More DC characters should be given this sort of introspection, though it's interesting to see where this new facet of things will go once we return to the main story. Read Full Review

I know we're dragging out the reveal of how Ivy gets out of her predicament in the present, but I can't say I'm mad about it. Poison Ivy #20 has given me the Dr. Pam Isley that I've been longing for, so Wilson knows what she's doing. I trust in the process, and can not wait to see the end of this arc and the epic reveal of the present. Read Full Review

While it can occasionally feel like this series is moving a little too fast for its own good, it nonetheless achieves an emotional impact and crafts a compelling new origin for one of the most interesting characters in the Bat's rogues-gallery. Read Full Review

Wilson, Takara, and Prianto continue their strong run on the series even if the middle chapter can sometimes feel more like setting pieces in motion than telling an organic story. Read Full Review

Fantastic

G Willow Wilson continues her fantastic exploration of Poison Ivy's origins. This series continues to be one of DC's highlights every month.

G Willow Wilsons's deep appreciation for Pamela Isley has shone through in every issue today, but this latest mini-arc crafting a narrative that is character-driven has really cemented this run as a pivotal series for the character we know as Poison Ivy.

The issue picks up with Pam grappling with the fallout of Woodrue's manipulations and the introduction of Bella Garten, who is initially seen as a threat. Wilson continues to masterfully weave together themes of inter-personal power dynamics, obsession, and the search for belonging, creating a complex and nuanced portrayal.

The art by Marcio Takara is stunning, particularly the interpretations of the monstrous creations being brought to life in Woodrue's makeshift lab. These creatures are both grotesque and strangely beautiful, a testament to Takara's artistic talent and imagination. Colors by Arif Prianto make each panel all the more visually pleasing to readers.

I was a bit bummed to be getting what I thought was going to be a standard origin story when Ivy's present-day predicament was so interesting, but Wilson has completely proven me wrong with an expertly paced, well-written, and entertaining character study. more

So the origin story that we're expanding here is from 1997, near as I can tell. 26ish years feels like enough time to justify revisiting it, although I can't get over how we're calling it a 'Secret Origin' when it's been canonically covered at least twice already. At any rate, if we're going to put the actual plot on hold and waste 3 issues on this, this seems like a pretty good way to do it--the storytelling within the issue feels great, although it has the same tonal issues that the rest of the run does. It's perfectly enjoyable to read and the balance of comic book zaniness and more grounded content is in a good place. I just feel for whatever poor editor at DC has the thankless job of keeping Wilson's horny AO3 side in check. I'd imagine that it looks a lot like the opening scene of this issue. more