POISON IVY #47 (DC COMICS)
The tenure for Gotham City’s latest mayor has been anything but “business as usual”.
Pamela Isley has taken her new responsibilities in many directions. Originally winning over the people, Isley now sees herself on the chopping block of public opinion. Commissioner Vandal Savage isn’t helping matters either.
With the walls closing in, Isley takes drastic measures to ensure her future. Gotham City better be ready.
POISON IVY #47 by G. Willow Wilson, Leandro Fernández, Arif Prianto, & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (DC COMICS) lays the foundation for the next big Batman event!
Let’s take a closer look at what’s transpiring now.
POISON IVY #47 by G. Willow Wilson, Leandro Fernández, Arif Prianto, & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Wilson brings Isley’s political problems to a unique breaking point with this installment. The opening panels tease a happier life with Harley Quinn. Once reality snaps back, the writing shows Isely’s dream is far from a reality. The political landscape has changed with her being on the outside looking in. Her confrontation with former supporters is less than kind. The public has turned on her and the mood sinks hope fast.
Readers watch as even Isley’s closest political allies have turned their backs. The writing doesn’t hold back on the devious side of politics. Her visions of a better Gotham remain in view but dimmish by the minute. This is damaged by a vote of replacement due to her maddening thirst for power. Wilson also addresses the fractures in the relationship with Quinn. It exposes a human side in Isley before staging the shocking close. Knowing the window is closing on her, Isley makes a power play with drastic consequences. It sets up the event on a high note with Gotham’s fate in the balance.
MORE BATMAN STORIES!
Fernandez & Prianto open with a dream look at Isley and Quinn in a better place. As the dream ends, Isley realizes how far she has fallen. Her reactions convey the shock of losing control. This only worsens with a full page look at city hall. With the citizens of Gotham revolting, the message is clear how she has lost the city. Panels reflect the ticking timebomb waiting to go off with Isley’s fears rising every second.
The interactions with her team mirror the doubt in the air. Every reaction shows uncertainty of how to handle this crisis. Isley conveys this the loudest as she contemplates contacting Harley. Once a mention of replacing her comes into play, Isley’s rage takes over. It provides a great segway to cover Harley’s reactions. Using a six grid set-up zeroes in on the emotional weight of her story. This transfers back to Isley’s desperate attempt to hang on. Her madness is on full display as she enacts her dangerous scheme. The result is a stunning closing page. Readers will walk away knowing any hope in Gotham may not survive this latest move.
FINAL GRADE: 8.5
Mayor Isley’s frantic attempt to maintain power pushes the city to its’ breaking point. Wilson shows the pressure finally breaking Isley to an extreme level. Fernandez & Prianto show how fast politics can break a soul. Seeds are planted for what’s coming next and readers won’t want to miss it!
Let me know your thoughts on POISON IVY #47 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
