Pamela Isley and Alec Holland are united by their knowledge of plants and their unique connection to them. Despite this, there have been surprisingly few stories pairing the plant-themed anti-heroes Poison Ivy and Swamp Thing. Feral Trees offers an explanation for this through a spirited study of both characters. It also spins a spooky story, as befits one of DC Comics‘ most famous horror heroes.
Feral Trees finds Poison Ivy and Swamp Thing joined together in an uneasy alliance. Both sense something suffering in The Green, the mystic field that unites all plant life. However, the pair have different motives to seek out the source of the psychic sadness and stopping whatever is killing innocent people in the woods near Gotham City.
(Image Source: DC / Mike Perkins)
For Swamp Thing, the sadness and related violence is a wrongness to be balanced. Ivy, on the other hand, grows obsessed with visions of a young woman trapped within the forest. This leads to conflict between the two, even as the forest itself turns on the plant enchantresses.
(Image Source: DC / Clayton Crain)
G. Willow Wilson is a master of analysis and few can match her ability to delve into the heart of her characters. She delivers smooth exposition, without bogging the reader down in details. One example of this is the revelation that Poison Ivy’s pheromone powers are independent of her connection to the Green. This is notable, as she pacifies one murderous plant by altering the hormones that control its rooting.
(Image Source: DC / Mike Perkins)
Beyond that, Wilson plots a fantastic mystery and builds the tension masterfully. She also explores why, despite her love of nature, Poison Ivy has never been tapped to be a guardian of the Green. In this, Feral Trees works well as both a character study and a horror story.
(Image Source: DC / Mike Perkins)
Artist Mike Perkins is on familiar ground with Poison Ivy / Swamp Thing: Feral Trees #1. Perkins previously worked on the monthly Swamp Thing series. As such, he is well versed in drawing the natural environments and weird horror the story requires. Colorist Mike Spicer also deserves praise, for the vivid palettes he uses to complete Perkins’ pencils and inks.
(Image Source: DC / Mike Perkins)
If you are a fan of Poison Ivy or Swamp Thing, Feral Trees is sure to please. It will also satisfy those readers who enjoy murder mysteries and supernatural horror comic fans in general. In any case, it is the perfect read for Halloween.
Grade: 5/5
Poison Ivy / Swamp Thing: Feral Trees #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on October 30, 2024.