How and Why Poison Ivy Takes Over the Entire World in Batman

SPOILER WARNING: The following article contains major spoilers for Batman #42 by Tom King and Mikel Janin, on sale now.

Everyone loves Ivy, and now we know why.

The second chapter of Tom King and Mikel Janin's current Batman arc explains the nature of Poison Ivy's machinations, a new plan that has seemingly resulted in her enslaving the entire world.

Last issue, Bruce managed to free himself and Selina from Ivy's thrall, but billions remain trapped in a creepily idyllic world of Ivy's making. The entire planet has become a global, if more environmentally friendly, Village of the Damned, and Bruce and Selina seem largely helpless to stop it. Ever the detective, though, Bruce has figured out that there might be another who's immune to Ivy's all-encompassing influence.

We know why everyone loves Ivy, and Bruce has figured out how.

This Is What Happens When You Eat Your Vegetables

Under a possessed Superman's watchful eye, Batman and Catwoman head out in broad daylight, and stop where many a Gothamite has enjoyed countless lunches – Batburger. Selina takes Ivy's entire takeover in stride, doing what every engaged bride-to-be does: discussing wedding plans with her future husband. Selina lightheartedly observes that Ivy will now be involved in every aspect of the wedding, since Ivy is now involved in every aspect - of everything.

In turns out Batman is searching for a boy named Johnny Suntres. The young man apparently has an allergy to greens, and Batman thus suspects he is immune to Ivy's control. He's apparently on to something, as when Bruce and Selina visit the boy's home, they're attacked by The Flash, as well as both Kid Flashes. Bruce and Selina dispatch them easily enough, but are subsequently taken down off-panel by Wonder Woman and Green Lantern (Jessica Cruz). The couple is left bound and hanging from a skyscraper, where Batman communicates to Ivy through Superman.

His capture is enough for Batman to deduce that Ivy is in fact controlling the human populace via their consumption of fruits and vegetables, which she herself controls. If there were ever an argument for any kid not to eat his veggies, Ivy has sure helped them make it. Of course, young Johnny can't eat his, but it stands to reason that there are probably plenty of veggie haters and meat lovers out there who might find themselves similarly free of Ivy's influence. Millions who are starving still might not find Ivy's world so idyllic, either.

Page 2: [valnet-url-page page=2 paginated=0 text='Can%20Batman%20Survive%20the%20War%20of%20Meats%20and%20Veggies%3F']

Of course, Batman doesn't find any positive aspects in Ivy's reality either. The Dark Knight's probing of Ivy's motives touch a nerve or two, and result in her lashing out through Superman, who delivers a frustrating and nearly fatal blow to the helpless Bruce Wayne. Poison Ivy defends her actions with an us vs. them argument; she's merely seizing control before mankind eventually kills the planet. As Bruce recovers, Ivy arranges for a face-to-face meeting with Selina, citing the excuse that the two should be friends. Selina, after all, had sarcastically referenced earlier that Ivy should stand up for her at her wedding, since there is no longer anyone else to really fill the maid of honor role, anyway.

Ivy's motives, as it turns out, date back to a much earlier time. Specifically, one of King's past arcs, "The War of Jokes and Riddles," told of an early conflict between two of Batman's most notorious foes -- one where Ivy played an important role. Ivy cites her regrettable actions during that conflict and speaks of her lack of control -- not over herself or her powers, of course, but rather over the circumstances around her. By acting not as a pawn but as a ruler, Ivy justifies taking control of the world, as she believes only she can truly make it a better place. Of course, that's what nearly every would-be dictator says.

Her actions belie her intent, though, as her words are spoken not long after she nearly killed Batman – in fact, she even claims he was dead after suffering severe head trauma, but was subsequently revived. His recovery was largely through Ivy's manipulations of none other than Doctor Harleen Quinzel, aka Harley Quinn. Often closely associated with Poison Ivy -- they are best friends with benefits, after all -- Harley might not be so thrilled to come to the realization of what her friend has done. Of course, that's if she can be freed of Ivy's influence in the first place.

What Would Swamp Thing Do?

There are plenty of characters in the DC Comics Universe who know a thing or two about wielding the green. Poison Ivy might be one of the better known manipulators, but none have greater mastery than the avatar of The Green himself, the creature known as the Swamp Thing. While there's been no indication of the character appearing in the story thus far, there's certainly precedent for his arrival within the overall canvas of Rebirth continuity. Ivy's repeated mention of "The Green," and even her reference to its rot, are terms frequently circulated throughout most recent runs of the various Swamp Thing titles, and evoke hints at potential involvement.

King himself, in fact, penned the main feature in the recent Swamp Thing Winter Special, and the character also appeared in Rebirth's relaunch of The Hellblazer, not to mention an earlier issue of King's Batman run. It's not like Alec Holland is busy in any series of his own right now, though, and readers just have to think that Swampy is none too happy about Ivy's manipulation of his element for purposes of world domination.

"Everyone Loves Ivy" concludes next issue, and solicitations provide no indication of Swamp Thing sprouting from the ground and saving the day. King has made the entire DC Universe his playground, though, so one never knows. Batman #43 goes on sale March 21 – it should be safe to eat healthy again after that.