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 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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