Acclaimed writer G. Willow Wilson has not just succeeded but rather accomplished the remarkable feat of transforming DC Comics’s Poison Ivy into an extraordinary hit that boasts an ongoing series. Now, she brings her signature storytelling style to a captivating one-shot titled Poison Ivy / Swamp Thing: Feral Trees, hitting comic book stores today. As the seasons shift, this issue serves as an ideal bridge between the eerie essence of Halloween and the chilly embrace of winter, inviting fans to dive into its chilling tale.
In this gripping new installment, both Poison Ivy and Swamp Thing respond to a mysterious calling emanating from the depths of the woods. A string of disappearances plagues the surrounding area, leaving the community in a state of unease and confusion as no clues have surfaced. The disturbance echoes the theme of the “Feral Trees” referenced in the title, suggesting a deeper connection at play. This issue unfurls into a standalone narrative that humorously pairs Ivy and Swamp Thing in an unexpected buddy cop dynamic as they embark on an investigative quest to unravel the enigma. While Swamp Thing embodies the older, weary detective, taking a more measured approach as he waits patiently for the truth to reveal itself, Ivy portrays the passionate, impulsive rookie, charging headfirst into danger and inadvertently complicating their mission.
As the story unfolds, readers will discover there is much more beneath the surface leading to an emotionally resonant and poignant conclusion centered around Gotham City. While the tale begins with an eerie atmosphere in the shadowy woods, it climaxes with the first flakes of snow falling gently from the sky, evoking those thrilling Nightmare Before Christmas vibes—perfect for those seeking a darker holiday tale without the accompanying musical numbers and animation.
This one-shot is also a heartfelt tribute to one of the most critically acclaimed runs of Swamp Thing in comic book history, skillfully linking back to the groundbreaking work of Alan Moore, who reshaped the character’s narrative for countless fans over the years. Wilson, having made a profound mark on Ivy’s character, deeply understands her strengths and vulnerabilities. Introducing Swamp Thing into the storyline provides a fresh avenue for challenging Ivy’s beliefs and choices while offering her a glimpse of a future that diverges sharply from the relative peace she has recently cultivated in her life.
Artist Perkins shines as a master of horror illustration, employing his distinctive dark linework and adept use of shadows to create a visually arresting experience. His striking character renderings, particularly of Poison Ivy, capture a rich tapestry of emotions as she navigates the complexities of her journey. While Swamp Thing is less expressive in terms of emotion, Perkins intricately embodies the character’s lumbering presence and his signature one-hundred-yard gaze, effectively conveying Swamp Thing’s stoic nature.
Readers uncertain about diving into this captivating tale but lacking background in the main series can rest assured; all that’s required is an enthusiasm for woods-based horror and an appreciation for classic buddy cop narratives, akin to Lethal Weapon, where the protagonists just happen to wield the power to control the plant kingdom.
It’s spooky season, and you know what that means: time to curl up with a comic book or graphic novel that will scare your socks off. With that in mind, we’re posting a new horror book to check out every day of October for our 31 Days Of Halloween Comics. Awoooo! Looking for the rest of our picks? Check them out on the Halloween tag.
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**Interview with G. Willow Wilson: Discussing “Poison Ivy / Swamp Thing: Feral Trees”**
**Editor:** G. Willow, your recent work on the *Poison Ivy* series has been met with acclaim, and now you’re releasing a one-shot titled *Poison Ivy / Swamp Thing: Feral Trees*. Can you tell us what inspired this new story?
**G. Willow Wilson:** I’m thrilled to be here! The inspiration for *Feral Trees* came from a desire to explore the more mysterious and eerie aspects of both characters. I wanted to bridge that gap between Halloween and winter, encapsulating how the seasons can evoke different feelings—sometimes haunting, yet ultimately reminding us of renewal and change. Creating a tale that unravels through both mystery and humor felt like the perfect canvas for Ivy and Swamp Thing’s dynamic.
**Editor:** The idea of pairing Poison Ivy and Swamp Thing in a buddy cop dynamic sounds fascinating. Can you tell us how their personalities play off each other in this story?
**G. Willow Wilson:** Absolutely! In this story, Ivy embodies the passionate, impulsive rookie who dives headfirst into the fray, while Swamp Thing represents the older, weary detective, taking a more measured approach. This clash of styles creates both tension and humor, allowing readers to enjoy their contrasting methods as they navigate their investigation. It’s about finding common ground and learning from each other’s strengths and vulnerabilities—a reflection of their surprising friendship.
**Editor:** The premise involves a mysterious disturbance in the woods and a string of disappearances. How does this setting enhance the story?
**G. Willow Wilson:** The woods serve as a character of their own, echoing themes of nature’s ferocity and beauty. As Ivy and Swamp Thing delve deeper, the eerie atmosphere amplifies the stakes of their investigation. The unsettling nature of the woods parallels the unease in the community, allowing us to explore how interconnected our environment and personal experiences can be. There’s a lot hiding beneath the surface, and that’s what makes the emotional climax particularly poignant.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned that this one-shot pays homage to Alan Moore’s run on *Swamp Thing*. Can you elaborate on how that influences your narrative?
**G. Willow Wilson:** Alan Moore redefined *Swamp Thing* in such profound ways that it opened new pathways for storytelling. My goal was to honor his legacy while also pushing Ivy forward. Introducing Swamp Thing alongside Ivy challenges her beliefs about nature and her own role in it, revealing parts of her character that might not have been explored in depth before. It’s an evolution that resonates deeply with the themes of growth and understanding.
**Editor:** Artist Marco Perkins is known for his dark illustrative style. How do you feel his art complements the story?
**G. Willow Wilson:** Marco’s work is simply stunning. His mastery of horror illustration brings a visceral quality to the narrative that heightens the emotion and suspense. The striking character renderings, particularly of Poison Ivy, perfectly capture her duality—both as a fierce protector of nature and a complex individual. His use of shadows and dark linework beautifully enhances the eerie tones of the story, making for a visually arresting experience that draws readers in.
**Editor:** what do you hope readers take away from *Feral Trees*?
**G. Willow Wilson:** I hope readers find a sense of connection between the story’s themes and their own lives. Life is filled with complexities—nature, relationships, the choices we make. I want them to feel the emotional journey our characters embark on, ultimately recognizing that even in darkness, there can be beauty and understanding. And, of course, it’s a fun ride with a bit of humor and heart—it’s perfect for this transition into the holiday season!
**Editor:** Thank you for your time, G. Willow! We can’t wait to see how readers respond to *Poison Ivy / Swamp Thing: Feral Trees*.
**G. Willow Wilson:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share this story with everyone.
