Batman: Brave and the Bold: Teaser

So far, "Batman: The Brave and the Bold" has provided us fans with two Poison Ivy appearances. The first being "Chill of the Night" and now in the teaser for the episode "The Masks of Matches Malone!". This mini offering features a defiant Poison Ivy setting up camp in the middle of Gotham City and declaring herself the Queen of Crime! That declaration leads to Poison Ivy and her henchwomen battling against Batman and...Black Orchid! How does this all play out? Press play and find out.

I liked the display and degree of Ivy's plant powers. In fact, her whole presentation was rather good and that includes the new take on Poison Ivy's costume. It appears to be a nod to "Batman: The Animated Series" and "The New Batman Adventures" with a slight wink to the current comic book stylings. The flowers were a nice feminine touch.

The concept of henchwomen in Ivy-like costumes is again seen here; much like in the BTAS episode "House and Garden".

There's enough plant puns in this teaser that it has 1997's "Batman & Robin" sassing and snapping. At one point Batman actually refers to Poison Ivy as a "herbaceous hussy". Well I never!

I've always liked the classic Black Orchid costume and it was given a fair treatment. Though Black Orchid was a mute player in this tussle. Not a word spoken.

Vanessa Marshall did a great job with the voice acting. Commanding with a touch of sexiness. But I can't say it enough -- nobody will ever be capable of replacing Diane Pershing. Also, Vanessa Marshall is the daughter of actress Joan Van Ark.

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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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"Club Villain" by Your Favorite Martian

I discovered this video while browsing the Comics Alliance website. The preview image featured stylized cartoon versions of Catwoman and Harley Quinn so I decided to check it out. The basic premise is that the main character Ray finds himself at a new joint in town called "Club Villain". Once inside he discovers that Club Villain caters specifically to supervillains from all genres. He hangs out and spies the room only to discover the lust of his life, Poison Ivy, is seated across from him. You can watch the rest below...

That's when I saw her there, from across the room,
Poison Ivy doing Jell-o shots with Dr. Doom.
Like the Eye of Sauron, I couldn't look away.
She was with some Joker, but the dude was probably gay.

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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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Catwoman #83

To my surprise, Poison Ivy makes an appearance in the one-issue revival of Catwoman #83. This issue (apparently) ties in to the DC Comics "Blackest Night" storyline.

The offical DC Comics solicitation: "As if the chaos and mayhem of Gotham City's blackout wasn't enough, Catwoman faces a dead villain that she was responsible for killing – the original Black Mask!

Will this attack against the body and soul of Selina Kyle prove to be too much for the feline femme fatale? And can she come to grips with killing (again) a possibly unkillable foe? Find out in another of this month's one-issue revivals of classic DC Universe titles!"

All I can say is -- the Sirens aren't havin' it! This issue reminded me a lot of the Gotham Girls adventures. Especially when you see the action packed panels with all three women giving it their all. The art by Julian Lopez and Bit is gorgeous. I've become a huge fan of this more painterly style. However, the official solicitation claims that the cover was done by Guillem March when it's clearly an Adam Hughes illustration.

I'm not sure how this is going to fit into Gotham City Sirens continuity (if at all). The last issue of Gotham City Sirens (#7 "Holiday Story") made no mention of this swerve. Either way I say pick it up -- it's great.

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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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