As I Told Lady Freeze...

As you've probably noticed I've been M.I.A. for over a month (if not longer). I've mentioned before that I work at a costume shop and our busy season starts at the end of August and continues until after Halloween. Well, this year we hired fewer seasonal staff members which meant that a lot of the work was put upon me. The money is great but it leaves me completely zapped.

Speaking of zapped...

All that hard work paid off because right now I am blogging from a brand new computer. Fate is cruel and, much like Lady Freeze, my old computer's plug was pulled. My video card finally imploded but it held up much longer than most of the other components. (That tower was almost 10 years old and it rarely ever let me down.)

With that said - I am back! I'm going to cover quite a few things in this one post so be ready.

The DC relaunch put Poison Ivy on the back burner up until the final pages of the second issue of "Birds of Prey". Below is our first glimpse of Ivy in all her Autumnal glory.

Birds of Prey #3 will showcase more of Poison Ivy for sure.

Something that managed to skip past me was Poison Ivy appearing on the Cartoon Network's "Young Justice" cartoon. A show I watch every week - but of course the one week I forget to watch...

I have mixed feelings about this appearance with most of my hangups being about her physical appearance. The costume wasn't particularly elegant and the overall look was rather dull. (The collar was cool though.) I accept that Young Justice has its own style but this didn't work for me. Alyssa Milano voicing Poison Ivy was an odd choice. She wasn't terrible just not all that dynamic. Also, if I have to hear Poison Ivy shriek out "My babies!" one more time when a plant creature comes under attack I just might hurl.

I saw the preview cover to the following comic book a few weeks ago. Needless to say I came to my own conclusion about who the villain in question might be. I hope that it is Poison Ivy because I'm interested to see how she is depicted in a book outside of Birds of Prey.

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #4

Written by PAUL JENKINS and DAVID FINCH; Art and cover by DAVID FINCH and RICHARD FRIEND

Batman must race against time to save a friend's life. But his mission may prove impossible as he reels under the weight of three hundred chemically enhanced super-criminals who stand against him. All clues point to one psychotic criminal, and all roads to a solution that will lead to one secret location... but will Batman arrive too late to stop the rage let loose on his city?

DC Universe | 32pg. | Color | $2.99 US

On Sale December 28, 2011

It appears that we have a newer Poison Ivy themed t-shirt for sale but this time around she's paired with Harley Quinn. The creators of this shirt used an illustration done by José Luis García-López that I featured previously. The shirt is available in many sizes at allposters.com - don't hesitate! (This link will take you to the basic adult size but women's, youth, and toddler sizes can be found too.)

Guess who decided to go as Poison Ivy for a costumed event this Halloween? Kim Kardashian! Say what you will about the Kardashian family - I thought she looked stunning in her take on Uma Thurman's costume. (I want that wig, now!)

However, the main point of including her in this post is that I noticed her eyemask looked awfully familiar. Now I'm not saying she herself used my tutorial but I suspect the people who helped create her costume may have taken a look at what I offered to those looking for a guide.

That's all I have for now. Stay tuned!

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Matty Collector Announces Poison Ivy (Maybe)

Today on Facebook Matty Collector announced the newest character in the latest wave of DC Universe characters - Poison Ivy! her initial intro will be as part of the the Club Infinite Earths exclusives. That is if the line ever truly takes off.

The problem is that Matty Collector is struggling to get people to sign up for their subscriptions to this line. Basically you pay an initial fee for an entire year of action figures. The final price, after being billed monthly, ends up being around $255 (plus shipping/taxes/fees). That's a rather large price for figures that I likely don't want. Beyond Poison Ivy of course.

Hey DC Universe fans, you asked for it, you got it! Here is the reveal of another 6" character in the DC Universe Club Infinite Earths subscription program...Poison Ivy! To get this figure, as well as the other subscription figures, sign up for the club: http://bit.ly/mURsgQ

The message was later updated:

To clarify the DC Universe Club Infinite Earths subscription, If the sub does not move forward, the figures announced will not be a part of the 2012 retail line. The only way we will create these DC Universe figures in 2012 is through the subscription program. To get Starman, Atrocitus, Flash 1, and Poison Ivy, sign up for the sub: http://bit.ly/mURsgQ

The fan reaction on Facebook is resoundingly negative because in many ways Matty Collector is holding these characters hostage until they have made enough money via subscriptions. There's a chance they won't get made at all. Follow this link for specific subscription details. The link at the end of this post will take you to the Facebook post.

The image below is being used to promote Poison Ivy. It's a panel done by Jim Lee for the Batman Hush series. I'm assuming that the figure will not be done in this style because we have this very figure from the Hush DC Direct series. I know that if they provided examples of what the figures may look like the interest would surely grow. You can't just post an older picture from a comic book and assume it's enough to get people excited.

[Matty Collector on Facebook]

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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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Collectables : WB Studio Store Figurine

When I lived in Denver I always made a point of visiting the Warner Bros. Studio Store while at the Cherry Creek Mall. I knew they had a wide selection of DC Comics related merchandise so I was always on the look out for Poison Ivy related items. At least the stuff I could afford.

I happened upon this statue back in the year 2000. It was part of a larger set of figurines being marketed to those costumers on a budget. I paid $29.95 for mine but I believe the average price was around $45.00 and up. This was a welcome find because the higher end items in the gallery were not an option.

The styling of this statue is based on the modern flesh toned Poison Ivy - think late 1990s (Apthorp era). It's a lovely sculpt for the price - the pose and face are quite feminine. She reminds me of Claudia Schiffer or Nicole Kidman. A lot of time was spent detailing the hair with some shortcuts taken on the leaf details. The boots look pretty cool though.

All that said, be mindful of the paint application around the face. I've seen a few for sale that had unfortunate (and laugh worthy) facial features because of poor paint jobs. This is a cold cast resin statue and while it feels substantial in weight the fingers and plant details tend to be fragile. I own the Catwoman statue from this line and had to glue a few fingers back into place. Thank you Seattle earthquake.

The only remarkable thing about the box is the lone illustration of Poison Ivy. I don't know who did the art but it's a great rendition. (Though she's wearing gloves in the box art.) Notice the packaging refers to this item as a figurine. However, I prefer to call it a statue. The word figurine makes me think of knick-knicks that old ladies keep in their curio cabinets. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

To this date it's the only officially licensed comic book related Poison Ivy statue. All the others have been related to film or animation. This can be found regularly on Ebay and other auction websites. So if this interests you have at it!
A few of these images were found online. If you are the original photographer and want credit let me know. Thanks.

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Artwork of the Day : 1978 Calendar

Poison Ivy and The Floronic Man battle Batgirl and Robin!

This artwork is from the DC Comics 1978 Calendar of Super-Spectacular Disasters. (The month of May.) Poison Ivy is seen here in a classic style along side The Floronic Man in a dynamic throw down. We have longtime artists Dick Dillin and Frank McLaughlin to thank for this fun piece.
[comicartcommunity.com]

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Poison Ivy : Official Logos

It's hard to believe that it's been 14 years since the release of the Batman: Poison Ivy (1997) one-shot. A comic book offering that gave us the first glimpse of the now standard "Poison Ivy" character and merchandise logo.

There have been a few variations of what could be considered a Poison Ivy logo but these only existed on the pages of DC comic books. At this point in time there was practically no Ivy related products to be found.

The earliest attempt at branding for Poison Ivy was this logo that appeared in an issue of DC Comics Secret Origins (1989). This same style is also seen in one of Poison Ivy's earlier Who's Who entries (1990). It's not terrible but it looks very outdated. This was released during the time when DC was still playing up the Poison Ivy as druid theme. A sneaky elf-like fantasy creature with a fairy tale logo to match. Quaint but not for me.

It took the greater part of a decade until Poison Ivy would finally be given a logo that evoked her sexy and forbidding nature. The aforementioned one-shot featuring the new logo was released in 1997 to coincide with the promotion of "Batman & Robin". Each main character was given a book containing an origin story along with a new logo.

I really like this effort. It's modern, slick, and has a touch of menace. The organic and thorny shape are killer. When you lay your eyes upon this logo you immediately know the person in question is dangerous.

Since its inception it has been used in comic books, on t-shirts, collectables, and more.

However, the marketing department also released a secondary logo that is more kid-friendly (for lack of a better term). This logo often appears on toys and dolls marketed specifically to younger consumers. You will mostly see this style on merchandise featuring the animated versions of Poison Ivy. It's a bit more whimsical and fun with an ivy leaf detail substituting for the dot.

I think it's great that DC now wants to promote this character in such a way that they felt she deserved her own logos. This elevates Poison Ivy to an upper tier status in the DC Universe especially in regards to collectables.

I'm sure that in the coming years we may see a revamped take on Poison Ivy's branding that includes logo redesign. Especially considering the character is undergoing a makeover in late 2011.

And there you have it!

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Batman Rogues Gallery Tee

I was browsing the men's graphic tee section at Target and stumbled upon this great offering. It's an officially licensed Batman themed t-shirt with an imprint of Detective Comics #566, "Know Your Foes" on the front side.

The cover (and now tee) features Batman standing in the doorway of a room with pictures of various popular Gotham City rogues along the walls. The portraits include the Joker, Madhatter, Killer Moth, Ra's al Ghul, Penguin, Riddler, Two-Face, and...Poison Ivy.

I paid $12.99 for my t-shirt but it appears to be on sale for $10.00 and if you're lucky there's still some in stores. Otherwise, buy it online.

By the way, I get tons of compliments on this particular tee. So go get one!

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Women of the DC Universe: Series 3: Poison Ivy Bust

Designed by Amanda Conner • Sculpted by Jim Maddox

Pretty Poison! The gal of the green springs from the foliage, a lily blossom aloft in her hand – a deadly delight in bloom.

Designed by illustrator Amanda Conner, Poison Ivy is the latest character to join the popular WOMEN OF THE DC UNIVERSE bust seres.

The hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain bust measures approximately 7.23" high x 2.75" wide x 2.5" deep and is packaged in a 4-color box.

Limited Edition. $ 60.00 US

This bust has been promoted for months but it is only now available for purchase. I love it! It's the first Poison Ivy bust available in her green skinned depiction. I guess you could say it's a fantastic combination of old and new characteristics. The pose is lovely and the sculpt quite detailed right down to the poison mushrooms at her side. Also, the price seems more than reasonable.

Please click over to DC Collector Universe for a thoughtful review of this product that includes high quality pictures of the bust and packaging.

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Adam Hughes Statue Art

Adam Hughes has released the preview art for the soon to be released Poison Ivy statue. This statue is part of the Women of the DCU collection.

As usual, Hughes has done an amazing job on the art duties. I'm getting a certain Uma Thurman vibe from the face details. I can't say this is the best costume choice for Poison Ivy though. I think the gloves are a bit heavy while the high heeled shoes seem oddly dainty and plain. I mean reeeally. Who takes over the world in simple pumps? The hair is lovely but there's just too many leaves -- she's looks smothered. I'm not trying to be overly critical but this appears to be a mish-mash of various looks that don't quite gel. The colors of the Silver Age mixed with the tendril-like (leaves abound) nature of the Modern Age and a few nods to Uma Thurman.

I'm sure the final product will vary in a few ways. One thing is for sure -- I'd prefer a green skin Poison Ivy. The natural tone was already given to the Adam Hughes bust. Check out a larger preview here: Adam Hughes on Deviant Art.

UPDATE: Here is the actualized statue in all her glory. She's been streamlined a bit so the gloves aren't as bulky. They also toned down the leaves. Thankfully.

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A Brief Update (and apology)

I'm sure it's rather obvious I've been slacking with my posting duties. I was so overwhelmed at the costume shop this Halloween season I had to make a few temporary sacrifices. One of those being my various internet hobbies. The end of the year Holidays aren't giving me much free time either.

However I look forward to working on quite a few Poison Ivy related projects in the new year. Trust me -- I've mulled over these ideas for months now. We're talking action figure/collectible archives, retrospectives, "best of" lists and more.

Anyway! Gotham City Sirens seems to be going well. With the occasional dull issue here and there. I felt it took far too long to get the action going. But March's art duties more than make up for that. He recently put together a bit piece on his creative process for comic book covers. It's posted at the DCU blog. Luckily, Poison Ivy is the featured character face.

Poison Ivy is also starring in a new Batman 80 Page Giant: seen here. It's an unusual short story -- a rather chilly, contemplative, and occasionally gory offering. The story in question, "Wilt", appears to be out of continuity.

And finally, Ivy is being featured in DC Superhero Figurine Collectors Magazine #43. The magazine showcases the character and includes a die cast figurine based on the Jim Lee design. Eagle Moss Publications is the creator of this collection. The promotional image for this figurine is a bit garish in color -- for a more color accurate image go here.

Thanks for playing along everyone and I look forward to more fun times. Happy Holidays!

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Women of the DCU (Adam Hughes Poster)

This much talked about SDCC 2008 promotional poster from DC is available this month for retail purchase. It's officially titled "The Real Power Of The DC Universe" and features Catwoman, Oracle, Zatanna, Black Canary, Powergirl, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batwoman, Vixen, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn. A beautifully drawn panoramic view of the fine women in DC Comics.

In the publicity photo for this poster Poison Ivy was not in her current green skin form. But for the official release she appears as she should. Though I must say I'm not sure how I feel about her depiction. I think the upturned face isn't particularly flattering. And there's some serious leaf action going on with that hair. Of course I'm just being nit picky -- beyond those minor gripes it's a gorgeous offering.


Also of note, Dan Didio asked that Catwoman be left off of the image because DC Comics was not interested in promoting her character. The Catwoman (2.0) monthly was coming to an end and she was not involved in any major storyline. Babs from the Comic Vine interviewed Adam Hughes at the 2009 SDCC and he touches on this very story.


The Real Power Of The DC Universe poster is 39 (wide) x 24 and costs $8.99 US Dollars. Go to DC Direct for further details.

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Poison Ivy's Tangled Train

So...guess who had their own roller coaster for a time? Yes, that would be Poison Ivy.

Six Flags New England (Agawam, Massachusetts) hosted the Batman themed coaster "Poison Ivy's Tangled Train" for about six years. Although the name of this ride was misprinted as "Poison Ivy's Twisted Train" on the official park map for years.

The coaster is a single train with 20 cars. Each car seats two across as you wind through a double figure eight track. The color scheme was a bright lime green and an earthy plum purple.

It would seem that the amusement park allowed for fast growing vines (creepers) to wander about this area. A mostly lush environment for the riders to zip around.

The were only a few things at the park to indicate this ride was related to the Poison Ivy character. The large overhead sign above the entrance and the occasional ground level sign surrounding the roller coaster.


A single image of Poison Ivy in a crouched position surrounded by tangled vines promotes the ride. This Poison Ivy is based on a modern age design but before the green skin transformation. She has a Brian Apthorp flair (similar to the interior art for "Batman: Poison Ivy"). So we're talking mid to late 90s fierceness. Six Flags also used the DC Comics official "Poison Ivy" logo that first appeared in 1997.

As fate would have it (and what a cruel fate) Poison Ivy's Tangled Train would be renamed to "Catwoman's Whip" in 2007. With a Jim Balent purple suit era Catwoman aesthetic no less. Around this time Six Flags was near bankruptcy and selling off various parks. One could assume giving Poison Ivy her exit cue was part of the "revamping" process.

(Photos 1 and 2 by Ric Turner www.rcdb.com)

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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 of a few different costumes over the years -- namely Uma Thurman's Batman and Robin wardrobe. There's a certain Moulin Rouge/bordello aesthetic that reads as busy and cheap. I lay most of that blame on the flouncy thigh-highs. Nobody in their right mind wears boots AND thigh-high stockings.

Also, I don't get the odd multicolor graphic aspect to the lower part of the leotard. I'm sure this was a strategic move to hide the assemblage of the figure. There's no way you can have a high cut leotard and not show the leg joints. Hopefully this is corrected in the final product because it completely interrupts the flow of the costume. All that aside, this would make a fantastic base for customizing purposes.

If you want something with a bit more glam I'd suggest this: Tonner's Deluxe Poison Ivy. For better pictures of the DC Direct 13" Poison Ivy (a face close-up too) go here: Sideshow Collector's Forum.

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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 Ty Templeton as he reveals the secrets of how to draw Batman like a pro!

Inside you'll find in-depth guides that take you through the process of comic book figure drawing, from rough sketch to finished illustration, as well as basic drawing techniques such as foreshortening, perspective, drawing through, and more!

In addition to Batman, you'll also learn how to draw Robin, Batgirl, The Joker, Catwoman, and many other friends and foes of the Dark Knight. And, with helpful tips for rendering the Batmobile, Batcave, and other Gotham City locations, you'll be creating impressive Batman action scenes in no time!

So grab your art supplies and get going!

Ty Templeton wrote and illustrated this venture. If the name sounds familiar it's because he often worked on animated/comic titles such as Batman Adventures and other DC Comics properties. I'm sure copies of this book are still floating around.

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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 a sheer greenish fringe detail at the bottom. Elbow length fingerless "gloves" and boot covers complete the look. The item list at the official site doesn't include the ivy leaves. But those are a dime a dozen at a craft store near you. I suggest getting them otherwise you might get mistaken for Tinkerbell (or any other garden variety fairy or nymph).

I wouldn't say this is terrible just bare. There is a lot of potential for creating something a bit more sensational with this five piece costume (especially if used as a base). Perhaps adding some sparkle with sequins or rhinestones. Of course using dramatic makeup details and truly red hair would seal the deal. That brown hair on the model will never do! Consider flowers too.

Expect this costume to be available for purchase before the 2009 Halloween season. http://www.rubies.com

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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 conceived. Both in design and materials. There are a few wig companies that feature better wigs befitting of Poison Ivy -- both in hairstyle and color. I would certainly stick with this shade of red. But a less play-time like wig would really make this outfit pop.

As for customizing...I would say add some construction elements. Perhaps lining the leotard -- it's thin and can you see through the fabric (look at the promo pic). Or do something bold like remove the lime green tee-shirt quality of the upper half. This cover-it-all aspect is certainly suitable for the child sizes of this costume. But this top feature in the adult line veers into pajama territory. Just be sure to reinforce that bust line to avoid wardrobe malfunctions. Oh, and you have to supply your own darn lilies.


Here's a preview of the remaining costumes in this line. Very charming reproductions of some familiar faces. Gotham Sirens anyone? All of these costumes can be found at Rubie's official site. http://www.rubies.com

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Arkham Asylum (Game): Poison Ivy Trailer

The anticipation for the Batman: Arkham Asylum video game is ever-growing. Today the fans were treated to Poison Ivy's vignette -- and the reviews are mostly positive. She looks stunning. The face and body are quite vampy. Though I'm not sure why she appears in such a pedestrian looking blouse. I'm hoping that it is replaced by something a bit more classic. There's also a minor controversy about her appearing in "underwear" (of sorts). She looks practically nude in the game because the two shades of green blend together. I'm undecided about the hair -- it's very Sims like and moves in a rather stiff fashion. Beautiful shade of red though. Also featured is the mother-lust relationship between Ivy and her plant minions. It's amusing if not weird.

The model sheet for Poison Ivy shows her wearing an Arkham issued prison top. I'm assuming Ivy goes through some type of transformation from flesh-toned human to green-skinned villain. Perhaps the shirt too! There is also mention that her eyes are to cry "green tears" when she uses her powers. A new and startling detail.

Diane Pershing returns as the voice of Poison Ivy -- wonderful! The slated release date for Batman: Arkham Asylum is August 25, 2009.

Update: Whoops! The voice actress from this game sounded so much like Diane Pershing I confused the two. The actress is actually Tasia Valenza.

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Tonner Doll Company : Poison Ivy

The Tonner Doll Company partnered with DC Comics to produce a series of dolls based on many of their famous comic book characters. In 2007 we saw the release of the DC Stars line; Poison Ivy was included in the collection.

I must say, these dolls are quite fabulous. Standing at a towering 16" they make quite a statement. The larger size allows for better made costumes and accessories. You see those green strapped boots? (Look left) They have actual working zippers going up the back seams. It's those types of details and craftsmanship that have made the Tonner dolls highly sought after by hobbyists.

And now for a bit of (my) history. I worked at F.A.O. Schwarz for a number of years; both in Denver and Seattle. My specialties were action figures and dolls. I preferred working in the doll boutique; the items and collectors were equally fascinating. It saddens me to realize that both of those locations are now closed; however, the New York and Las Vegas stores remain in business.

We sold a number of collectable fashion dolls; namely Mattel's Barbie brand. But there were two other dolls gaining in popularity. The first being Ashton Drake's "Gene" dolls (now produced by Integrity Toys). The second was Tonner's "Tyler Wentworth" collection. A few key similarities brought collectors to these lines. Both fashion dolls were unconventional in size, they were given "scripted lives", and the exquisite fashions. Needless to say I'm thrilled that the Tonner Doll Company has branched out into trademarked properties because the DC Stars collection is a hit.

On to Poison Ivy; from the offical site:

As a prime nemesis to BATMAN™ and BATGIRL™, toxic beauty POISON IVY™ joins the DC STARS™ TONNER CHARACTER FIGURES™ Collection as the first super villain based on DC COMICS™. She is dressed in a leaf-printed bodysuit with tights and cross-lace motif zip up boots. Her costume is wildly trimmed in ivy leaves and greenery. POISON IVY™ is app. 16” tall and she is crafted of fine vinyl and PVC plastic. She is fully poseable with 13 points of articulated movement, and she features high-end detail touches such as rooted saran hair and hand-painted face detail.; includes display stand.

It's a lovely interpretation of the classic Poison Ivy costume and a beautiful doll. That shade of red hair is gorgeous. As usual, the face paint/makeup is well done. I love the miniaturized accessories (those tiny leaves!); from the prickly feather-like boa to the ivy leaf belt. The boots are also nice. I would say the only thing a bit off here is the leotard. By that I mean the print; it's a bit too whimsical for me. Otherwise, it's a great effort and I will be adding this doll to my collection when I have the funds.

Be sure to check out Tonner's other Poison Ivy creations (of which there are many). The deluxe model is beyond fierce.

Credit for the face close-up photo goes to "Plastic and Plush".

*UPDATE: It has recently come to my attention that the leotard print in the promotional photo has been changed to something more flattering to this costume. Jolly good!

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