Poison Ivy #42 is a Bold New Step for DC Next Level (Review)

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DC Comics is launching a new phase of stories, and Poison Ivy is immediately taking charge with a bold plan. Now that the DC K.O. storyline has finished, DC is moving into the next part of the All In saga, called DC Next Level. This means fresh starts and easy entry points for many of their comic series. While this title has seen similar events like Dawn of DC and the initial All In push over the past four years, none have changed Poison Ivy’s world as significantly as Next Level is doing.

Okay, so last time I checked in with Poison Ivy, things were really tense! She was being hunted by Commissioner Vandal Savage and his seriously intimidating new team because they thought she killed Marie Henley. But here’s the crazy part – the people of Gotham actually started supporting her! It turns out she was bringing the change the city really needed. The last issue ended with Ivy deciding to capitalize on that support and run for mayor! It’s a really cool direction for the character and totally makes sense with what DC Next Level is trying to do – shake things up and give us something fresh.

Rating: 4 out of 5

PROS CONS
Great characterization New storyline can feel abrupt
Unique jumping-on point Will leave fans with questions

Poison Ivy #42 Brings Pamela Isley to the Political Arena

The latest issue of Poison Ivy, #42, from creators G. Willow Wilson, Marcio Takara, Arif Prianto, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, starts with a surprising twist: Pamela Isley, formerly a fugitive, is now in power. She’s been elected mayor and is already giving orders to her old enemy, Vandal Savage, who responds with threats that she dismisses. Ivy won the election with a landslide victory – 70% of Gotham voters supported her promise to transform the city into a lush, green paradise. She’s taking her new role seriously, placing her allies within the city government to begin implementing the changes she campaigned on.

Ivy isn’t receiving universal support at work. Juhi Prakash, who coordinates between departments, both distrusts Ivy and opposes her Green Knight patrols, which are meant to enforce the city’s new environmental laws. Adding to Ivy’s difficulties, the relationship between the Green and Grey factions is worsening after Ivy killed Bog Venus, an agent of the Green. Overwhelmed, Ivy confides in her friend Janet, admitting that being mayor has been incredibly stressful and has even caused her to break up with Harley.

Poison Ivy #42 is a Fun, if Perplexing, Jumping-On Point

To be honest, I knew Ivy was destined for a political career, but I didn’t anticipate it happening so quickly. The jump from issue #41 to #42 felt really sudden, like it skipped over the election and showed us Ivy already in office. I understand the time jump was meant to level the playing field for readers, and I’m sure we’ll see the consequences of Ivy’s new position and its impact on her relationship with Harley in the next few issues. However, it still feels like we missed a significant part of the story between these two issues.

G. Willow Wilson is doing fantastic work with this character. Ivy is portrayed as complex and conflicted, and we really feel the pressure and emotional toll this new role takes on her. We understand why she’s determined to fix the system, even if it means taking drastic measures. Having Ivy as mayor definitely shifts the focus of the story, but Wilson seems capable of using this new dynamic to offer insightful commentary on the challenges and limitations of political office and its impact on those who need help.

The art by Takara and Prianto is fantastic, and the colors really stand out. While this issue isn’t as full of action as previous ones, the artwork perfectly supports the story. Poison Ivy’s vibrant design sharply contrasts with the dull appearance of Gotham’s established politicians, emphasizing her status as an outsider. Even when the story gets more unusual, like Ivy’s conversation with Xylon about the Green, it feels seamless and natural. Balancing these elements is tricky, but the creative team handles it skillfully.

I haven’t been a dedicated follower of this series, but this issue immediately grabbed my attention and made me want to know what happens next. It leaves you with intriguing questions – what’s the deal between Ivy and Harley, and was there more to Ivy’s political campaign than we saw? If this issue hooked someone like me, I’m confident long-time fans will enjoy it too. I’m really hoping Ivy can achieve the positive change she’s aiming for through her work in politics.

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2026-03-04 17:43