Batman: Secret Files: The Gardener #1

This issue is a must-read for fans of Bella, Ivy, and even Harley"and also fans of the stunning ways superhero comics can tell a story. Read Full Review

Lost amid the Fear State books, this is a little gem of a book, reminiscent of Fear State Alpha with its unusual designs. Tynion has gone a long way to ensuring that fans get what they have been calling for; no, make that what readers and Ivy and Harley themselves deserve. Recognition of how important they are to each other, and how important their love and relationship is to the DC Universe. Read Full Review

In lesser hands, it could have been a throwaway tie-in, but with Tynion and Ward at the helm it delivers a smooth and compelling story. I'm hoping writers continue to explore the Gardner and Tynion's other originals after he departs. Read Full Review

Batman Secret Files: The Gardener #1 is a gorgeous comic. The story is investing and the reader will come away with so much more knowledge on the strongest characters this universe has to offer. There is more in than just backstory, with politics rife towards the end. But the issue is just simply bewildering to look at. Wards art style is achingly lovely and so fitting for a character reveling in nature. It allows for this incredible display of affection and beauty. There will not be a prettier comic out this week. Read Full Review

A gorgeous work of art, narrating an intriguing story and the equally intriguing psyche of captivating characters. Sometimes too much of a work of art, other times perfectly there, but with both a set up and a conclusion that are more than satisfying. Read Full Review

This was an interesting read, and seeing more of DC's icons is always lovely. Read Full Review

If you're looking for some serious new information about The Gardener, I feel like you're not going to find it here but more of a recap of Poison Ivy and a strange explanation by the end that feels like it retcons previous events to tell us why there are two Ivys. The art is decent but the way that the writing and the art merge to tell a story comes off pretty bland overall. Read Full Review

Since the comic relies heavily on exposition instead of showing the events, and with this being a story about Ivy as told by Gardener rather than a story about Gardener herself, it's hard to engage with the content. The artwork is fantastic, though, and definitely a reason to consider buying this issue. That said, I don't recommend this comic"it just doesn't cut it for me. Read Full Review

cincyfan

Nov 20, 2021

Wow this is phenomenal!!! I loved everything about this story and wow the artwork was amazing! 10 all day

UxasIs

Nov 23, 2021

What a beautiful issue! Its a shame we don't see much painted art like this anymore in comics This issue is definitely going to make the continuity geeks throw tantrums

Reaper74

Oct 05, 2022

Ok book. It did nothing to share the Gardener in any way. It was more an Ivy book told by the Gardener. And what is with Batman being so ambivalent with villains.

Psycamorean

Nov 29, 2021

Maybe I should take time out to respond to the lunacy in Merlyn's review and the comment below, but I don't think it's worth responding to. Merlyn doesn't know how to read, and that Bats guy reminds me of those lunatics you see preaching on college campuses after their first philosophy course. They say so much that means so little, and you're often confused as the point has been thoroughly obscured. Why am I so focused on that review instead of the issue? Because this issue is a waste of time and boring as fuck. I did not care about the Gardener before reading this, and I still don't care. She's such a waste of space. She didn't need to exist, she will promptly be forgotten soon enough. The Ivy stuff is *fine* but I've seen more than enough Ivy exploration that always goes the same tired routes. I just kind of want everyone involved to go away. Ivy can come back after a few years. Gardener can stay away. more

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Merlyn - Nov 29, 2021

I love that you take the time to sign out from your profile just to stalk me. It proves just how much I live in your head rent-free. I have you blocked, yet you comment about stuff from my comments section, which you can't see unless you sign out specifically for that. You did the same on the Aquaman/Green Arrow review. I really do mess you up just by existing. :)))

Psycamorean - Nov 30, 2021

Nah, we have a discord and the lunacy was brought up by someone who you don't have blocked, and that's how I found out, Also... do you not know what incognito mode is? I don't even need to sign out.

Merlyn - Nov 30, 2021

WOW! Even worse, you guys are wasting your time talking about me on discord. I really do live in your heads rent-free.

Psycamorean - Nov 30, 2021

Nah, we mostly chat about comics but you're a big joke in this community, and we like to laugh.

Psycamorean - Nov 30, 2021

Also, going around and accusing people of being the one who "gossips" with me makes you look unhinged. Keep throwing shots in the dark though.

Merlyn - Nov 30, 2021

Dude, you just exposed yourself that you're stalking me, even now. Stop it, it only gets worse for you from here. Honestly, if you weren't such a vile, despicable human being I would feel sorry for you. Imagine being so obsessed with someone constantly trying to see what they do or say, making all your reviews about them, talking about them on discord, I'm killing you slowly. :)) You're like Joker, whose obsession with Batman drives him forward, I'm like your Batman. It's not even funny, though.

Merlyn - Nov 30, 2021

Oh buddy, you started making posts about me. I'm really sad for you, what can I do to help you get better? Seriously, I realize how badly I fuck you up just by existing, I'm offering to help you here. It's really sad how much you care about what I say and do. :(

Psycamorean - Nov 30, 2021

I promise you, I haven't used incognito mode at all during this latest bout of gramps vs younguns.

Merlyn

Nov 16, 2021

Not as awful as I would have expected but I'm getting sick and tired of this environmentalism wave in comics that tries to present mass murderers as victims of society, so yeah, Tynion "does it again". Ivy is not a victim of "other men". She is an insane supervillain who thinks killing innocent people will make the world better. Anyone who tries to justify this needs a visit to a psychiatrist.

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Bats44121 - Nov 16, 2021

The horror-comic mentality fits well with a Two-Tier Justice standard as it allows for killers and monsters to "succeed" it victimizing others, with a horror comic "rationale." It is one thing to do this in horror comics, yet another to do this in Batman comics. Ironically, one VP ad for DC called for the work at "E.C. Publications, Inc."

retcon_D

Dec 19, 2021

No.