DC’s Absolute Universe is all about putting a fresh spin on the characters we know best, and the reveal of the new Poison Ivy is a great example of that. Writer Scott Snyder and artist Eric Canete are bringing her into Absolute Batman #17, and while she still feels like the Pamela Isley we’ve followed for years, she’s definitely been given a darker, more visceral edge. While we don’t yet know if she is still an eco-activist, she’s a biological force born directly from the systemic mess of Gotham, appearing as a character as haunting as she is beautiful.
New Look for Pamela Isley
Visually, this version of Poison Ivy looks different, but it’s more of a unique evolution than a total reinvention. Looking at the variant covers by Mark Brooks and Björn Barends, you can see that the botanical themes are still there, but they lean much harder into a “monster” aesthetic. Instead of a traditional costume, she features vibrant, feather-shaped foliage that gives her a prehistoric or even avian vibe. Her skin is also decorated with glowing orange and green patterns, which really drives home the idea that her connection to the Green is integrated deep within her physiology. It’s a cool way to show that she is a physical manifestation of the city’s internal rot.
The Dark Reality of the Ark-M Facility
The backstory for her debut is just as intense as her new design. In the Absolute Universe, Dr. Pamela Isley has been unleashed from the Ark-M facility. Not to be mistaken for the typical Arkham Asylum, Ark-M is a sinister, experimental detention center funded by the Joker’s company, J.K. Holdings. Ivy is coming out of that “belly of the beast” fueled by a deep-seated hate and a need for revenge against Gotham and the people who imprisoned her. While she still carries that classic nature vs. society energy, this version is a vengeful spirit looking to tear down the very foundations of the society that experimented on her and threw her away.
Absolute Poison Ivy is a striking reminder that in this universe, the city’s sins have a way of growing into something truly monstrous. The “feathered” look is definitely a bold choice, but does it feel like a natural progression for the character, or is it a bit too out there for your taste?
Absolute Batman #17 On Sale February 11th.
