOSUPERHEROES.com. Entrants have a chance to win monthly prizes or a grand prize trip to California for exclusive tours of Warner Bros. Studios, WB Animation and LEGOLAND® California.

Part of their new effort includes a fantastic updated Lego version of Poison Ivy. She's more colorful than her predecessor and dare I say pretty? Well as pretty as two inches of plastic can be. Let's just say this design is a bit more thoughtful. (Notice they went with a classic look. I'm sure the updated DCnU costume will be hard to market.)

I suppose that's all there is to say about Poison Ivy and her presence at SDCC 2011. I'll leave you with this Youtube video featuring old school Lego Poison Ivy running amok in the video game based off of these Lego styled characters (she appears at 0:50).



[eurobricks.com] (SDCC Lego image)

[Kevin Hink] Check out Kevin's Lego Batman themed images. Good stuff!

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Kotobukiya DC Bishoujo Poison Ivy Statue

This statue is gorgeous! Divine even! I must admit that I don't know much about the company that is producing this Poison Ivy statue beyond having seen some of the other items they've done for DC Comics. Clearly Kotobukiya does fantastic work and I suspect this lovely lady will be finding a home on my shelf in good time.

Poison Ivy is done in a Japanese style wearing the current popular costume. The skin is a striking shade of green and the hair aflame in red. The suit, boots, and adorning leaves are wonderfully crafted. How can you look at this and not want to fight for Poison Ivy to remain looking this beautiful? New costume be damned! Check out the detail on those hissing plants. Ferocious! Enough of my babbling - here's the official press for the statue.

"A Kotobukiya Japanese import! The last member of the DC Comics Bishoujo Collection (combining DC’s superheroines and villains with traditional Japanese stylings) was the heroic Supergirl, and coming right after her is the floral femme fatale Poison Ivy! Born Pamela Lillian Isley, the woman who would one day haunt Batman and Gotham City was an up and coming botanist and biochemist. A crazy professor betrayed her and injected her with a mixture of poisons, unleashing in Poison Ivy the abilities to control plant life and create her own floral toxins. Working with a variety of evil partners Isley would embark on a life of crime, although occasionally serving as love interest for Bruce Wayne! Poison Ivy appears here for the first time in the Japanese bishoujo (pretty girl) style inspired by Japan’s renowned illustrator Shunya Yamashita!

One of the most detailed statues in the DC Bishoujo lineup to date, Poison Ivy struts her stuff in all of her verdant glory. The sexy eco-terrorist stands proudly among her growing vegetation, high-heeled legs spread apart and hands on her hips. Her notoriously skimpy outfit is recreated in a tiny one piece that shows off all of her beautiful curves. There are a lot of really cool sculpted details like the leafy fringe on her clothing, the tendrils wrapped around her arms like jewelry, and the flowers blooming in Poison Ivy’s hair. Naturally, green is her predominant color. Completing the villainous vixen’s look is her long flowing hair that seemingly has a life of its own, and like all the pretty ladies in her series Poison Ivy has a hauntingly attractive Bishoujo-styled face.

Sculpted by Takashi Tsukada, Poison Ivy stands in 1/7 scale. Constructed of high-quality pvc plastic, the green lady stands on an exclusive base featuring intricate vines and snake-like creepers, some of which wind seductively up her legs!

Available February 2011."

Obviously this statue is being released a few months behind schedule. I can only imagine the time and effort it must take to mass produce an item so detailed. There was no discussion of price in their promotional write up. If you go to their official site you will see that every statue in the DC Comics collection is priced at $59.99. Not bad. Not bad at all. For more views of this statue please go to Toy News International or join Kotobukiya on Facebook.

[Kotobukiya]

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Batman Daily : Poison Ivy vs Batgirl (Updated)

As everyone should know, Poison Ivy first appeared in Batman #181 (1966) and then #183. What a lot of fans don't realize is that she didn't appear again until #208 (1969). However, this issue was just a reprinting of #181 and part of a compilation of existing stories.

I hate to even acknowledge the following bit of information but after #208 Poison Ivy did not appear in a "regular" comic book for 8 years. She finally reemerged in Batman #291. Oddly enough, Ivy did appear often in the Batman daily strip during this absence from the monthlies. (The Ledger Syndicate produced these dailies.)

The featured strip is a three panel piece featuring Poison Ivy and Batgirl having a bit of hand to hand combat under the moonlight. This originally appeared in papers on August 30th, 1971. With contributions from Al Plastino (art) and E. Nelson Bridwell (story). Nick Cardy was also a regularly featured artist.

There's a few of these floating around the internet and I plan on featuring all the daily strips (available) with Poison Ivy.

Addendum: As Aaron Severson pointed out in the comments section - Poison Ivy did have a few cameos in non-Batman related titles (up until September of 1977). Beginning in 1978, Ivy would return to the tried and true monthlies. Below are some of the mentioned titles with a few other appearances. Also, the following panel is from Ivy's first apparance in "Superman's Girlfriend Lois Lane" (#115). Lovely huh?

Superman's Girlfriend Lois Lane, 115, Oct-71 "Computed to Kill Pt. I" (cameo, last panel)
Superman's Girlfriend Lois Lane, 116, Nov-71 "Computed to Kill Pt. 2" (extended cameo in backup story)

Secret Origins: Supervillains, 39, Oct/Nov-75, (Limited Collectors' Edition presents - only appears in villains poster)

Superfriends, 1, Nov-76, "The Fury of the Superfoes" (cover)
Superfriends, 2, Dec-76, "Trapped by the Superfoes"

Batman, 291, Sep-77, "Where Were You the Night Batman Was Killed?" (cover - brief cameo)
Batman, 292, Oct-77, "Testimony of the Riddler" (continuation of prior issue - breif cameo, non-speaking role)
Batman, 293, Nov-77, "The Testimony of Luthor" (continuation of prior issue - brief cameo)
Batman, 293, Dec-77, "Testimony of The Joker" (continuation of prior issue - brief cameo, non-speaking role)

Secret Society of Super-Villains, 10, Oct-77, "Triumph and Treachery" (cameo - last page only)
Secret Society of Super-Villains Special, 6, 1977, "Death Times Five" (DC Special Series - DC Giant - extended cameo)

Justice League of America, 158, Sep-78, "The Super-power of Negative Thinking!" (cover - extended cameo)

Batman Family, The (Dollar Comics), 17, Apr/May-78, "Horoscopes of Crime!" (second story - extended cameo)

World's Finest (Dollar Comics), 251, Jun/Jul-78, "A Kiss of Death Times Three" (fifth story - extended cameo)
World's Finest (Dollar Comics), 252, Aug/Sep-78 (part 2 of previous storyline - see above - extended cameo)

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Justice League XXX : Shyla Stylez as Poison Ivy (or So She Thinks)

I want to make one thing clear before we go on this strange adventure together. I absolutely do not endorse this film. Justice League XXX is very much hardcore pornography and should only be sought after by those of legal viewing age. (If that's your thing.) This post will also be safe for work at all times.

Now, with that out of the way let's get into the main purpose of this post. Poison Ivy has been parodied in a porn film based on DC Comics properties. Oh no they didn't, oh yes they did. I realize this title was released back in April, 2011 (by Extreme Comixxx) but I paid it no mind - that is until I discovered Poison Ivy was a featured villain. Apparently she's on the back of the box. Check out this ridiculous gathering of rogues.

Shyla Stylez was the chosen...um...actress to fill Poison Ivy's green boots. I can't tell you much more about Miss Stylez because I refuse to do any further research. As far as the actual flick? I didn't watch it but I can tell you two things. Ivy has a scene with Lex Luthor. She spends most of this scene on her knees (mostly dressed) and it's not to pick flowers. I shall say no more about that. Let's move on to Poison Ivy's costume shall we?

The first thing I noticed was that Shyla Stylez is clearly wearing the Poison Ivy costume produced by Secret Wishes - Rubie's Costume's answer to Leg Avenue. The model to the right is wearing the complete costume in the official product photo. Secret Wishes offers the dress, arm sheathes, and bits of fake ivy in the package and that is all seen on Shyla Stylez (below). The ready-made outfit isn't bad. It's a rather tasteful take on the classic costume and this model wears it well. Though I will say the arm sheathes (gloves) are awfully narrow. I couldn't even get my hand through the ends. So if you have sticks for arms then you're in luck. The ivy leaves are also nothing special. Just typical craft store silk leaves and garland.

Below you will find Shyla Stylez - and I'll say this in the most polite terms I can muster - she's a hot mess. I understand and accept that most people are not professional cosplayers or don't have the resources to successfully pull off this character. That said, it's not what she's wearing that bothers me it's how she's wearing it. The dress is ill fitting and the leaves are just tied on without purpose - decorative or otherwise. Her "gloves" are slipping down and her hair comb is falling out of her wig. I don't care if this is seen as just porn - somebody get this girl a mirror and a stylist in a good mood.

Honestly, she's dolled up in such a way that I could easily mistake her for a drag queen in certain mood lighting. Sometimes I think when women push the "lusty lady" theme too far it wraps back around to farcical. They end up out dragging the drag queens and such is the case here. Shyla would most definitely be lipsyncing for her life. I will give the wig and makeup artists credit for creating a nice variation of the leaf mask and the hair is a nice color. Bless her heart.

One thing that stands out are the boots. I think they are kind of cool - just not with this costume. I also happen to know who makes them.

Pleaser USA is one of the few stateside based shoe companies that creates affordable costume footwear. It's nearly impossible to find glamourous footwear in shades of green but Pleaser is adding green color options to many of their popular styles. This particular boot is part of their Bordello line - a line that focuses on vintage burlesque style heeled shoes. The boot in question is called "Courtess" and is available in green, gold, and pink. Keep in mind that Courtess is a mid-length boot. This height of shoe can look rather swell or make your legs look stumpy (see above).


All fashion aside...I forgot to mention that the company behind this production, Extreme Comixxx, no longer has an official online presence. Their site is currently under suspension and I suspect DC Comics may have finally intervened. Perhaps their latest release, Supergirl XXX, was a step too far. I know that all porn companies who do these types of spoofs hide behind long standing parody laws. Below is the trailer for Justice League XXX and yes it's G-rated. Aaand we're finally done...

[Major Spoilers]

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ComicsAlliance Reviews "Batman & Robin"

I've been following Comics Alliance's Remedial Batmanology series. Chris Sims and David Uzumeri have been viewing and reviewing each of the four Burton/Schumacher films in a running commentary style. They have finally closed out the four part series with their review of "Batman & Robin".

I've got to say I really did enjoy this venture. What I admired most is their willingness to completely surrender to the ridiculousness that is Batman & Robin. Ultimately declaring it the most fun and cohesive film of this Bat-era. The following bits are some highlights (for me).

Chris: Clooney has joked about this movie a lot -- when he was nominated for the Oscar for Michael Clayton, I remember him telling reporters that he was there to pick up his Lifetime Achievement for Batman & Robin -- but he's actually pretty solid in the role. He does a more convincing Bruce Wayne than anyone else. My real high point, though, is Poison Ivy.

Chris: You talked a lot about Jim Carrey attempting to channel Frank Gorshin as the Riddler in Forever, but while I think that's a pretty miserable failure, Uma Thurman is way more successful at trying to be Julie Newmar.

David: She does a great job doing the campy sex-vamp thing. A GREAT job.

Chris: Ivy's better written than Freeze, in that she doesn't have a constant string of puns, and Thurman's delivery is perfect for the material, right down to her faux-sultry Mae West voice.

I have no doubt that the comments sections over at Comics Alliance are going to be filled with dissenters. You can't even speak aloud the title of this film without having to suffer audible tongue smacking and groans. So one can only imagine the fanboy head bursts taking place at the idea that some people actually enjoyed (and continue to enjoy) the film. Thankfully, most of the regular commenters at Comics Alliance tend to be mature and thoughtful in their responses.

Their next Remedial Batmanology effort will be to sit through "Catwoman" (2004) starring Halle Berry. Good luck gentlemen, and godspeed.

[ComicsAlliance Reviews 'Batman & Robin' (1997), Part One]
[ComicsAlliance Reviews 'Batman & Robin' (1997), Part Two]

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Superhero Rewind: Batman and Robin Review

The folks over at Geekvolution reviewed "Batman & Robin" back in Aug 27, 2010 as part of their Superhero Rewind series. The review is a great mix of brains and humor.

They give the film a rather fair shake but explain why the Schumacher and Goldsman effort could only fail. The consensus being that Batman & Robin had no idea who it was geared towards. Children, adults - or neither? Give it a viewing and see if you agree. I know I did. Sorry Poison Ivy and Uma Thurman - you looked fierce and more than deserved this role but this film was ultimately beneath you. In hindsight of course.

[Geekvolution]

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Artwork of the Day : Poison Ivy by Miss Pipedream Fantasy

What can I possibly say about this piece? Exquisite. Glamourous. To die for.

This fine lady is done in a vintage pin-up style with a fairly obvious nod to Batman: The Animated Series. The face is quite beautiful. So kind with just a hint of mischief and menace in those eyes. I adore the pout. Oh! The hair color is so lush and the texture is perfect. Who wouldn't want this do? I also love this particular shade of "olive" green. Opera length gloves? So classy.

If you follow the link below to her Deviantart page you can view a much larger version of this image. There you'll notice her bodice has a slight spiral pattern. Miss Pipedream Fantasy you have lived up to your name. She is quite dreamy indeed.

[misspipedreamfantasy.deviantart.com]

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