POISON IVY #42 (DC COMICS)
Pamela Isley is the NEW mayor of Gotham City?!
If you thought Vandal Savage running the GCPD was wild, you haven’t seen anything yet! A new era in Gotham City starts now!
POISON IVY #42 by G. Willow Wilson, Marcio Takara, Arif Prianto, & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (DC COMICS) kicks off the term of “Mayor Ivy”!
Let’s take a deeper dive into this new political term!
POISON IVY #42 by G. Willow Wilson, Marcio Takara, Arif Prianto, & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Wilson takes the conflict of public office head-on for an fantastic chapter. Putting Isley in the direct path of Vandal Savage shows a new take on “honor amongst thieves”. Their dialogue wastes no time in asserting her presence in Gotham’s top seat. It provides a great back and forth before Isley address her citizens. Readers watch as she handles her opposition with grace and patience. It’s met with an unasked assistance from Savage. The moment is brief but showing Isley’s defiance to Savage teases more conflict in waiting.
Once the story heads back to her office, the story shifts tones. The assemblance of her cabinet is met with awkward humor and clear vision of what’s needed. This is met with pushback from city council. Wilson cements Isley’s stance when it comes to her goals for the city. There is a building confidence that never steps back. The chapter continues this trend right until the final pages. Readers get an emotional gut-punch before bowing out of this opener. It hits a direct shot to curve the good laughter for a bit. All in all, the writing packed a great pace to cover ground.
Takara & Prianto structure much of the art around Isley’s acceptance of power. The full page image of her at her desk makes a direct message for the audience. Savage’s meeting conveys the building frustration both have for the other. Neither show any signs of backing down. This leads into a near full shot of Isley walking to speak to the citizens. Even when a protester tries starting trouble, Isley’s expressions don’t break. This look continues as her new duties provide some headaches.
The image of her cabinet shines in half page form. Her smile never breaks even when met with pushback from others on the council. Their reactions provide a fun moment before more people stop by. Xylon’s chat kicks off with a strong half panel. Juhi’s involvement adds more to this sequence, making readers smile a bit here. Readers will appreciate scenes including the new cabinet members. This runs a few looks before transitioning into close. The final pages hit with two near full pages images. It’s tough to compare both but combined, it’s a 1-2 combo that brings down the house on this opener.
FINAL GRADE: 8.8
Poison Ivy’s first mayoral term starts with a superb opening round. Wilson navigates the uneasy nature of public office flawlessly. Takara & Prianto showcase the confident leader assuming her role to Gotham City. This is an intriguing story worth your full attention.
Let me know your thoughts on POISON IVY #42 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
