Warning: contains major spoilers for Batman #117!
Thanks to Batman and his newest associates, Poison Ivy has returned in style, with a new costume. Batman #117 not only tells the next stage in Ivy's development, but it also gives her a different outfit. Queen Ivy and Poison Ivy have come back together in a beautiful merger.
DC's Fear State event involved two separate versions of Poison Ivy thanks to the handiwork of Simon Saint. One half, known as Queen Ivy is powerful, though her compassion is missing; Queen Ivy and introduced a look all her own. The other side is the best of Pamela Isley—this Poison Ivy is full of innocence, hopes, and empathy. Now, the two are being brought back together and the result has new cosplay potential.
Poison Ivy is a popular DC character for cosplayers. She has had numerous looks over the years, from her early introduction to her movie debut. She has since had several variations within the comics. Batman #117—which has the creative team of Becky Cloonan, Michael Conrad, James Tynion IV, Jorge Corona, and Jorge Jimenez—introduces an all-new one. Her latest outfit blends her Queen Ivy look with her traditional costume, creating a beautiful mash-up that fans are likely to imitate soon. Poison Ivy stays true to her roots but channels her latest changes in a sleek ensemble that simplifies the character and grounds her visually.
Previously, Queen Ivy had numerous vines and floral details tacked onto her design. The missing piece of Poison Ivy wore her signature outfit—a simple botanical one piece. Both have come together now, with a look that combines the traditional look with some sleek and powerful elements. Her bodice more closely resembles that of the one worn by her royal self. This adds a new layer of dimension to the usual botanical bodice. Poison Ivy's hair is also slicked back in a new style that reads powerfully compared to her previous flowing locks in both of her halves. To top it all off, Poison Ivy also gets a gorgeous pair of dark green thigh-high boots, edged with flowers. This outfit takes both of her halves and merges them smoothly, without losing either of the dominant elements shown in her division.
This outfit is much more simplistic than her Queen Ivy one, which could make it an easier ensemble for cosplayers to pull together. It also peels back the layers of Ivy, leaving her as her true self, instead of a cold husk of who she once was. One of Poison Ivy's greatest strengths is her passion—even if it largely leans in plants' favor. While her last outfit was fabulous, that version of her wasn't who she truly is. This Ivy fashion statement goes back to the basics without losing the character's recent development in Gotham's ever-changing landscape, which has been under the influence of the Magistrate. The additional layer on the bodice adds an earthy tone to Poison Ivy's outfit—an element that isn't frequently accounted for. It grounds her in a beautiful way and truly encompasses her character. Without the compassion returned to her through Harley Quinn's love, Ivy could never reach her true potential. Poison Ivy also wouldn't have this fabulous new costume for cosplayers to showcase.