Poison Ivy / Swamp Thing: Feral Trees #1
Chad Burdette
Recap
There is something wrong with the trees. A presence screaming out in pain–tearing, gnashing, and gnawing through the very fabric of the Green–calling out for blood. In its wake, a trail of viscera and carnage is left–leading to a mystery that the Parliament of Trees has conscripted Poison Ivy and Swamp Thing to solve. Can the Verdant Villainess and the Avatar of the Green make their way into the heart of this homicidal wilderness and discover the source of this horror, or will they find themselves the next victims of these feral trees
Review
The Poison Ivy / Swamp Thing: Feral Trees #1 oneshot pairs the Avatar of The Green, Swamp Thing and Poison Ivy who is also connected to The Green together as the two investigate a disturbance and the disappearances of people in the forest outside of Gotham.
From the beginning, Wilson does a good job of establishing the threat of the forest and logically explains why Ivy and Swamp Thing are both drawn to the forest. Wilson also continues to develop Ivy’s character, exploring her relationship with The Green, as Swamp Thing explains that she is not “All In” as her love of humanity prevents her from being so in the eyes of The Parliament of Trees. This part is not only discussed by the two, but also plays a big part in the self-knowledge that Ivy seems to gain in the end.
This discussion, which takes place as the two are trying to locate the girl Ivy has seen, who has an ability to manipulate plants, is dying, and forest is trying to protect her. Swamp Thing and Ivy’s characters are on target and seems genuine as the issue progresses. There are also some much needed humor included between the two, mostly Ivy and here nicknames for Swamp Thing.
It’s also nice to see the various members of the Parliament of the Green, and how they have different personalities and different forms. Perkins’ art, for the most part, is solid. There is the occasional panel that seems a bit off the mark on perspective or body positioning. It was a nice touch to have the backstory of the girl to be done with a washed effect, marking a clear distinction between the past and present story segments.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Poison Ivy / Swamp Thing: Feral Trees #1 is a satisfying oneshot, pair the characters who are connected to The Green, and having a philosophical discussion about it. Wilson and the rest of the creative team work well together to bring elements of horror and humor together as Ivy questions not only herself, but also grows as a character. It will be interesting to see if this story is tbe beginning of Poison Ivy's "All In era " status quo.
Poison Ivy / Swamp Thing: Feral Trees #1
- Writing - 8/108/10
- Storyline - 8/108/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 9/109/10
