Poison Ivy #42

CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top

• 10

  COMICON - Scott Redmond

  Mar 11, 2026

  There’s a new boss in town as ‘Poison Ivy’ #42 debuts a whole brand new era for the series under DC Comics Next Level initiative. All the same energy that has made the series last this long remains with some bold new flavors added to the mix. Read Full Review

• 9.6

  You Don't Read Comics - Russ Bickerstaff

  Mar 04, 2026

  And so even though it feels like a sudden lurch into a completely different phase in the life of Dr. Isley, there has been enough of a progression from the beginning of the series to get a strong feeling of evolution and the character of the lakes of which aren't often allowed in mainstream comics. Dr. Isley has had quite a journey over the course of the 3.5 years that she’s been working with Wilson. It’s very satisfying to see something like that in a title that is such a captivating window into a corner of the DC universe. Read Full Review

• 8.8

  Fanlight Zone - Ken M.

  Mar 04, 2026

  Poison Ivy’s first mayoral term starts with a superb opening round. Wilson navigates the uneasy nature of public office flawlessly. Takara & Prianto showcase the confident leader assuming her role to Gotham City. This is an intriguing story worth your full attention. Read Full Review

• 8.5

  AIPT - Joe Jones

  Mar 04, 2026

  Poison Ivy as Mayor of Gotham City is an inventive turn for the character that brings Ivy into unfamiliar and uncharted territory. It demonstrates G. Willow Wilson’s ability to find exciting new creative directions to take the story and her knack for keeping things interesting for the character nearly four years into her time writing the book. Read Full Review

• 8.5

  Graphic Policy - Brett

  Mar 04, 2026

  Poison Ivy #42 delivers some depth and twists in a new direction that's a fantastic jumping on point for new readers. Read Full Review

• 8.5

  Comic Book Clique - Sawyer Peek

  Mar 10, 2026

  Poison Ivy #42 is an intriguing start to a new chapter, placing Pamela Isley in the last role anyone would have expected: Gotham’s mayor. From there, the issue sets the stage for political, personal, and mystical conflicts that could reshape her story moving forward. Read Full Review

• 8.0

  Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield

  I’m reserving judgement on this story as a whole so far, but based on this first issue, it doesn’t feel like a sustainable status quo long-term, and I’m very curious to see how this wild twist spins out and affects the rest of the Bat-line. Read Full Review

• 8.0

  ComicBook.com - Justin Epps

  Mar 04, 2026

  Admittedly, I haven’t followed this series as intensely as I have others. But this issue really does a great job of creating a decent hook and leaving you just enough to want to read more. What happened between Ivy and Harley? Was there more than meets the eye with Ivy’s campaign? If someone like me is interested in seeing what comes next, I’m certain other people who have been following this series for longer are going to like it as well. I just hope Ivy’s stint in politics really brings the change she wants to see in the world. Read Full Review

• 6.0

  Get Your Comic On - Michael Brennan

  Mar 04, 2026

  Overall, Poison Ivy #42 feels like a pivot point. Political Ivy is a bold move, one that shakes up her status quo in a way that feels purposeful rather than random. It’s unexpected, slightly unsettling, and full of potential — which, frankly, is exactly what this run needed. Read Full Review