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 so it fits like a tube top (lots of slippage). I'd recommend retrofitting the top half with either flesh toned straps or perhaps boning for the ambitious. You'll have to supply your own hair leaves and fence net stockings. They are not included!

I think it's safe to say this is a nod to the Poison Ivy costumes in "Batman and Robin" as done by Robert Turturice. What a strange and varied resume, Mr. Turturice.

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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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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 that great. Once again, the odd proportions and seams make this costume look a tad goofy. (Though I did purchase two of the standard costumes and used the leaf fabric to create something much like the official movie version.)

All these costumes included a sequined eye mask to double as Uma Thurman's more fanciful prosthetics. Not pictured here is the child's standard costume. But it was essentially the same outfit. A few "official" Poison Ivy wigs were released to go with these outfits. I bought one (okay two), but it looks absolutely nothing like the models wigs. The wig I (still) own is made of a really bad synthetic ruby colored fiber that tangles if you so much as breathe on it too hard. I'll take a photo of it when I have time. But in the mean time check out the child version. Which, again, looks nothing like the wigs I own or the ones on the models.

As I stated before, these aren't great. In fact, I don't recall ever seeing anybody wearing one (awful fit). But they do lend to nostalgia for better or worse. Though I can say this; Batman and Robin encouraged countless fans to create many customized Poison Ivy costumes. And that's a good thing.

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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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Black Orchid: Character Profile

The story of Susan Linden and the Black Orchid is a complicated one...

The original Black Orchid was a creation of the Silver Age of comic books. She is described as a mysterious beauty who fights on the side of truth and justice -- and that she does.

She was a nameless and (mostly) faceless woman. Black Orchid operated in a covert fashion wearing various masks and wigs to infiltrate the headquarters of the corrupt. When the moment was right she would don her purple and pink hued costume and attack -- in a floral fury!

The classic Black Orchid was highly skilled in the art of masquerade. In fact, it was never stated who she really was during any of her earlier appearances. She had the ability to fly and was able to deflect bullets with ease. It was never explained if these abilities were super-human or her costuming. Her calling card was of course -- a black orchid.

The classic Black Orchid had (around) a ten issue run in Adventure Comics. She later made a back-up story appearance in an issue of Phantom Stranger (#31). A brief cameo in the Superfriends monthly also occurred. Black Orchid was also recruited into the Suicide Squad to aid in a mission alongside the likes of Vixen, Nightshade, and Nemesis. This is about the time when documented history begins to lose track of (or interest in) Black Orchid.

She doesn't reappear again until the late 1980's in a three part mini-series titled "Black Orchid". It is here that the character of Black Orchid takes a mighty leap forward in both story and design. The mini-series was penned by the very talented Neil Gaiman. Dave McKean was given art duties and his painterly dream like style would complete this lovely package. This mini-series pays homage to the original Black Orchid while introducing the new version.

The story began with a secret meeting of various big-time white collar crooks and thieves. Little did they know, a secret agent (Black Orchid) was amongst them! Or so she thought. They were expecting her arrival and planned accordingly. She was quickly bound to her chair with unbreakable metal cording. Her plain clothes disguise was then removed to reveal the classic Black Orchid costume. She was mocked and berated. A gun was held to her head and the trigger was pulled. However, she did not die. As legend states, she is immune to the effects of bullets; but she is not immune to fire. Black Orchid breaks free as the room burns. In her final moment of freedom the building explodes. Black Orchid, as she was known, was no more. It is discovered that Lex Luthor is partly responsible for her demise.

A body is later discovered but it's merely a plant based simulacrum of the woman who was Susan Linden. Who is skilled enough to create such creatures? Well the story goes something like this...

As a child, Susan befriended her neighbor Phil Sylvian. They would while away the days in the gardens of their homes -- finding refuge from Phil's playground bullies and Susan's abusive father.

During her teenage years Susan found the courage to leave her father and home. She traveled Europe and eventually ended up working as a card dealer in a Las Vegas casino. In need of money Susan skimmed the casino's profits -- but suspicions arose. She panicked and fled with a shady out-of-towner by the name of Carl Thorne. Susan would soon learn that Carl was a gun runner for Lex Luthor. She was willing to overlook Carl's questionable career choices until the physical abuse and cheating became intolerable. So she fled, once again, to Phil Sylvian.

Carl was eventually caught by the authorities and his criminal ways came to an end. Susan agreed to testify against Carl and this earned him seven years in prison. Sadly, he murdered Susan just before his incarceration. A distraught Phil stole biological samples from a lifeless Susan. But why, you ask? Phil's desire to be with her drove him to create half plant and half human hybrids based on Susan's physical and chemical designs. He called them Black Orchids. These sentient plant beings not only shared Susan's image but they also possessed her memories.

Seven years passed and Carl Thorne was set free. He again sought employment with Lex Luthor but was quickly dismissed. In a rage, Carl hunted down Phil Sylvian and beat him to death. (Carl had the mistaken impression that Phil and Susan were romantically linked.) While nosing around Phil's home Carl would stumble upon the resting orchids. When he saw these creatures that resembled his dead ex-wife Susan he freaked out. Carl tore the orchids apart and all but two perished. One orchid escaped (lil Suzy), and the other was gone before the invasion (Black Orchid). Luthor demands Carl's execution for destroying the creations of Phil Sylvian. Carl is thrown off of a pier but is (oddly enough) rescued by the new Black Orchid.

Yes...this is a lot to swallow! But there's more.

After Phil's murder, the remaining Orchids traveled abroad to learn more about Susan and her friends. They brought many of Phil's personal belongings including his scrapbooks and photo albums. Black Orchid also had a list containing a few names including Jason Woodrue, Alec Holland, and Pamela Isley. She failed to track down Jason Woodrue but she did find Pamela Isley locked away in Arkham Asylum. Orchid foolishly asks an angry Pamela Isley for help regarding Phil and his personal contacts. She also seeks out information about what she is and why she was created. The conversation went nowhere because a frustrated Pamela lashes out at Black Orchid. Pamela envies Orchid and her ability to thrive in the open...in the sun. The guest is quickly chased away and an aching Pamela Isley is left to the darkness of her cell. Black Orchid later discovers that Suzy has been kidnapped...er...plant-napped by Lex Luthor.

Black Orchid rescues Suzy from the grasp of Luthor and his goons. They flee to the jungles of South America and Carl goes on a killing spree -- taking out the majority of Luthor's squad who are hunting the orchids. Carl is eventually killed by Luthor's men. The remaining hunters refuse to kill the Orchids...because they're beautiful. Eventually Black Orchid finds some peace of mind in the presence of Alec Holland a.k.a. Swamp Thing. And there you have it -- Black Orchid!

This mini-series eventually spawned a 22 issue series under DC's Vertigo label. It was a rather unusual and abstract title.

Black Orchid also appears in a trade paperback titled “Totems” under DC Comics Vertigo label. She joins forces with some of DC’s more obscure characters.

The most recent appearance of Black Orchid was seen in a one-issue comic book called JLA: Justice League of Amazons. It was part two of the "Justice Leagues" event. She appears along with heroes like Wonder Woman, Huntress, Power Girl, Supergirl, Big Barda and Zatanna. They are called upon by Black Orchid to aid in the defeat of slash and burn operations within rainforests.

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