Poison Ivy is one of my all-time favorite superpowered characters, so I was really excited to see any sort of new graphic novel starring her! Seeing Pamela/Ivy come into herself, stand up for what she wants, and just in general be the badass brainiac she is was the strongest aspect of the story. She really does read like a teen who is still figuring herself out, and I think a lot of young readers will connect with her.
The plot itself was downright predictable - there are absolutely zero moments that took me by surprise, and I think the writing could have been more creative in that respect. Also, the side characters suffer from major Side Character Meant to Develop the Plot Syndrome. Even Alice, the charming goth that she is, has zero personality besides being a feisty goth who likes Ivy (did I mention she's goth? Just making sure you know Alice is goth, because that's basically her sole personality trait). That being said, it WAS fun to see her and Ivy come together; I think they make a sweet young-love couple (although I'm still a diehard Harlivy believer). ;) ( )

Kody Keplinger and Sarah Kipin’s Poison Ivy: Thorns reimagines Pamela Isley’s origin, portraying her as confined to her house under the control of her menacing father. Pamela also feels a desperation to save the local park where she used to walk with her mother, though it’s now threatened with demolition for constructing high rises. Meanwhile, her high school offers no support beyond allowing her to tend to a greenhouse; the principal slut-shames girls and the jocks are the usual bullies. Fortunately, Alice Oh takes an interest and helps Pamela to find her confidence. Alice ends up spending time at Pamela’s house, where she discovers family secrets and becomes Pam’s confidant.

The story draws upon a rich vein of gothic literature, with echoes of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights including a secret in the attic. The Isley mansion further features a basement laboratory with a gothic revival/second empire aesthetic on the outside. Keplinger revels in the gothic moments of their story, developing the mood from the outset and adding meaning to each pause. Kipin’s art furthers this, with each glance, reaction, furtive gesture revealing characters’ truths. There’s a simplicity to Kipin’s art that makes it more accessible, as they focus on the most important features for emotion while referencing the movements and gestures that characterized the covers of gothic novels. Just as gothic literature explored gender roles, Keplinger’s story touches on Pamela’s gender identity without making it her defining feature. Fans of recent portrayals of Ivy in Harley Quinn and other titles will find this a welcome addition to the Poison Ivy oeuvre. ( )

* I got this book for review from the publisher*

I have never read a potion ivy story before. But I really enjoyed this read. I also liked and really enjoyed the LGBTQ romance that was at the heart of it. I also really liked how this story had a darke twist and harder issues at the heart of this story like complicated family dynamics and more. I really loved how the world and how it was built. It was super fast pace read and ONE that I will def check out book 2!! ( )

* I got this book for review from the publisher*

I have never read a potion ivy story before. But I really enjoyed this read. I also liked and really enjoyed the LGBTQ romance that was at the heart of it. I also really liked how this story had a darke twist and harder issues at the heart of this story like complicated family dynamics and more. I really loved how the world and how it was built. It was super fast pace read and ONE that I will def check out book 2!! ( )

Really liked this one! The artwork was beautiful and set the tone well. While I don't think anyone really reacted normally to murder, it's worth a read.

3.75 ( )