Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

BATMAN/POISON IVY: CAST SHADOWS

By Koppy McFad
April 3, 2004 - 10:18

Since when does Poison Ivy get equal billing with Batman? This special tells the story of a gigantic skyscraper that blocks the light from reaching Poison Ivy's cell in Arkham Asylum. Naturally, someone starts going after the investors in that mammoth monolith, apparently in revenge. It all sounds like a plot from one of the Batman animated shows although Nocenti does throw in a few twists. She tries to make Poison Ivy sympathetic and she almost succeeds, provided the reader isn't aware that Ivy is is a psychotic killer. Other than that, the story has the the stereotypical, egocentric plutocrats who build huge buildings that crush the souls of the little man and there are the psychiatrists who take advantage of their patients... in other words, nothing special. Van Fleet's art is eye-catching but his layouts are often confusing, particularly since he uses such dark colors. There are some truly impressive moments in this comic like the man with the flies and Batman trying to collect his wits after being poisoned but they don't add up to a great story.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12