“Poison Ivy” – Chapter Four
Writer: G. Willow Wilson
Artist: Marcio Takara
Color Artist: Arif Prianto
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Review by Fay Clark
This series has quietly been creeping into my mind more and more often, so much in fact, that I’m starting to wonder if Pamela has infected me too. She’s been having a wild time lately, with so much going on, so it’s nice that recently Ivy’s managed to have a nice rest. Will that continue in Poison Ivy #4? Or will we see Pam back at it, floating the spores of death.
Sowing the Seeds of Spice
I’m mildly worried about G. Willow Wilson… from her writing, she would make a great villain. The thought process behind this issue are impeccable. The implications are extremely scary, when you start to really think about them and the fact that Wilson has masterminded this whole thing is amazing.
The plot has been nothing but Wilson showing us that she has a plan to bring down the world. No one let her near any deadly poisons! There were several shocking and poignant moments in Poison Ivy #4 leading from seeds that seem to have been sprinkled throughout the entire series. I felt that there were even more in this issue as a whole.
The second half of the book, I have to say, I did not see coming. The tenderness and romance is so well written. Pam’s inner monologue is one of the best things about this series as it helps us to clearly understand everything she’s going through. I love having a writer that can explain something, but without hammering you over the head with the information, a la Harley Quinn.
Shadows on the Wall
Marcio Takara and Arif Prianto have created some of my favorite images in the series so far. They seem to be getting gnarlier and more unhinged, alongside Ivy. The second half of the issue, I have to say, was blush worthy. There were some shadows cast upon the wall, with the implications of some very eyebrow raising actions.
Having a panel depict two contrasting things, without one overshadowing the other shows pure talent. You see this throughout Poison Ivy #4, but more so in a single page. I talk a lot about the use of shadow and highlights, making images more in depth… Marcio and Arif have taken that a bit literally, but brilliantly.
Conclusion
Everything about this series makes me want to read more. I’m actually upset that it only comes out once a month, as I love the plot line and where it seems to be going. We seem to be revving up for a big fight coming, hopefully soon. I just wish Ivy some peace with her loved ones, even though being chased across country by The Green Man is also pretty cool.
I’ll be watching this space in anxious anticipation of the next issue.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
