Poison Ivy / Swamp Thing: Feral Trees #1 Review – Haunting of The Green

Poison Ivy / Swamp Thing: Feral Trees #1 Review – Haunting of The GreenPoison Ivy / Swamp Thing: Feral Trees #1 Review – Haunting of The Green

As a seasoned gamer and comic book enthusiast who has traversed the swamps of Louisiana with Swamp Thing and battled it out in the gardens of Gotham with Poison Ivy, I must say that DC’s latest offering, Poison Ivy/Swamp Thing: Feral Trees, has hit the bullseye. This Halloween special is a delightful rollercoaster ride that masterfully weaves together an intriguing mystery with character development so potent it could be bottled and sold as a super serum.


In a timely release for Halloween, DC has presented an unexpected team-up that I didn’t realize was necessary – Poison Ivy/Swamp Thing: Feral Trees. As implied by the title, this one-shot special entwines Poison Ivy and Swamp Thing in a chilling and intricate tale that sheds light on their roles in preserving the natural world, particularly the Parliament of Trees, and how they view outsiders. The narrative unfolds as a haunting, emotionally intense journey for both characters, keeping readers engrossed in the central mystery while fostering empathy towards them. Poison Ivy/Swamp Thing: Feral Trees #1 is an adventure you won’t want to miss out on!

A Delightful Team-Up

In the special, Swamp Thing and Poison Ivy work together exceptionally, showcasing their distinct characters and their unique connections to the green environment. Although there’s a broader narrative at play, this story also delves deeply into exploring who Swampy and Ivy truly are, as their contrasting methods create an intriguing dynamic.

G. Willow Wilson skillfully humanizes Ivy, making her feel incredibly relatable. This is particularly noticeable when compared to Swampy’s calm and straightforward demeanor, as well as the Parliament of Trees’ methodical pace. The contrast between their differing personalities often leads to intriguing encounters, and readers may find themselves understanding both characters better by the end of the story, admiring their unique approaches.

As a devoted admirer, I must extend my heartfelt gratitude to artists Mike Perkins, colorist Mike Spicer, and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou for their remarkable work on Swamp Thing. Their rendition of the character is truly captivating, particularly in the way they skillfully portray his facial expressions and utilize the shadows cast by the vines that adorn parts of his face. Swampy’s countenance can swiftly transform from menacing to contemplative, yet upon closer examination, you come to understand that it’s essentially the same composed personality shining through in every instance.

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In this story, it’s not only the clash of personalities that fuels the narrative, but also the examination of what it signifies to serve and belong in this “green” environment. This exploration fosters thought-provoking dialogues, and it turns out that Ivy and Swamp Thing aren’t the only ones engaged in these discussions. A few unexpected characters join the conversation as well, each bringing their own distinctive insights to the table.

An Emotional Core

There’s one particular person at the center of all this discussion as the story progresses, providing yet another lens in which to view Ivy’s humanity and empathy, as well as Swamp Thing’s cold assessments. That’s selling him short in a way however, as it’s a matter of perspective, and Swamp Thing and the Parliament of Trees decided where they were standing long ago. There’s no clearly right answer to some of these questions, and that’s part of what makes how these characters react and which sides they choose so compelling.

The art team’s work on Ivy and Swampy deserves applause, and their contributions to this specific aspect of the narrative should also be recognized. The gloomy shadows and snow-laden trees in the forest blend seamlessly into equally melancholic flashbacks, contrasting starkly against the sun and bright lights that attempt to break through. The concluding pages are equally powerful, if not more so, and they’re likely to linger in one’s mind, irrespective of who the reader finds themselves leaning towards.

I wasn’t anticipating Poison Ivy/Swamp Thing: Feral Trees to make such an impact, but indeed it did. It’s worthwhile for everyone to witness this for themselves.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Credited as: DC Comics

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2024-10-30 18:41