One of Batman's classic villains receives a stunning cosplay upgrade as a Poison Ivy fan recreates her most deadly superpower. Pamela Isley has a long history within DC Comics, ranging from being an out-and-out villain to slowly becoming a full-on hero and eventual life partner to Harley Quinn. Now, an adventurous cosplayer has replicated a comics-accurate look for the eco-terrorist, including deadly man-eating plants that surround and protect her...along with obeying her orders.
Poison Ivy first appeared during the Silver Age of Comics, in Batman #181 in 1966. The character came about as a result of Catwoman's popularity on the Adam West Batman television show; executives wanted more female villains and writers Robert Kanigher and Carmine Infantino were happy to oblige. Injected with a series of chemicals and toxins as a result of an experiment, Doctor Pamela Isley developed plant-based powers, telekinetic control of most flora and an immunity to poisons (though on occasion, toxins that can harm plans are also harmful to her).
On the website instagram.com, an innovative cosplaying duo named chatsky.so and pretty_garden_inside_you have collaborated to create a stunning Poison Ivy cosplay. The character's green skin is included, as is her red hair and clothes based on plants (here, appearing as various leaves). The most notable addition to the cosplay is the inclusion of two massive carnivorous plants with massive teeth; they surround Ivy and appear friendly toward her, which presumably means they are free to attack her enemies at will.
Poison Ivy is currently best-known for her long relationship with Harley Quinn, one of the most enduring same-sex relationships in DC Comics. It must also be noted that Harley did not begin her own journey toward becoming a hero until she met Ivy; the two brought out the best in each other. During the Batman: No Man's Land story arc (Harley's comic debut), Poison Ivy injected Harley with multiple compounds, the result of which gave Harley her only known superpower: a resistance and even immunity to most toxins, though not on the sale as Pamela's own power. Control over plantlife remains exclusive to Ivy, and while she does not wish to destroy human life outright, she will defend "the Green" from unchecked human pollution and excessive urban development.
The cosplaying duo's efforts prove that fan interest is still quite strong for Poison Ivy. Pamela was only featured in one major Batman film: the much-maligned Batman and Robin, directed by Joel Schumacher. Perhaps because of the negative reception, the character has yet to appear in a sequel, though she is still quite active in the comics. Poison Ivy may not be the most popular Batman villain, but she is one of the most powerful when it comes to superpowers.