Poison Ivy #34 review

Oh boy! Here’s the moment where I really wish I had managed to catch up on this series! There’s a lot of lore that I’m completely in the dark about and I feel as lost as our characters running away in the forest. Time for me to read up for the next review but while I’m here what do I have to say?
  
I’m so happy I was given this series to review honestly! While G. Willow Wilson has some weak points in their writing, it’s still a very punchy read and there’s so much in this issue that I feel like it’s absolutely worth buying. I’m a fan of the way that decisions matter even though the world around them often makes the characters feel like they’re doomed down certain paths. You really get a sense of why characters react and act the way they do, what drives them and the emotional baggage that they have. The theme of nature is also made very real in the sense that the forest, attacking plants and sentient beings of this comic all live symbiotically with the plot, feeding off of each other to grow a fully fleshed out story. Nature is constantly brought closer and closer to humans and the line is blurred so much, Janet’s latest illness really putting this at the forefront. I’m enjoying unpacking these themes and seeing them reflected in the characters even if I feel like some of the comic rushes through parts.

The art by Marcio Takara is stunning! We’re being treated by grandiose fight scenes that have lots of tiny little elements you can feast your eyes on. I love the character designs where Poison Ivy is abundantly green, ready for battle. Janet is on the verge of collapsing, looking so sickly. Undine has this classy suit on with a beautiful flower that seems to contain countless curious expressions. The soldiers are appropriately intimidating and lifeless as they defend those who do nothing to fight Climate change. I could go on! I especially love the page where Janet and Undine are back to back, separated by the forest and Poison Ivy is under the heel of the boot, but also under the panel. Poison Ivy is in peril, at her weakest point and her fate is being dealt with through two characters, one that betrayed her and another who has helped her build this pocket paradise.

The colors by Arif Prianto are so vibrant too! The deep greens and the bloody reds mesh well in the fight scenes and make them come to life. I especially love how the darkness and lightness contrast each other as it plays into the uncertainty of what may happen at any moment to the forefront. Nature is dark and maze-like but it is also a source of hope and a necessary ally. Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou on the letters also brings a fun variety to the sound effects we see and there’s little hearts and underlined words that make the writing feel spoken to you with the passion of real people.

Recommended if…

• You’re aware of the lore and enjoying what’s going on
• The amazing art is keeping you captivated
• Emotion packed decisions leave you on the edge of your seat

Overall

If you have no idea what’s going on, don’t pick up this comic. At least, don’t start here. If you’re already a huge fan then welcome back! We left the mediocre art of the last issue and we’re getting our just deserts here! Happy to see this comic be this entertaining again!

Score: 7/10

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