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.
