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Poison Ivy: Thorns
New York Times bestselling author of The DUFF Kody Keplinger and artist Sara Kipin reimagine an iconic DC antihero with a gothic-horror twist.
There's something unusual about Pamela Isley—the girl who hides behind her bright red hair. The girl who won't let anyone inside to see what's lurking behind the curtains. The girl who goes to extreme lengths to care for a few plants. Pamela Isley doesn't trust other people, especially men. They always want something from her. Something she's not willing to give.
When cute goth girl Alice Oh comes into Pamela's life after an accident at the local park, she makes her feel like pulling back the curtains and letting the sunshine in. But there are dark secrets deep within the Isley house. Secrets Pamela's father has warned must remain hidden. Secrets that could turn deadly and destroy the one person who ever cared about Pamela, or as her mom preferred to call her ... Ivy.
Will Pamela open herself up to the possibilities of love, or will she forever be transformed by the thorny vines of revenge?
There's something unusual about Pamela Isley—the girl who hides behind her bright red hair. The girl who won't let anyone inside to see what's lurking behind the curtains. The girl who goes to extreme lengths to care for a few plants. Pamela Isley doesn't trust other people, especially men. They always want something from her. Something she's not willing to give.
When cute goth girl Alice Oh comes into Pamela's life after an accident at the local park, she makes her feel like pulling back the curtains and letting the sunshine in. But there are dark secrets deep within the Isley house. Secrets Pamela's father has warned must remain hidden. Secrets that could turn deadly and destroy the one person who ever cared about Pamela, or as her mom preferred to call her ... Ivy.
Will Pamela open herself up to the possibilities of love, or will she forever be transformed by the thorny vines of revenge?
208 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2021
About the author
Kody Keplinger
11 books6,792 followersI'm a 19-year-old college student and young adult author. My first book, THE DUFF, debuted on September 7, 2010. I write books for teenagers and strive to be honest and true-to-life. For more info, check out my website.
http://kodykeplinger.com
http://kodykeplinger.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 462 reviews
May 7, 2023
This was a buddy read with Kawaii Jenny
Brave Young Girls strike again in this beautiful YA graphic novel, This was a feminist/LGBT/Environmentalist Story.
Its a very easy read, you just finish it in 2 hours max.
my only issue with this was the plot it was so predictable you could see it coming a mile away, (sometimes in other novels i know what is going to happen, because its the smartest move and the writing is great), but even the writing here was just normal really.
Again i agree with DC on the choice of art this is the 3rd YA graphic novel for me, and each time a different style and each time it makes me feel the mood of the story.
The mood of this story was just Grim and depressing, you knew that Ivy was being abused by her father, you witnessed the sexual harassment by her school mate, you fucking hated the headmaster who shrugged off her complaint.
Brett's death is one of the most satisfying deaths since King Jeffery's.
I have to wholeheartedly agree with the comic community too, Poison Ivy is an absolute Gay Icon in comics for sure..
Brave Young Girls strike again in this beautiful YA graphic novel, This was a feminist/LGBT/Environmentalist Story.
Its a very easy read, you just finish it in 2 hours max.
my only issue with this was the plot it was so predictable you could see it coming a mile away, (sometimes in other novels i know what is going to happen, because its the smartest move and the writing is great), but even the writing here was just normal really.
Again i agree with DC on the choice of art this is the 3rd YA graphic novel for me, and each time a different style and each time it makes me feel the mood of the story.
The mood of this story was just Grim and depressing, you knew that Ivy was being abused by her father, you witnessed the sexual harassment by her school mate, you fucking hated the headmaster who shrugged off her complaint.
Brett's death is one of the most satisfying deaths since King Jeffery's.
I have to wholeheartedly agree with the comic community too, Poison Ivy is an absolute Gay Icon in comics for sure..
June 3, 2021
ivy is simply a gay icon to me <3
July 25, 2021
A very YA Gothic romance. Deals with issues of abuse and sexual harassment. The characters are very one dimensional in this f/f romance. Everyone plays a stereotypical role with no nuance. It's something of an origin story for Poison Ivy although a lot of the elements are a bit glossed over as the pacing is very off.
June 3, 2021
The DC YA graphic novels have been pretty miss for me, but I think Poison Ivy: Thorns is the best one so far— although the competition wasn’t very tough, let’s be honest. The themes in this book were great, if a bit too blunt. I appreciated the casual f/f romance and Ivy learning to take control of her life and reject men feeling entitled to her body. Go into this expecting the usual YA tropes and suspend your disbelief just enough— and you might enjoy it enough to have a good time. In broad strokes, I really like this as Ivy’s origin story. 3.5/5 stars.
July 11, 2021
A gothic horror take on Poison Ivy's teenage origins goes down smooth and easy. I wish it had backed up just a little bit, because Pamela Isley seems pretty far along the road to becoming a super villain right at the start. But it is still one of the better books published under the DC Graphic Novels for Young Adults imprint.
September 6, 2021
Poison Ivy has always been one of the most interesting DC characters to me, and that, combined with my love of the Gothic aesthetic, prompted me to pick this up and it did not disappoint!
July 1, 2021
An origin story for supervillain "Poison Ivy", centred around themes of bodily autonomy and romance. Pamela Isley is being harassed by a rich boy at school and experimented on by her dad at home, and everything looks bleak. She has a friend, or potentially more than a friend, in Alice, but the men in her life look at her as something they can control and use for their own desires. It's a dark book, with some heavy themes, but the moments of companionship between Pamela and Alice bring a certain levity when it's needed most. Whether it's silly little jokes are wholesome buds of teen romance, they're cute together and a shining light in an otherwise tragic and concerning story.
I like that this doesn't rely on other elements of the DC Universe to tell its story. No reference to any big superhero or other supervillains or anyone in-between. This is the origin of "Poison Ivy", and the focus is entirely on Pamela Isley. She has her flaws, she makes mistakes, but she finds a way through it and becomes a more confident person by the end. I'm not too familiar with the main continuity Pamela, but this origin feels like it could be canon. She's not the exact same character but Kody Keplinger and Sara Kipin do a great job of taking the complexity of her personality and bringing it all together.
I especially love the way Kipin draws Pamela's hair and how it twists around her like how Poison Ivy controls plants. Sometimes it's carefully pushed to the side to frame her face, sometimes it hides her face like a shield, sometimes it's depicted mid-motion with a sharpness and energy that matches Pamela's increasingly irate and reckless actions. Jeremy Lawson's colours are a perfect compliment here as well, covering most of the series in earthy tones brown and green, leaving Pamela's bright red hair to stand out and draw the focus towards her constantly. Pamela's father is often menacingly cloaked in shadows, or that jerk boy Brett's blond hair blends in with the browns of the background. Alice's dark black hair and clothing can make her meld into the background too, but when she shares the page with Pamela the combination of black and red jump off the page and make everything more exciting.
All in all a fantastic book and a great read for Poison Ivy fans.
I like that this doesn't rely on other elements of the DC Universe to tell its story. No reference to any big superhero or other supervillains or anyone in-between. This is the origin of "Poison Ivy", and the focus is entirely on Pamela Isley. She has her flaws, she makes mistakes, but she finds a way through it and becomes a more confident person by the end. I'm not too familiar with the main continuity Pamela, but this origin feels like it could be canon. She's not the exact same character but Kody Keplinger and Sara Kipin do a great job of taking the complexity of her personality and bringing it all together.
I especially love the way Kipin draws Pamela's hair and how it twists around her like how Poison Ivy controls plants. Sometimes it's carefully pushed to the side to frame her face, sometimes it hides her face like a shield, sometimes it's depicted mid-motion with a sharpness and energy that matches Pamela's increasingly irate and reckless actions. Jeremy Lawson's colours are a perfect compliment here as well, covering most of the series in earthy tones brown and green, leaving Pamela's bright red hair to stand out and draw the focus towards her constantly. Pamela's father is often menacingly cloaked in shadows, or that jerk boy Brett's blond hair blends in with the browns of the background. Alice's dark black hair and clothing can make her meld into the background too, but when she shares the page with Pamela the combination of black and red jump off the page and make everything more exciting.
All in all a fantastic book and a great read for Poison Ivy fans.
December 2, 2021
Nope. Just not my style
July 5, 2021
Poison ivy com uma namoradinha emo no ensino médio e matando assediadores. Não tem como ficar melhor.
February 8, 2022
A feminist’s power anthem: environmentalist edition.
It was extremely noticeable how there weren’t any good men in this graphic novel, but I suppose that was the point. The toxic environment led to Pamela’s transformation from meek and shy to crazy and, quite frankly, murderously insane.
The flippancy with which the graphic novel treated Pamela’s escalation to murder was shocking. The love interest Alice helped to keep Pamela grounded, but, still, she was like a fast train on thin rails: bound to go off track sooner or later.
The atmosphere created by the descent into madness was very well-executed and the circumstances surrounding poor Pamela really make you root for her as a protagonist. It’s almost hard to reconcile with the way she doesn’t end up a hero.
The art was also quite likeable. The style of colouring was a little on the plain side but it didn’t detract from the story. The cover art is not that great-looking but thankfully isn’t anything like the interior art.
It was extremely noticeable how there weren’t any good men in this graphic novel, but I suppose that was the point. The toxic environment led to Pamela’s transformation from meek and shy to crazy and, quite frankly, murderously insane.
The flippancy with which the graphic novel treated Pamela’s escalation to murder was shocking. The love interest Alice helped to keep Pamela grounded, but, still, she was like a fast train on thin rails: bound to go off track sooner or later.
The atmosphere created by the descent into madness was very well-executed and the circumstances surrounding poor Pamela really make you root for her as a protagonist. It’s almost hard to reconcile with the way she doesn’t end up a hero.
The art was also quite likeable. The style of colouring was a little on the plain side but it didn’t detract from the story. The cover art is not that great-looking but thankfully isn’t anything like the interior art.
December 15, 2022
Buddy read with Tawfek
This was actually pretty good! I like, first off, that it is in full, if muted, colors.
The social issues in this one were much more integrated into the story, and felt like they had some depth.
I do wish we knew more about Ivy's powers here, but they are there and it seams rather obvious how she got them.
I feel like this stayed pretty true to Ivy as well, though I've not read a lot with her.
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May 19, 2022
I've got to give this one credit -- unlike EVERY SINGLE OTHER one of these D.C. Y.A. books, this one actually takes the character's canonical/historical depiction as a template. The art is so bad it isn't even mediocre, the writing is poor, the plot-beats are all cliche, the lesbianism is forced and pointless, the horror angle feels ripped from the pages of a "Goosebumps" novel, but again -- at least the teen actually resembles something of the classic D.C. villain and they don't try to make her some sort of sympathetic heroine. She's a remorseless murderess who prioritizes plant-life over humanity.
July 12, 2021
A really nice read, even for the non-superhero fans (like me).
June 20, 2022
Aiñ, qué triste todo :c
Poison ivy es de mis personajes favs forever.
Las ilustraciones están muy bonitas, me gustaron bastante. ✨
Poison ivy es de mis personajes favs forever.
Las ilustraciones están muy bonitas, me gustaron bastante. ✨
August 19, 2021
Actual Rating 4.5 stars, I want a sequel of it so badly!!
So what happened is few weeks ago I saw the official voice over trailer of this GN on YouTube and that grabbed my attention immediately, from then it was most anticipated read for me of this month, this week I finally picked it and wow! It has fulfilled my expectations very well and I am in love with this version of Ivy so so much!
Poison Ivy : Thorns is DC's YA graphic novel that retells the origin of Ivy with dark themes and gothic approach. I really enjoyed this from beginning to the end, It was a very quick read. Without giving any spoilers this book deals with Pamela's inner conflicts, moral dilemmas and some dark topics like bodily assault, slut shaming, harassment etc. The book starts with showing her love and care for plants and environmental issues. Later it shows that her family has a dark secret and her dad tells her to keep it secret and not to trust anyone so she always kept to her self but then things changes when she meets a goth girl named Alice who brings her into sunshine and Pamela learns to stand for herself and she starts to open herself for her inner feelings. later Alice learns her family's biggest secret and then things change dramatically with lots of twists and turns.
I loved her love story with Alice so much, it was not a side story but part of main story of this book. I connected with Pamela so much and there were lots of the moments where I really felt bad for her. All the issues and trouble Pamela faces in this story are very real and relatable which can be found in real life stories too. Also I love that this book is not usual superhero comic with lots of tie ins or references to other universe of DC. It's its own story arc purely focused on Ivy. I love the events and buildup to the point where she becomes well known villain but this book also shows her losing her morals and doubting her own self. Author has really put so much care and love into character of Pamela. We get to know every aspect of her life.
The Artwork alone is enaugh reason to pick this book, every panel is so gorgeous with saturated colors and dark and gothic aesthetics with beautiful character design and world. Sara Kipin's Artwork was so cinematic and very anime alike which made me feel like I was watching an animated movie of Ivy. Lots of panels have some really eye catching color contrasts. There was one panel with Pamela and Alice where the contrast between black and red makes everything so gorgeous and unique. Also I love how panels create tension and how they represents people differently according to thier nature. It tells story very well with artwork, most of the panels are drawn in such a way that you don't even need to read the text to understand what's happening. All the dialogues are very well written too.
I can't find any flaws in this book. Story, Artwork, dialogues, world, characters, themes, pacing they all are very nice. The only thing I hated about this book is that it ended too soon, like I didn't realize how fast it went, I was expecting more about afterwards of the final event so I really got disappointed when it ended there. Also I felt like this book should've been bit longer so it could give more time to Alice and Pamela's relationship. I really hope there would be a sequel to continue this story.
Overall It was a really fun and enjoyable book which captures everything about Pamela Iseley's life so beautifully. Whether you're are a fan of Posion Ivy or not, whether you read comics or not, you shouldn't miss this Poison Ivy's story at any cost. Thanks for Reading! :D
So what happened is few weeks ago I saw the official voice over trailer of this GN on YouTube and that grabbed my attention immediately, from then it was most anticipated read for me of this month, this week I finally picked it and wow! It has fulfilled my expectations very well and I am in love with this version of Ivy so so much!
Poison Ivy : Thorns is DC's YA graphic novel that retells the origin of Ivy with dark themes and gothic approach. I really enjoyed this from beginning to the end, It was a very quick read. Without giving any spoilers this book deals with Pamela's inner conflicts, moral dilemmas and some dark topics like bodily assault, slut shaming, harassment etc. The book starts with showing her love and care for plants and environmental issues. Later it shows that her family has a dark secret and her dad tells her to keep it secret and not to trust anyone so she always kept to her self but then things changes when she meets a goth girl named Alice who brings her into sunshine and Pamela learns to stand for herself and she starts to open herself for her inner feelings. later Alice learns her family's biggest secret and then things change dramatically with lots of twists and turns.
I loved her love story with Alice so much, it was not a side story but part of main story of this book. I connected with Pamela so much and there were lots of the moments where I really felt bad for her. All the issues and trouble Pamela faces in this story are very real and relatable which can be found in real life stories too. Also I love that this book is not usual superhero comic with lots of tie ins or references to other universe of DC. It's its own story arc purely focused on Ivy. I love the events and buildup to the point where she becomes well known villain but this book also shows her losing her morals and doubting her own self. Author has really put so much care and love into character of Pamela. We get to know every aspect of her life.
The Artwork alone is enaugh reason to pick this book, every panel is so gorgeous with saturated colors and dark and gothic aesthetics with beautiful character design and world. Sara Kipin's Artwork was so cinematic and very anime alike which made me feel like I was watching an animated movie of Ivy. Lots of panels have some really eye catching color contrasts. There was one panel with Pamela and Alice where the contrast between black and red makes everything so gorgeous and unique. Also I love how panels create tension and how they represents people differently according to thier nature. It tells story very well with artwork, most of the panels are drawn in such a way that you don't even need to read the text to understand what's happening. All the dialogues are very well written too.
I can't find any flaws in this book. Story, Artwork, dialogues, world, characters, themes, pacing they all are very nice. The only thing I hated about this book is that it ended too soon, like I didn't realize how fast it went, I was expecting more about afterwards of the final event so I really got disappointed when it ended there. Also I felt like this book should've been bit longer so it could give more time to Alice and Pamela's relationship. I really hope there would be a sequel to continue this story.
Overall It was a really fun and enjoyable book which captures everything about Pamela Iseley's life so beautifully. Whether you're are a fan of Posion Ivy or not, whether you read comics or not, you shouldn't miss this Poison Ivy's story at any cost. Thanks for Reading! :D
August 1, 2021
In this graphic novel, we get to see the DC character in her earlier years and what made her begin her villainous journey. Is she truly villainous or is she misunderstood? I don't care. I enjoyed this story. There's feminism, revenge, Sapphic love and a loving nod to nature. While the illustrations could have pushed a little, I'm not mad at them.
3.5/5
3.5/5
July 1, 2021
Welcome to Bridge's Pride Month 2021 Graphic Novel Review Catch-Up Extravaganza!
In the month of June I embarked on a journey to read more graphic novels and comics-- an area of readership that once upon a time seemed to be the focus of every young nerdy man's gatekeeping. No more, I say! I'll be the first to say that comics intimidate the crap out of me. I've always loved superheroes but I never knew where to start and then I saw that this book had been released. DC's "Poison Ivy: Thorns" is a graphic novel YA retelling of Poison Ivy's origin story. Told in beautiful full-color illustrations, we follow a few weeks in the young life of Pamela, a young emotion-driven environmentalist living in a toxic home environment. On the surface, Pamela's life is just like any other teenager's. She starts to grow closer to a sweet girl named Alice, and all Pamela wants to do is save her local park, tend to her greenhouse and help her mom. But once her carefully tended to branches begin to grow, everything in her life begins to spread wildly out of her control.
I adored the storytelling of this graphic novel, it was super quick to read and did not require much prior knowledge of the comic characters. I read "The Duff" by Kody Keplinger wayyy back in high school and it's cool to see her writing within this medium. This was adapted really well into the YA genre, and while paying tribute to the iconic Poison Ivy, Pamela felt like a distinct and intriguing character. I loved that her passion for the environment was so central to her character's arc and although she is definitely a flawed character/almost villain, as a reader I couldn't help but empathize with her pain. This really just is what could happen if an angsty teenager is given supernatural powers. Additionally, Pamela and Alice's love story was surprisingly sweet, and I loved that their humanity was woven into what is otherwise a tragic narrative. The stuff with Pamela's dad was horrifying-- I'm assuming it was true to the original comics but damn I wasn't prepared for that (I'll leave some spoilery content warnings below).
I will say that this story is very simplistic, so if you're used to intricate fantasy I think it's possible to find it lacking a ~je ne sais quoi~ I do hope there will be a continuation because the ending did feel a little lackluster and I'd like to know more about Alice. Lastly, the aesthetic and art style of this book alone is enough to read it over and over. Sara Kipin kept to an earthy color palette that flowed so nicely and really illustrated in places where words weren't enough. Overall I definitely would recommend this book to YA readers looking to get into comics, or those who just love semi-magical sapphic stories!
CONTENT WARNINGS:
(I note these while reading, some may be missing and some may be spoilers)
- kidnapping
- death
- poisoning
- eco-terrorism
- toxic parenting
- abusive father
- misogyny
- slut-shaming
In the month of June I embarked on a journey to read more graphic novels and comics-- an area of readership that once upon a time seemed to be the focus of every young nerdy man's gatekeeping. No more, I say! I'll be the first to say that comics intimidate the crap out of me. I've always loved superheroes but I never knew where to start and then I saw that this book had been released. DC's "Poison Ivy: Thorns" is a graphic novel YA retelling of Poison Ivy's origin story. Told in beautiful full-color illustrations, we follow a few weeks in the young life of Pamela, a young emotion-driven environmentalist living in a toxic home environment. On the surface, Pamela's life is just like any other teenager's. She starts to grow closer to a sweet girl named Alice, and all Pamela wants to do is save her local park, tend to her greenhouse and help her mom. But once her carefully tended to branches begin to grow, everything in her life begins to spread wildly out of her control.
I adored the storytelling of this graphic novel, it was super quick to read and did not require much prior knowledge of the comic characters. I read "The Duff" by Kody Keplinger wayyy back in high school and it's cool to see her writing within this medium. This was adapted really well into the YA genre, and while paying tribute to the iconic Poison Ivy, Pamela felt like a distinct and intriguing character. I loved that her passion for the environment was so central to her character's arc and although she is definitely a flawed character/almost villain, as a reader I couldn't help but empathize with her pain. This really just is what could happen if an angsty teenager is given supernatural powers. Additionally, Pamela and Alice's love story was surprisingly sweet, and I loved that their humanity was woven into what is otherwise a tragic narrative. The stuff with Pamela's dad was horrifying-- I'm assuming it was true to the original comics but damn I wasn't prepared for that (I'll leave some spoilery content warnings below).
I will say that this story is very simplistic, so if you're used to intricate fantasy I think it's possible to find it lacking a ~je ne sais quoi~ I do hope there will be a continuation because the ending did feel a little lackluster and I'd like to know more about Alice. Lastly, the aesthetic and art style of this book alone is enough to read it over and over. Sara Kipin kept to an earthy color palette that flowed so nicely and really illustrated in places where words weren't enough. Overall I definitely would recommend this book to YA readers looking to get into comics, or those who just love semi-magical sapphic stories!
CONTENT WARNINGS:
(I note these while reading, some may be missing and some may be spoilers)
- kidnapping
- death
- poisoning
- eco-terrorism
- toxic parenting
- abusive father
- misogyny
- slut-shaming
December 5, 2021
It’s very hard to write about a character’s descent and I don’t think it was successfully done here. It felt rushed and forced. Overall this graphic novel just wasn’t for me. It was very angsty and quite frankly I didn’t like Pamela/Ivy, which I understand she’s the villain but I didn’t even find her interesting at all. She was bland. I find mall goth Alice more compelling and interesting. I would rather read about Alice. Oh! Or a Alice and wonderland crossover with Poison Ivy.
September 22, 2021
An impressing new story for Poison Ivy’s origin. It’s dark and mysterious, perfectly combining the art to the story. However, the ending was perhaps slightly lazy at dealing with the consequences of their actions.
Read
August 3, 2021This graphic novel will appeal to readers who like dark, atmospheric tales with horror and gothic elements, like Wilder Girls by Rory Power and Through the Woods by Emily Carroll.
Read more in my blog post for YALSA’s The Hub here: http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2021/....
Read more in my blog post for YALSA’s The Hub here: http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2021/....
October 17, 2022
Storia che narra le origini di Poison Ivy.
La trama anche se semplice è ben strutturata, regalandoci una lettura nel complesso piacevole.
Belli i disegni, perfetti per i toni e lo stile della storia.
Lettura che consiglio sia per i fan del personaggio, sia per chi voglia conoscerlo attraverso una luce differente.
La trama anche se semplice è ben strutturata, regalandoci una lettura nel complesso piacevole.
Belli i disegni, perfetti per i toni e lo stile della storia.
Lettura che consiglio sia per i fan del personaggio, sia per chi voglia conoscerlo attraverso una luce differente.
November 15, 2022
blah blah blah gay plantes lesbiana
mersi eloi 🫶
mersi eloi 🫶
October 30, 2021
This is a fantastic story for Ivy and great graphic novel too. It's nice to see an origin story that fits the character so well and treats her with respect. It's also a realistic portrayal of what Ivy would be like today as a teenager. She cares about the environment, she's a vegetarian, she wears vintage, thrifted clothes. Ivy's love interest, Alice dresses goth which was also a nice touch, signalling she's also somewhat of an outsider, someone who doesn't seek to fit in. Their conversations felt natural, which is often a complaint about dialogue in YA books, I don't think it was an issue at all here.
The art is beautiful, the mostly green color scheme with the red/orange of Ivy's hair is appropriate and builds atmosphere. Just like the the Gothic aesthetic, not only did it look nice, but it supports the themes of the story. There's definitely Gothic influences: the young female protagonist living in a dark mansion, under the control of her father who is hiding a family secret. Similarly to many Gothic stories Poison Ivy: Thorns isn't just dark in the aesthetic but in content as well, tackling serious issues such as abuse, harassment, and bodily autonomy of women and girls. Despite the length, it handles them well, and in an accessible way to the target audience. In addition, there are resources at the back of the book naming organizations who provide aid to people dealing mental health issues, domestic abuse and sexual harassment, which is really important.
A Poison Ivy story is definitely appropriate for bringing up bodily autonomy as her backstory usually involve a man taking advantage of her or experimenting on her without her consent. Seeing her fight back against this was great. Ivy is also a character who is sexualized a lot by creators and fans alike, often overshadowing her humanity. I complain a lot about depictions that simplify her to "sexy plant lady." It doesn't happen anymore as much, but she's still portrayed as a one-dimensional villain too often. I don't necessarily want her to be redeemed completely, but I completely disagree with takes saying she's only interesting as a villain therefore she shouldn't be redeemed. If (a BIG if) writers are able to give her complex characterization while writing her as an antagonist in stories, then by all means, she doesn't have to be completely heroic. Unfortunately, this doesn't happen, in many cases she just ends up doing something bad and seducing people with her powers. She can stay as an antagonist and morally grey character, but without erasing that she is a climate activist and a queer woman.
The latter not happening is another reason why this comic is wonderful, it features a f/f romance (if only the main continuity DC books did this more). Alice and Ivy make a nice couple, and aside from the romance, Alice is someone who supports Ivy and understands her without wanting to change her. This doesn't mean she agrees with all of her actions and doesn't call her out on them, but she gets where Ivy is coming from and doesn't demonize her. Their romance develops quickly, but it wasn't rushed. They are teenagers, and you get the sense Alice fancied Ivy for a while before the events of the book take place. Ivy is lonely and under a lot of pressure, so no wonder she bonded quickly with someone who accepts her and who's very nice to her. You also don't get the sense their relationship is going to be the big defining one for the rest of their lives, but it's a important one nevertheless. I like to think an older Ivy and Alice meeting later or and reconnecting, even if briefly. I'd love to see a continuation of this story too. It deserves it, I think this comic is the best one out of the YA DC comics so far.
The art is beautiful, the mostly green color scheme with the red/orange of Ivy's hair is appropriate and builds atmosphere. Just like the the Gothic aesthetic, not only did it look nice, but it supports the themes of the story. There's definitely Gothic influences: the young female protagonist living in a dark mansion, under the control of her father who is hiding a family secret. Similarly to many Gothic stories Poison Ivy: Thorns isn't just dark in the aesthetic but in content as well, tackling serious issues such as abuse, harassment, and bodily autonomy of women and girls. Despite the length, it handles them well, and in an accessible way to the target audience. In addition, there are resources at the back of the book naming organizations who provide aid to people dealing mental health issues, domestic abuse and sexual harassment, which is really important.
A Poison Ivy story is definitely appropriate for bringing up bodily autonomy as her backstory usually involve a man taking advantage of her or experimenting on her without her consent. Seeing her fight back against this was great. Ivy is also a character who is sexualized a lot by creators and fans alike, often overshadowing her humanity. I complain a lot about depictions that simplify her to "sexy plant lady." It doesn't happen anymore as much, but she's still portrayed as a one-dimensional villain too often. I don't necessarily want her to be redeemed completely, but I completely disagree with takes saying she's only interesting as a villain therefore she shouldn't be redeemed. If (a BIG if) writers are able to give her complex characterization while writing her as an antagonist in stories, then by all means, she doesn't have to be completely heroic. Unfortunately, this doesn't happen, in many cases she just ends up doing something bad and seducing people with her powers. She can stay as an antagonist and morally grey character, but without erasing that she is a climate activist and a queer woman.
The latter not happening is another reason why this comic is wonderful, it features a f/f romance (if only the main continuity DC books did this more). Alice and Ivy make a nice couple, and aside from the romance, Alice is someone who supports Ivy and understands her without wanting to change her. This doesn't mean she agrees with all of her actions and doesn't call her out on them, but she gets where Ivy is coming from and doesn't demonize her. Their romance develops quickly, but it wasn't rushed. They are teenagers, and you get the sense Alice fancied Ivy for a while before the events of the book take place. Ivy is lonely and under a lot of pressure, so no wonder she bonded quickly with someone who accepts her and who's very nice to her. You also don't get the sense their relationship is going to be the big defining one for the rest of their lives, but it's a important one nevertheless. I like to think an older Ivy and Alice meeting later or and reconnecting, even if briefly. I'd love to see a continuation of this story too. It deserves it, I think this comic is the best one out of the YA DC comics so far.
June 14, 2021
Poison Ivy: Thorns is a graphic novel and is written by Kody Keplinger and illustrated by Sara Kipin. It is the retelling of the origin story of an enigmatic villainess.
Outside of class, Pamela Isley spends her time at Huxley High School’s greenhouse, which was donated to the school by her mother and at home involved in secret biological experiments with her obsessive scientist father.
While Pamela's ill mother remains absent for most of the book, her influence on Pamela is evident. The teen also cares deeply for a local park set to be deforested, resolves to stand up for herself against a boy's repeated harassment, and excels at the sciences. However, despite her father's warnings that drawing unwanted attention will jeopardize their experiments, Pamela releases a toxic gas to stall construction and opens up to peer Alice, who helps Pamela navigate her harassment and household pressures as the two teens fall in love.
Poison Ivy: Thorns is written and constructed rather well. Keplinger's retelling of the origin story of Pamela Isley, who would one day be known as Poison Ivy, was conceived rather well and brought it to contemporary times. However, in some places the narrative feels hollow, reiterating plot points, relying on dialogue, and implying, rather than exploring, major character motivations. In thin lines and cinematic sequences, though, Kipin uses mundane moments, such as chemistry class, to showcase science-minded Pamela's joy.
All in all, Poison Ivy: Thorns is atmospheric and haunting and a wonderful retelling of Poison Ivy's origin story.
Outside of class, Pamela Isley spends her time at Huxley High School’s greenhouse, which was donated to the school by her mother and at home involved in secret biological experiments with her obsessive scientist father.
While Pamela's ill mother remains absent for most of the book, her influence on Pamela is evident. The teen also cares deeply for a local park set to be deforested, resolves to stand up for herself against a boy's repeated harassment, and excels at the sciences. However, despite her father's warnings that drawing unwanted attention will jeopardize their experiments, Pamela releases a toxic gas to stall construction and opens up to peer Alice, who helps Pamela navigate her harassment and household pressures as the two teens fall in love.
Poison Ivy: Thorns is written and constructed rather well. Keplinger's retelling of the origin story of Pamela Isley, who would one day be known as Poison Ivy, was conceived rather well and brought it to contemporary times. However, in some places the narrative feels hollow, reiterating plot points, relying on dialogue, and implying, rather than exploring, major character motivations. In thin lines and cinematic sequences, though, Kipin uses mundane moments, such as chemistry class, to showcase science-minded Pamela's joy.
All in all, Poison Ivy: Thorns is atmospheric and haunting and a wonderful retelling of Poison Ivy's origin story.
February 2, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4
This was a quick, enjoyable read, and fits along what I've mostly come to expect from DC's line of YA graphic novels. Honestly, I think they're a great way to introduce teens to DC characters in a way that's relatable to them. I would love Marvel to do a similar line, but I don't think they're going to. But I digress!
While some of the mechanics and logistics aren't really explained that much, the characters are well-developed and fleshed out. This art style isn't quite my favorite, but there were some nice panels throughout. Specifically with the plants. I also thought Pamela and Alice had good chemistry together, right from the beginning.
Out of the DC graphic novels I've read, I think this one might also be the most morally ambibuous. It makes for a more interesting story, and also makes the writing engaging to read.
This was a quick, enjoyable read, and fits along what I've mostly come to expect from DC's line of YA graphic novels. Honestly, I think they're a great way to introduce teens to DC characters in a way that's relatable to them. I would love Marvel to do a similar line, but I don't think they're going to. But I digress!
While some of the mechanics and logistics aren't really explained that much, the characters are well-developed and fleshed out. This art style isn't quite my favorite, but there were some nice panels throughout. Specifically with the plants. I also thought Pamela and Alice had good chemistry together, right from the beginning.
Out of the DC graphic novels I've read, I think this one might also be the most morally ambibuous. It makes for a more interesting story, and also makes the writing engaging to read.
June 16, 2021
I was very pleasantly surprised by this! I'm not the biggest YA fan, but I do love Poison Ivy as a character, so I had to give this book a chance, and I'm glad I did!
The artstyle is dark and atmospheric, and while it did a great job at setting the stage, I did find it a little flat at times. Not often, just a few panels, but it was enough that I felt I needed to mention it.
It also made it hard to see the changes hinted at, which I think took away from the story rather to give it anything.
The story in itself was very political - as it should be with Ivy - and hard to read. Not because it was bad, but because it was so real and true and painful. I can see myself ending up in Ivy's shoes, if I went through the things she did. In that sense, I find that this is a pretty good origin story for Poison Ivy - especially regarding the name.
As a fan of the newer Ivy, however, I was a little on the fence regarding the ending, but it is open enough that it can go either way, and I'm glad for that. I can see how this book fits into the same universe as Harleen, actually.
The characters were as good as they could be with such few pages, but I don't think it took away from the story in any way. I really did like the LGBTQ+ lovestory, because it was so casual. I'm all for books exploring coming into yourself stories regarding LGBT+, but I also think that the best way to make it less taboo is to just have it as part of a story and not the main point, as was done here.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
One things I did have a problem with, was the mother. Not in her role or anything, but the general probability of her being able to make any loud sounds or even say a name while incubated. The tube goes down her throat and I can't see her making the noises she did in this story, which kind of take away from the mild horror factor of it all.
The artstyle is dark and atmospheric, and while it did a great job at setting the stage, I did find it a little flat at times. Not often, just a few panels, but it was enough that I felt I needed to mention it.
It also made it hard to see the changes hinted at, which I think took away from the story rather to give it anything.
The story in itself was very political - as it should be with Ivy - and hard to read. Not because it was bad, but because it was so real and true and painful. I can see myself ending up in Ivy's shoes, if I went through the things she did. In that sense, I find that this is a pretty good origin story for Poison Ivy - especially regarding the name.
As a fan of the newer Ivy, however, I was a little on the fence regarding the ending, but it is open enough that it can go either way, and I'm glad for that. I can see how this book fits into the same universe as Harleen, actually.
The characters were as good as they could be with such few pages, but I don't think it took away from the story in any way. I really did like the LGBTQ+ lovestory, because it was so casual. I'm all for books exploring coming into yourself stories regarding LGBT+, but I also think that the best way to make it less taboo is to just have it as part of a story and not the main point, as was done here.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
One things I did have a problem with, was the mother. Not in her role or anything, but the general probability of her being able to make any loud sounds or even say a name while incubated. The tube goes down her throat and I can't see her making the noises she did in this story, which kind of take away from the mild horror factor of it all.
April 4, 2022
ugh I feel like I've been ruined by the Harley Quinn cartoon because that's the ONLY thing I want. This is a more gothic take on the character which is fine just like, not my preference. And it's nice to see canon queer teen Ivy get a Goth girlfriend . Anyway this is fine, spooky queer teens are more the intended audience than I am and I suspect they will like it more than I did. But it was fine. The art is lovely.
March 18, 2022
Definitely not what I was expecting! I liked it overall but I found it difficult to believe that Alice was in love with her after everything that she saw.
On the bright side, the art was beautiful and it really was an interesting take on the character.
On the bright side, the art was beautiful and it really was an interesting take on the character.
August 3, 2021
**Review coming soon**
May 10, 2022
a gay gothic romance & her name is alice? my brand!
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