Poison Ivy #45 Review

 

Poison Ivy #45 Review

Writer: G Willow Wilson

Artist: Leandro Fernandez

Colorist: Arif Prianto

Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Cover Artist: Jessica Fong

Variant Cover Artists: Noobovich, Kyuyong Eom & Manny Vincent Carbonilla

DC Pride Variant Cover Artist: Don Aguillo

Editors: Jessica Berbey, Arianna Turturro & Rob Levin

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: June 3, 2026

 

Poison Ivy was happy in the Green. But Vandal Savage's forces hunted her there. The Parliament of Trees recognizes her contributions to the Green. Yet Bog Venus plotted her downfall. Now, Ivy has ridden her calls for environmental reform into the mayor's office. Still, enemies surround her. Her stalwart supporter, Peter Undine, has cautioned her to choose her battles wisely. Yet everywhere she looks, she sees corruption.

 

Mayor Pamela Isley knows the score. In the war for the planet and the battle to reform Gotham, there's no such thing as safe ground. What enemies will attack Poison Ivy next? And can she build alliances to ride out the ups and downs of the public's fickle favor? Let's grab a mug of Ghost Pipe tea, leap into Poison Ivy #45, and see!

 

Story

Behind her desk, a newscaster shares all the great things happening in Gotham. As Mayor Isley's administration makes the city greener, Police Commission Vandal Savage's TUCO squads are making the city safer. Yet while the news anchor presents the facts as the mayor's office sees them, reporters from other news outlets hound Pamela Isley. Like Vandal Savage and Bog Venus, they hunt for any hint of scandal to attack her with. Yet, Pamela won’t let them get her down.

 

Then she learns that Batman has invaded the sanctity of her home. Like the Dark Knight, Pamela is trying to safeguard the city. Yet like the City Council, Batman remains a thorn in her side.

 

Vandal Savage was her enemy until he convinced her to become his ally. But now that she has given him what he wants, Vandal Savage wants Pamela Isley gone in Poison Ivy #45. And after he viciously attacked her and threw her in jail, Pamela knows what he'll do to her if she resigns. Besides, the public has given her a mandate. Pamela has steadfastly sought to deliver on her campaign promises. Yet reform comes at a price, and no one in government wants to give up the power they wield.

 

In G Willow Wilson's story, Pamela feels isolated and alone. It’s a familiar feeling, having the entire world against her. And she’s exhausted from trying to protect everyone's interests, only to get hampered and attacked at every turn. Still, everyone who has given her power wants something in return. And even when Pamela Isley accedes to their demands, they still attack her in Poison Ivy #45.

 

Art

While the news anchor delivers her story, accompanied by video of Mayor Isley's accomplishments, the woman's smile grows increasingly forced. Pamela Isley looks unassailable in the street as reporters harangue her. Yet as she strides across a polished floor of City Hall, with plants surrounding her and covering the walls, a warning from Janet makes her reverse course. Maturing plants fill Mayor Isley’s office, cluster around her flared planter-like desk, and give her stronghold a lush, tropical feel in Poison Ivy #45.

 

As Arif Prianto lavishes vibrant colors on Leandro Fernandez’s art, green links Pamela Isley’s office, City Hall, and the news studio. Juhi may never have wanted her in office. Yet she looks out for Mayor Isley while wearing a violet jacket. Vandal Savage’s yellow shirt reinforces his bullying manner. Yet perhaps it also signifies his concerns regarding his status within the Torus after failing to apprehend Batman. Orange fills the air as Pamela and Vandal clash, both seeking to govern free from Batman’s interference. And when she meets with someone clad in indigo, it seems like another opportunity for Pamela to accept an olive branch.

 

Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou fills white and colored balloons with uppercase and lowercase dialogue. The letters grow bold for intonation and shrink for lowered voices. White dialogue shines in the darkness, even glowing amid silhouettes. As raised voices enlarge the dialogue, emotional intensity deforms balloons and arrows. Sound effects help readers hear Julie protecting her friend, Pamela expressing her disapproval, and attempts at reconciliation. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Pamela Isley knows she walks a fine line between wrong and right. Like the Justice League, she uses villains to protect the world from the forces that threaten it. Yet even if her friends and allies refuse to support her, Pamela Isley once again stands by them in Poison Ivy #45.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside, see my preview of Poison Ivy #45.

 

For what happened last time, see my review of Poison Ivy #44.

 

For how this story arc started, see my review of Poison Ivy #42.

 

For more on Vandal Savage's ties with the Torus, see my review of Batman #4.