Poison Ivy’s Evolution in Absolute Batman: A Novel Era for the Gotham Siren

DC Comics is reimagining iconic villains within the Darkseid-created Absolute Universe, and Poison Ivy is receiving a particularly significant overhaul. The character’s new origin story and design are being unveiled in Absolute Batman #17, released on February 18, 2026, marking a pivotal moment after 60 years of the character’s history.

A Prodigy’s Past: The Roots of Absolute Poison Ivy

This new iteration of Pamela Isley diverges from her traditional backstory. The Absolute Universe version of Poison Ivy was initially a research prodigy focused on combining plant and human DNA to engineer cures for diseases. Unlike previous depictions limiting her research to plants, this Pamela Isley expanded her studies to include all kingdoms of life. Her research was ultimately stolen after her financiers orchestrated her death, setting the stage for her transformation into the villainous Poison Ivy.

New Powers and a Terrifying Form

Absolute Batman #17, with art by Eric Canete, showcases Poison Ivy’s return with significantly enhanced powers. She has taken control of a building in Gotham City, contaminating the air with a potent biological agent. The issue, told in three parts, explores both Ivy’s past and present, revealing the full extent of her horrifying new abilities and form. Early reactions to her design were mixed, with some fans initially believing it was “playing it too safe,” but the full scope of her transformation is proving to be far more impactful than initially anticipated.

Creative Team and Artistic Vision

Written by Scott Snyder, with art by Eric Canete, Absolute Batman #17 kicks off “The Seventh Kingdom,” a new story arc centered on Poison Ivy. Canete’s stylized art, characterized by wiry linework and exaggerated features, complements the body-horror elements of the series. The coloring by Frank Martin and lettering by Clayton Cowles further enhance the visual storytelling, effectively differentiating character voices and bringing the pages to life.

What to Expect from “The Seventh Kingdom”

The initial preview of Absolute Batman #17 offers a glimpse into Ivy’s childhood, revealing a close relationship with her mother and hinting at the origins of her “Poison Ivy” nickname. The story promises to delve into the events that shaped her villainous path, offering a fresh perspective on one of Batman’s most iconic adversaries. The issue is expected to continue the trend of surprising reinventions of classic villains seen throughout the Absolute Batman series.