​Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life and Death (2016-) #1

Review by Paul Fiander
Published by; DC Comics
Written by; Amy Chu
Pencils; Clayton Thomas Mann
Inks; Seth Mann
Colours by;​ Ulises Arreola
When it comes to rogue galleries Batman’s is very hard to beat. Filled with larger than life characters all mixed with a true sense of the danger that some villains lack. One villain though does offer a truly different look at the work of the Dark Knight and that is Poison Ivy. The eco-terrorist although labeled as a villain could also be said to be a saviour of the planet's flora and so a hero. This gives Ivy a wonderful position as she is not wholly evil will resort to evil seeds to secure her goals.


This issue though focuses on the often under utilised image of Ivy that of Dr Pamela Isley. We start our story in the Angolan Desert on the search of a living fossil “Welwitschia Miriabilis". Unfortunately her research is interrupted by some rather rough guards of a diamond mind and we see a flash of why Ivy is as dangerous as her first babe suggests. The opening allows a gentle ride into the rest of the story as Dr Isley returns to Gotham and starts back into her regular role at the Botanical gardens. It's not long though until another Doctor with a less than wholesome reputation congress a calling allowing for a fun night filled with exposition and a spot of action. Writer Amy Chu feels in complete control of both sides of Pamela. From her wit to her wisdom and everything in between.

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The story's momentum stays until the final image which seemingly sets up the rest of the as it helps explain the title; Cycle of Life and Death. The image is a great representation of the work done by Clay Mann (on Pencils) and Seth Mann (on Inks). The details layered in the image from the carpet to the cup are all drawn to give the picture an authentic look and the job is done throughout the issue. When the need calls for it the artistic team are able to insert action into the story with ease it seems. The colouring by Ulises Arreola is great as well and gives the finishing touch to a lively and fun fulfilled first issue. With this team at the helm it seems Ivy is in very good hands.

Covers and more artwork.

  • Cover for issue #1 by Clay Mann
  • Cover for issue #2 by Clay Mann
  • Advanced pre-solicit look at the cover to issue #3 by Clay Mann
  • Issue #1 splash page 2 pencils by Clay Mann (with inks by Seth Mann) 
  • Issue #1 splash page 10 pencils by Clay Mann
  • Costume concept sketches by Clay Mann