Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life and Death #1

Longtime Poison Ivy fans will enjoy this book as will those comic readers looking for something good that lies off the beaten path. This first issue's story is somewhat light on action and heavy on exposition, but this is easily forgiven how well everything is assembled. The artwork proves equally excellent. I think this is one comic that will leave readers itching for more. Read Full Review

A stunning solo series for an underrated character, Poison Ivy will ensnare you right from the first page. Both the writing and artistic teams are at the top of their games, and the ending leaves you excited for what's to come. Read Full Review

Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life and Death starts out very well, lags a little in the middle, but finishes very strongly. Amy Chus first foray with Poison Ivy is one fantastic comic, and it lays the groundwork for an exceptional miniseries. The appearance by Harley Quinn makes this issue more entertaining, and there are rumors that Selina Kyle could appear as well. Hopefully this is true. Read Full Review

Poison Ivy had a great first issue that had not muchset up for what's to come, but had plenty of characterization of who Pamela isand how she feels about the world moving forward. We had some great cameos thatwere frosting on a cake that I ate up right away. The art is the best part ofthis book: Clay Mann can draw some ladies and all of his characters were reallywell-drawn and realistic instead of just background scenery. This was a goodstart and I hope the book picks up quick in the next issue. Read Full Review

I really liked this new take on the character, though I was a bit underwhelmed by the amount of butt kickings and I would have liked to see Ivy showing off her powers a bit more. That may just be my inner crazy ginger talking, of course. That being said, I'm reserving my full excitement for the next issue to see if the pace picks up a little, but other than that, it's definitely well worth the read. Read Full Review

I really recommend anyone to read this book! I know some individuals were skeptical, because we have yet another villain who's trying to be 'good', but I like Poison Ivy as a character. She's a little bit like Catwoman (good and evil). Read Full Review

. It's a very fun book overall, but it's also the setup book. Which, thankfully, actually does the hard work of laying things out, introducing us to characters, and establishing things. So many books just drop you in the middle and are inaccessible turnoffs. I'm in for this ride. Read Full Review

After fifty years, this is the book that Poison Ivy deserves and it helps having the perfect creative team for the character. I'm very excited to see what else is in store in the upcoming issues. Don't sleep on this one, it will surely grow on you. Read Full Review

Colourful, compelling and a neat twist on a classic character. Read Full Review

So if you're a Poison Ivy fan and wish to see her eventually get an ongoing series, you should probably pick up this mini-series as I can only assume that DC is testing the water. It looks like there may be a growing mystery afoot, so there is probably much intrigue to be had over the course of the next few months. Read Full Review

Poison Ivy isn't one of those characters I'm "gaga" over nor am I a fanboy in any way, but this opening offering of POISON IVY: CIRCLE OF LIFE AND DEATH was a tremendously wonderful start. Chu, Mann, Mann, and Arreola are redefining Ivy, which seems to be a bit more caught up in the wacky adventures of Harley Quinn, even though Ivy is a great character on her own. We get to see a lot of depth here as well as an intriguing story. I was truly surprised with how much I enjoyed this. Read Full Review

'Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life and Death' #1 is a great start to reestablishing the underrated Poison Ivy as a brilliant and powerful figure capable of emerging from Harley Quinn's shadow. The first issue wisely chooses a character-driven story that leads to an intriguing cliffhanger. Established fans should love this while new readers may want to be patient to see where this mystery goes. Read Full Review

I am going to give this a very good rating because of the story and characterization of Ivy here, but also because I think the mini-series shows great promise. Read Full Review

Together, this team presented a long-awaited mini-series in the most effective way possible: They've hooked us in, given us a taste, and left us pining for more. Like any dangerous liaison, expectation, frustration, and impatience are all wrapped up into one. And I can't wait. Read Full Review

It seems this series is going to deal with Ivy's estrangement in a big way which should make entertaining reading. On the art side, Clay Mann makes a magnificent return to mainstream comics after a stint at Valiant. Like many artists who focus on Ivy's sensuality, it's included in here, but he, inker Seth Mann, and colourist Ulises Arreola manage to convey her sense of alienation at the same time. Read Full Review

There's a lot of establishing character in the first issue of the miniseries and it's not really until the last pages that the plot begins to kick in but I don't think readers will really mind. Chu and Mann create such a compelling portrait of a character uncomfortable in her own environment and skin. It'll be interesting to see how Ivy responds to the mystery she's drawn into but if this characterization continues, it'll be wealth worth following to the end. Read Full Review

This is a good introduction to a brand new look at one of DCs most infamous female anti-heros. The story is really taking it back to basics as it is dealing with a super powered being questioning her nature both human and plant. And the murder of her mentor is about to throw one heck of a curveball into her journey of self-discovery. Read Full Review

This book was a pleasant surprise and a great set up for this mini-series. When it comes to the girls of Gotham, I had always hoped for a Poison Ivy comic. It gives us a look at Poison Ivy which we haven't seen before; one where she's the focus. We get to see the professional side of her as opposed to the criminal or anti-hero side of her. This book will appeal to fans of the Batman franchise as well as newer female readers. DC deserves to be applauded for taking a character longtime fans are familiar with and giving her a new start for new readers. Read Full Review

This is a really good look at the character of Poison Ivy. She's not presented as a villain or a hero, she simply is presented as a person and how she does and does not fit into the world around her. It's a great character study of her, but the story is lacking when it comes to the larger mystery and story arc. Read Full Review

That goes for Mann's art as well. Though it's competent and realistic, it's also indistinguishable from any other major character book from the big imprints. Regardless, there's enough in the first issue to justify buying at least a few more of the remaining five issues. But maybe that's just me. I'll stick around for even the barest hope of confirming the Harley/Ivy romance. Read Full Review

The problem with "a day inthe life" stories is that most days in anyone's life are pretty unremarkable.So it is with issue #1 of Poison Ivy:Cycle of Life and Death; it's not a badcomic, the art is pretty good and the pacing is fine, but the story is reallydull. There's no great payoff for long-time Poison Ivy fans or new readers,save for the inclusion of Harley Quinn"and seeing Harley in the DCU these daysis about as rare as Jim getting diarrhea from eating crappy food. Personally, Iliked seeing Maps Mizoguchi in that one panel a lot more. Read Full Review

Overall, I'll definitely be picking up the rest of this mini-series, because the story could be a good one. And Poison Ivy is treated quite well in her starring role. But Chureally blunders with her use of Harley Quinn. Read Full Review

On paper, this series looks to provide a refreshing new direction for everyone's favorite super powered botanist. It's execution, however, doesn't entirely deliver, resulting in a debut issue big on intent but lacking in anything truly substantial. Read Full Review

The murder-mystery set-up is standard fair and decent, but questionable art choices leave Poison Ivy's debut issue with a poor first impression. There is the skeleton of a compelling story present, but both writer and artist need to up their game if they even hope to fulfill that potential. Read Full Review

Overall, I came away with a feeling of "meh". I'll probably pick up the next issue, but the art may be a big reason I don't stick with it. Read Full Review

Unless you're a huge fan of Poison Ivy and/or annoyed by the character of Harley Quinn,Poison Ivy#1 is worth skipping or trade waiting because its protagonist is less than endearing and her relationship with Harley Quinn is ended in a way that seems rushed and out of character. (There is hope for the pair with a nice panel of Ivy checking her phone for texts from Harley first thing in the morning.) Along with this characterization issue, Clay and Seth Mann's art would be beautiful as covers or pinups (With the exception of photorealistic Harley Quinn in her roller girl outfit, which is almost as terrifying in an Uncanny Valley way as Alex Ross drawing the Archie gang.), but lacks energy or emotion. Read Full Review

Swamp Thing, which was solicited alongside Cycle of Life and Death, was an incredible success because it was returning to a team that knew it intimately (even created it in the case of Len Wein). That the opening issue of that series might seem strange or off kilter for new readers more familiar with Scott Snyders work, say nothing of Alan Moores, wasnt particularly problematic because it was very consciously looking to recapture the original. Theres not only a clear audience there, but an opportunity to open a window into a deeper understanding of the characters history for anyone who started with the New 52 material as well. That just doesnt track for Poison Ivy who is a prominent supporting character in DCs second best selling title, which this very clearly does not tie into. Read Full Review

I kind of hope the ending is a red herring. Chu can obviously understands the character, but this issue reads like she didn't have a surefire home run for a plot. Considering Ivy's stature as a B-list Batman rogue, it's going to take a lot more than half-baked murder mystery to get reader to buy in. Mann's art is aesthetically pleasing but he doesn't really push the envelope and he's going to need to if Chu's plot doesn't improve. I like the idea of giving a character like Poison Ivy a chance to be in a spotlight but creators have to remember that it also puts them under a microscope. Right now, this title isn't holding up under scrutiny. Read Full Review

For fans of the character this comic will probably be pretty enjoyable, for me it felt a little stale. Hopefully Chu will amp things up in the coming issues, especially with the cliffhanger ending the first issue had. DC is obviously trying to diversify their roster, and it's commendable, but it doesn't feel like they're quite there yet. That's obvious just from the cover of this comic, showing a sexy looking Ivy laying on some branches, it's just not necessary. Poison Ivy is a cool, badass character, and Chu is obviously trying to bring out those traits. Read Full Review

Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life and Death #1 is a strong debut with amazing artwork, but will primarily appeal to diehard fans or people who are legitimately interested in entering Ivy's world. Personally, I don't think this'll be a title that'll grow on me. Read Full Review

Despite its visual appeal, Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life and Death #1 struggles to offer a decent reason to read. Read Full Review

TP

Jan 25, 2016

Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life and Death #1 Review and thoughts. Written by Amy Chu. Pencils by Clay Mann Inks by Seth Mann Colors by Ulises Arreola Letters by Janice Chiang Cover by Clay Mann and Laura Martin Variant cover by Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson "Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself." Rumi I'll try to avoid giving away major plot elements and spoilers and rather analyze the themes of the book. It's better to read this book without knowing anything beforehand. This is Poison Ivy's first mini series since her creation, 50 years ago. Throughout her history she never had the chance of getting the spotlight, being the protagonist in her own story and was mostly used as a sidekick, a gun for hire or a romantic interest. Not always of course. In my personal opinion, some of my favorite writers, Ann Nocenti, Gail Simone, Christy Marx, Greg Rucka, John Layman, Jeff Parker, Duane Swierczynski and of course Neil Gaiman wrote Poison Ivy stories that broke taboos and offered a well rounded approach to the character. There is a common ingredient in all these stories: Poison Ivy is the hero. Perhaps not a hero in the traditional sense but she is the hero of her own story. But it always bothered me that nobody gave her a chance for a solo ongoing or a mini. Until now of course. The book is split into three acts. The first arc introduces us to Pamela Isley and her work. Starting in Africa we get introduced to Pamela and her search for the rare welwitschia mirabilis (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welwitschia). Things don't go exactly as planned, she gets attacked and Poison Ivy and her powers take control. The first act expands into her work at Gotham's Botanical Gardens and her research. Here we get introduced to her mentor, Dr Luisa Cruz which is the person who gave her a second chance and helped her rebuild her career. In order to avoid spoilers I'll provide very sparse informat more

Vancha

Feb 11, 2016

Neither Ivy nor Harley felt *quite* like themselves. I was happy to see Harley taken more seriously, but it almost went too far in the other direction. Ivy meanwhile almost seemed too personable and human in the beginning, and then halfway through switches to "humans are so complicated" mode. It doesn't feel like Amy Chu has a perfect grip on either character, but it's still very readable.

BrightestDaycare.com

Jan 22, 2016

This book has been a long time coming, with all the social media petitions to bring this book to life- and it feels like I have been waiting an inordinate amount of time for this issue to come out. So with all that expectation heaped on this book, when it came out- it was bound to be a book plenty of people talk about. This book had a lot of promise, and I was hoping that being a limited series it would be jam-packed with action and excitement, but that wasn't exactly what was delivered. The mercenaries/militiamen who confront and attack Ivy and her African desert guide was a scene that I wasn't expecting, but I did enjoy reading it. I like the abrupt way that Ivy dealt with the baddies in this scene, using the Living Fossil plant to disp atch them quickly. I would have liked more from that scene, or just a bit longer setup for the discovery of the Living Fossil, because the rest of the book really doesn't really do much to grab me, story-wise. We have Ivy working at the Gotham Botanical Gardens, even though she is a supervillain and all-around bad lady, where she is abruptly met by Harley Quinn, in her Dr. Harleen Quinzell guise, which would only make sense to the reader if you were up to date on Harley's solo book where she is still coco-banana bonkers but puts on her Doctor coat like nothing has changed. I wasn't sure about the inclusion of Harley into this book, because while Ivy has some backstory with the Sirens (Harley and Catwoman) I was really not looking forward to seeing the same story played out in a different way. In this book, Harley tries to work her way back into Ivy's life, they go for a drink, which oh-so-predictably turns into a bar fight. The bar fight turns into two straight biker dudes making out (because whenever Harley and Ivy are together, there has to be some sort of sexual situation shoehorned in). Ivy gets naked, which is only saved from the reader's eyes by a strategically placed shadow and flower pot (which felt old an more

LeGrog

Feb 08, 2016

Being a big fan of the character I had high hopes for this series when it was announced. Fast forward a few months and the first issue arrives. Unfortunately it isn't very good. What we get is a bland comic-by-numbers job that we've seen over and over again. Some include: A cameo from a more popular character, those same red necks that are in every comic/TV show/film harassing women before being beaten up and a murder mystery cliff hanger. The art is good and is the main reason why my score is as high as it is but the writing is just so dull and boring. Even if you have a fairly simple and run-of-the-mill premise you can spice things up and create an engaging story with good scripting. Sadly that's not the case here and it would be b est to save your money and spend it on a series that was worth more of your time. more