While the Joker generally grabs all the attention as Batman’s villain, Poison Ivy is one of the Caped Crusader’s most underestimated opponents. This environmental seductress has had sufficient run-ins with Batman to inspire a lot of serious storytelling about their striking chemistry. She may be a seductress villain to Batman at times, and an anti-hero at other times. Poison Ivy’s key purposes are to save plants and defend them from pollution, regardless of human interference. On that note, here are 6 situations where Poison Ivy was a better hero than Batman, despite being the anti-hero:
1. In wanting retribution for the destruction of her paradise:
Ivy had retreated to an island in the 1997 Batman: Poison Ivy comic, where she secluded herself and made peace. That remained until an organization developing some fire weaponry thought the island was uninhabited and unintentionally demolished it. Poison Ivy retaliated to this by hunting down and attempting to murder the ones responsible for this experiment. However, Batman rushed to put an end to Poison Ivy’s wrath, and she ultimately agreed to be arrested by him. Looking at the whole situation, Poison Ivy had actually made the decision to give up her criminal life and flee to her paradise with her plants. She was justified in wanting to punish the people who took that away from her.
Related: 6 Weird Facts About Poison Ivy’s Body We Bet You Didn’t Know – Animated Times
2. In having a good bond with Harley Quinn:
Whether as a passionate pair or merely as criminal companions, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy are a popular duo for DC Comics. Ivy has always been there for Quinn when she needed it the most, including the times when the Joker has abandoned her. The two of them ‘ team up in their renowned 2020 series ‘Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy’ to effectively manage Ivy’s abilities. While Poison Ivy may be caustic, she is immensely loyal when it comes to defending her friends and partners from danger.
Related: Scarlett Johansson Reimagined As DCEU’s New Poison Ivy – Animated Times
3. In caring for her superpowered plant children:
Pamela Isley becomes a mother to three plant children while researching at the Gotham Botanical Gardens exploring children who were born from plants. While she is initially confused about how to manage super-powered kids, she eventually joins forces with her children to combat the corruption that has taken over the Gotham Botanical Garden. Ivy and her offspring come forward to resolve the situation and protect the lives of all the other plant children. Ivy’s maternal feelings drive her to heroic deeds once more, demonstrating her ability to care for those she loves.
4. In destroying Hush with Catwoman and Harley Quinn:
Despite the fact that Poison Ivy and Catwoman are poles apart, Catwoman being the hero and Ivy being the anti-hero, the two of them have always been there for each other. Catwoman is somehow saved after Hush steals her heart in Batman: Heart of Hush, and she seeks the assistance of Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn to take revenge on him. Together, this trio hunts Hush down and wipes his bank account and money, leaving him penniless and without any resources. After the atrocities Hush committed, Catwoman entrusted Poison Ivy with the task of bringing justice into their own hands, even though the two aren’t exactly friends.
Related: The Batman: 10 Actresses Who Could Play Poison Ivy
5. In Donating Money To Save The Rainforests:
As mentioned before, Poison Ivy’s primary goals have always been to defend the Earth’s flora by whatever means necessary. After Ivy and Harley Quinn assist Batman in rescuing Catwoman from Hush, she is awarded $30 million, which she donates entirely. While Harley Quinn spends the money on herself, Poison Ivy contributes it to forestry initiatives in Costa Rica and Madagascar, which is in tune with her ethos and effort to support the Earth’s environment above her own benefit.
6. In Batman: No Man’s Land, Looking After Abandoned Children:
Poison Ivy sweeps in and provides for orphaned children from Gotham following an earthquake that wrecks the whole town in Batman: No Man’s Land. Clayface, on the other hand, kidnaps the youngsters and compels them to work for free growing fruits and vegetables that will be auctioned to the potential buyer. Poison Ivy and Batman work together to protect these kids from Clayface, and once Clayface is beaten, Batman allows Poison Ivy to resume looking after the children in Robinson Park. Ivy’s maternal impulses are highlighted in this plot, leading her to become more of an anti-hero than an obvious antagonist.
Related: It’s Official: Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy Go On Their First Date
