*DC: ‘Poison Ivy, Poison Ivy
Well late at night when you’re sleepin’
Poison Ivy comes a creepin’ all around’
Batman #181 featured the debut of one of the Gotham Guardian’s most famous female nemeses. Poison Ivy was brainstormed with the idea of joining the hugely-popular TV show as a younger recurring villain – most of the villainesses, aside from Catwoman, being, let’s be kind, ladies of a certain age, it was thought a fresher face was needed! She sadly never made it onto the small screen – at least not in that decade – but the comics audience caught Poison Ivy with a vengeance, and she’s remained a staple of the Batman Rogue’s Gallery ever since, her profile being considerably upped in recent years by her status as Harley Quinn’s… well, the jury’s out, but let’s say very good friend. At least. A recurring role in the ‘Gotham’ TV series has also spurred demand for Ivy’s early appearances over the last few years. Fresh in this week is both #181 with her 1st appearance and #183, featuring her rather swift return! This Batman #181 is a very nice pence stamped copy, with vibrant cover colour and gloss, very little wear, tight and firmly attached staples and good page quality. It would grade much higher were it not for a small chip out of the lower right edge of the cover (see scan); most importantly the centrefold pin-up (frequently missing, depriving the second story of its splash page) is firmly in place! #183 is in a very similar condition, but without the chip! The dynamic Carmine Infantino covers on both don’t hurt any, either!
PICTURED: BATMAN
#181 VG+ p £300 SOLD
#183 FN/VF p £70