Despite being on the cover and teased for the last 5 issues, the rogues are yet to actually make any sort of play. The year of the villain tie in is gratuitous at this point and serves no point. Not to mention, this book is so convoluted jumping from black flash to zoom to the sidekicks to the year of the villain. Not very impressive.

Turns out, there’s a better way of conveying someone’s emotional turmoil than stuttering, repetition and ellipses. Can someone forward that to King? To spend longer than 5 minutes writing a review for this crap is 5 minutes too long, and I’ve already lost precious time reading the issue. To put it plainly, this is bad. Probably one of the worst, most unnecessary comic series I’ve ever read. The dialogue? Beyond convoluted and confusing to read. But hey at least it looks pretty.

SPOILERS If you think the first issue was vague or lacking on a clear narrative, wait till you read issue #2. This issue has very little progression from the first. The events of the massacre are still unclear, the killer's identity is still a mystery and no one seems any the wiser as to what sanctuary actually is. Obviously, we're still extremely early in the arc, however we remain as confused as the characters and we're yet to get to the bare facts. In this issue, we learn about the death of Poison Ivy who is killed off panel by the mysterious killer. Not a fitting send off to a character whose been in comics for 52 years. Her presence in the story is seriously overshadowed by Harley. Her confessional is interrupted before she can speak her mind, her death is passingly commented on by Booster Gold and Harley seems relatively unaffected by her passing. It's a cruel death considering Tom King tweeted his admiration for Ivy fans days before the issue was released. The portrayal of mental health issues is damaging at best. The big twist in issue #2 is that someone has access to the confession tapes of our heroes and is using them to smear their names in the press. If anything, that encourages a stigma when talking about mental health issues, and gives the impression that its something that is to be hidden and ashamed of. I really hope future issues can clear this up, highlighting the importance in sharing and seeking help. The story also feels almost emotionless. There are plenty of dramatic (albeit unnecessary) deaths, but very little genuine reaction from the friends or family of the dead. For example, Harley simply monologues about her poor life choices while throwing a rose into Gotham river in the memory of Poison Ivy. Seems like an under reaction to the death of someone she loved and cared for.

Ivy ate a fly and I feel somewhat obligated to make some sort of venus fly trap pun but honestly I think I'd better not. This arc has done very little beside warp the characterisation of a fan favourite villain. If you thought Poison Ivy's appearances and storylines have been sporadic and inconsistent in Rebirth so far, this is really the icing on that big, ugly mess of a cake. King can't quite make up his mind if Ivy is a strong, merciless villain or a scared and naive victim (I'll pass on this option thanks). The attempt to switch Pamela to a hero is so blatantly obvious that it becomes offending to the reader. There is no character progression here. Its like someone trying to cover up decades of arc and stories with whiteout. What's worse is the awkward and cringe inducing depiction of Ivy's mental health. From not being able to formulate a coherent sentence, to stopping to eat a fly mid conversation, this aspect of her character is laughably bad. This arc has also made no improvement on the status of Harley and Ivy's relationship. Are they committed girlfriends or are they just friends with benefits or are they something completely different? Unfortunately, that's an aspect of their relationship that all writers that have written the pair can't quite explain. Another car crash moment from this issue was Batman explaining that he knows Ivy loves Harley by crossing two fingers together. He might as well have signed that they were having sex because it was so out of place and strange. The ending is also deeply unsatisfying and convenient. Batman and Catwoman wave Harley in Ivy's face, and instantly the whole arc is over. The inconsistent writing for this character will truly be her downfall. And here was me thinking a Tom King Poison Ivy story would be groundbreaking. Sad.

I have to admit, theres a slight excitement when first opening up this comic. With art so bright and reminiscent of Kirby's, you'd truly think you're in for a treat. Unfortunately, looks can be deceiving. As soon as you start reading this issue, the problems become glaringly obvious. The characters are beyond one-note and dull (an alarming contrast to the bright colours of the issue), the political message is so obvious and spoon fed that its almost insulting, and it undoes decades of character progression we've seen since their creation. If they wanted the series to have a feminist message, I don't think rape, coercion and childish name calling is the best way to portray that. The furies have always been ruthless, feared and respected in comics. Sometimes, the best way to get across a female empowerment message is to actually show women in power. Show women taking charge, showing their ferocity. You don't have to have them degraded to have some sort of character arc. Its a tired narrative and It feels like a huge step backwards. Its especially a pity when you consider that the furies typically each have very specific and distinct personalities, yet this interpretation of them is so devoid of any personality it makes them seem like completely different characters. I'd like to hold out hope for the rest of the series, but this issue is so bland, I doubt I'll have the interest to come back for more.

Fans of this series may also enjoy: - watching paint dry - watching grass grow - a timely resolution to Brexit The level to which this series has been drawn out is just ridiculous. 2/3 the way through and we’re no further forward with this completely lacklustre mystery. One of the few interesting elements in this issue is the Harley/Ivy dynamic. There’s definitely a believable connection there. But why are we sacrificing any true development for Poison Ivy when everyone is already fully aware of Harley and her past? It doesn’t make sense for Ivy to be admitted for treatment at sanctuary, then to not actually receive any because she’s helping Harley deal with an already tended to problem. Also, surely brutal, repetitive murder is not a good coping mechanism?

I thought once the characters in this story were dead, they wouldn’t be coming back? I guess being reborn is a different ballpark in that case. While I’m ecstatic that Ivy is back on the playing field, you can’t help but think: what was the point of her arc? It literally served no purpose. Thank our green gods this series ends in two months. The butchery has gone on for too long.

Tom King is either hit or miss but this first issue was so bland I can't call it either. The issue is nothing but setup and the deaths are purely for shock value. My expectations are extremely low.

In one word: bland. Not good but not bad either. Simply middle of the road. You’d think as we’re essentially at the halfway point of the story that things would be more tense and suspenseful, but in truth it’s hard to get excited when issues are full to the brim of needless filler and one tidbit of new information to keep the story flowing. With such a slow buildup, it’s a wonder if the initial plan was for 9 issues in the arc, or if that was a profit making decision somewhere up the tree. More of that poor characterisation we’ve come to expect. I’ll be completely honest, I’m not totally familiar with Lois and Clark, but surely when they’re friends and families mental health and secrets are at stake, they would put their career progression to one side? Am I the only one thinking the dialogue seems off too? It all sounds the same no matter who’s speaking. It’s like personalities have been taken out all together. On the upside, Clay Mann’s art is again exceptional. He really is a true talent and an asset to this series. The addition of Batgirl and Blue Beetle make interesting allies for Harley and Booster. One element I’m happy to see a little more of.

A basic and uninspired end to an uneventful and entirely forgettable series. Poison Ivy fans waited over 50 years for a solo series and this was not worth that wait. The ending has absolutely no consequences for Pamela, who ends in the same position she starts in. At least we have Harley Quinn's series to see a complex and powerful Ivy, right? Hmm, perhaps not.

Not a great start to a new series. The first issue is a generic one that doesn't do much in terms of setting the story or characterisation. The team is so much of a fantastic four replica that acing the characters is essential to differentiate it from its hugely successful competitor. The characters in this issue however, just seem dull and one dimensional, which is a pity when you have characters like Plastic Man and Metamorpho. The art is promising and gives the story some much needed energy. Hope the next issue can set the series on the right path.

Its a pretty underwhelming series for Elektra. If you're looking for something revolutionary and groundbreaking like Blackman and Del Mundo's run, you should probably keep looking.

It’s all ogre now. As the series concludes, I can’t help but think of the initial intent with the series. It was a book that was supposed to highlight the importance of maintaining positive mental health and seeking help when appropriate. For that, we have to acknowledge that King meant well and I applaud him for it. The unfortunate thing is, every character was painted with the same brush. There is no differentiating between characters because they all talk and sound so similar. If mental health issues can be labelled as anything, it certainly wouldn’t be universal. Such a personal thing doesn’t affect all people the same. Not to mention, an addict does not have the same challenges to face as a PTSD sufferer but sadly the book lumps it all into one category. I always felt with this series that it was from the perspective of one person and their own experiences but you can’t represent a serious issue with just your experience alone. The other unfortunate thing is that the events couldn’t be left undone. We’ve still needlessly lost a number of great characters that could have been utilised way better. Above all else though, at least we have Poison Ivy and I can sleep a little better at night.

First things first, the art is magnificent. And essential to the storytelling. It brings a sense of realism while also offering something mystical and enchanting. Its an undeniable strength to the series. But after an intriguing and captivating first issue, you can't help but feel the ball was dropped with issue #2. The story seems to have fallen off the radar in this issue. The arc of this 3 part long series is a murder mystery surrounding the death of the Joker, however a slow second chapter offers no real progress to the story, even with roughly 50 pages. It makes you wonder how an effective conclusion could be met when so many things are yet to fall into place. John Constantine's involvement serves as a fun buffer to some of the more disturbing imagery, but you have to wonder what his role actually is. He refuses to be of any assistance when asked and his constant psychoanalysis of Batman doesn't seem to have any impact on Bruce, which appears to be the intention. The changed origin of Batman is another element that sticks out for the wrong reason. If Bruce's childhood is so different and his parents didn't have a happy marriage, then why is this version of Batman fundamentally the same and indistinguishable from current canon? The central plot is still interesting but there are some... 'creative' choices. Personally I don't think they paid off either. An underground rapper version of Etrigan seems out of place in a gritty, supernatural horror story. And Harley's attempted rape of Batman is a line that shouldn't be crossed no matter what label this series is released under. The Enchantress seems to be one of the few standout characters who's involvement is a welcome addition.

After a painfully slow arc, this extremely rushed ending is almost a disservice to Catwoman. The series offers nothing new for the character and doesn't do much in terms of development. I would have at least liked to see Selina trying to come to terms with the split from Batman although this doesn't seem to get much of a mention after the first couple of issues. Its especially disappointing when one of the better elements of the series seems to fall short. The development of Raina Creel was a high point of the series, and while there's room in further issues for a return, the lack of thought and cunning on Raina's part is disappointing. Especially when she's been set up and as an extremely intelligent and manipulative woman. The art as usual is sleek and stylish, which works perfectly for the series.

Issue #1 feels like a bad mix of overarching stories with Heroes in Crisis and Year of the Villain tie ins. It’s hard to believe a full series could be anything more than a side story to the other events. The art is anticlimactic when you consider the promising cover and variant work by Mikel Janin, Artgerm and other incredible artists. It seems almost child like in a way. Although it does show promise. Poison Ivy’s strange muscular look is now thankfully a thing of the past. Who knows what else can be salvaged in this strangely placed miniseries.

Part of me is beginning to wonder why this series was necessary at all. I couldn’t help but think that the story and tone feels so Harley centric, that this could have been an arc in Harley’s own ongoing. It is good to see Ivy back to her strong and powerful self (however short for) but it would be nice to see more interaction from Ivy. It almost feels like Harley is narrating this entire story. The issue does manage to create some intriguing plot points which I’m excited to explore. Especially Ivy’s connection to the green following on from the Witching War arc in Justice League Dark. I’m also curious as to how Harley, who is a trained psychiatrist, can’t seem to help her own girlfriend with her mental health issues. Curiouser and curiouser....

Oh. That’s it? Huh, okay... I’ve been a huge fan of this series and this issue is still a great addition but as a conclusion to the series, I needed a little more. For me, there are too many points left unattended to. It’s evident that DC will be going for a sequel here since Superman and Wonder Woman are roaming freely, the magicians from the DCeased one shot never showed up at the end battle & Harley and Ivy stayed behind in their fortress. Overall though, there are more solid character moments here. Tom Taylor is an expert with characterisation. Stand out characters being Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, Black Canary and the Kent’s. Part of me is really looking forward to a sequel, but ultimately for now, I would have liked to have seen this part wrapped up a little better.

To me, this is probably the best issue of this series so far. For two issues, we've had a very vague mystery with no real shape or substance. We were given a basic outline of a plot which has slowly (not completely) been explored in this issue. For a mystery story to be successful in my eyes, the basic facts need to be given to the reader so they can feel truly emerged, and while a lot of elements are still hazy, I found myself enjoying the issue far more than the others. The fatalities continue to grow at an alarming rate in this issue. Several b-list and c-list heroes are being shown in the sanctuary confessionals which seems to indicate they've bit the bullet. Personally, I prefer to see meaningful character interactions and growth, not character deaths for shock value so this is one element I'm having a hard time coming round too (yes I stole that from a meme but the point still stands). However, I do like seeing a deeper look into the problems that the heroes face and their coping mechanisms. Its apparent that King doesn't have the same understanding of the characters that some fans do. Best examples are the overpowered Harley, the broody and emotional Booster Gold and Wally West with his not so fast reflexes. Also, I still think the damaging message of 'sharing mental health issues causes pain and suffering' is still reoccurring and I think King needs to be careful. Seeing heroes that people look up to sharing their personal experiences; then being killed, beaten or worse because of it, has a dark undertone that needs to be rectified.

It's strange to me that they'd have Mera be considerably de-powered in her very first solo title. The story feels like a side story to the Aquaman comics that easily could have been squeezed in. For fans not familiar with the character, this isn't a great starting point. The series does show promise though. The art is vibrant and consistent throughout. The cover and its variant are especially special. I think it will be a lot more enjoyable once she's fully powered and can show what a ruthless warrior she actually is.

An overall good issue with phenomenal art from Mikel Janín. It's a promising and enticing setup however it is purely that; a setup. Not much happens in this issue other than giving you the basic facts. With only two other issues to go in this mini-arc, I really hope this Ivy centred story can make a lasting impression.

A fun side story with some of our favourite lesser known heroes. Tom Taylor offers up some fun interactions and great use of humour in a bleak zombie story. As fun as the issue is, it does beg the question of ‘was this a necessary deviation from the main story’.

Joelle Jones has an incredible talent for comic writing and her art oozes style. I don't think Catwoman's ever looked so good. The backstory of Raina Creel is wickedly disturbing and its a great nod to the Sixth Sense. Truly excited to see more.

Another great issue. The series continues to be my favourite DC title. The characterisation of these characters is so spot on. Detective Chimp and Man-Bat have been blessed by Tynion's writing. Despite knowing little about Bobo and thinking of Man-Bat as a one dimensional character, this series has made them two of my favourites. My only problem with this issue is that the Zatanna and Wonder Woman subplot doesn't feel like it ties into the overarching story. It lacks the urgency and tone that this arc portrays overall.

A very promising second issue. I always admire when a writer has the balls to scratch off the biggest characters before the story has really started. Finally a chance to see some of our under appreciated heroes taking to the forefront. The characterisation is really strong here too (something much needed after heroes in crisis). The chemistry between Harley & Ivy and Ollie & Dinah is clear to see, and the father/son relationship between Bruce and Damian makes this issue special. Excited to see more of this series and what’s next for our surviving few.

This series continues to impress issue after issue. With the exception of a couple of issues in the witching hour event, the stakes continue to get higher and they continue to be realised, which doesn't seem an easy task when the entire magical universe is continually on the line. The characterisation is always spot on for the core members but also for the regular guests. On that same note, its refreshing to see the return of so many legacy heroes that seem to have been forgotten throughout the years. If only Rebirth had started with Justice League Dark, I definitely think we wouldn't be having this slack now.

By far the best issue of DCeased so far. Such an impressive issue. The ending of the issue is beyond tragic. Flash and superman fans may not be overly thrilled but their touching character arcs make it all worth it. No doubting that Tom Taylor has earned the praise for this.

Without a doubt, the best issue of the series so far. It’s an extremely dark and scary chapter for JLD, with a genuinely creepy atmosphere. I couldn’t help but think of Neil Gaiman’s Sandman at times. The fourth wall breaks are brilliant and especially unnerving: don’t tell the stories or the other kind will come. More of the much loved cameos from the DC world of magic as well, which is always welcome. I really hope they can continue raising the bar like this.