50 Greatest Super Villains In Comic Book History

35. Poison Ivy

(Write-up by Amanda Chrisman, Caped Crusades and Bam Smack Pow Staff Writer)

Poison Ivy was originally designed by creators Robert Kanigher and Sheldon Moldoff after pin-up star Betty Page, and in her first appearance, she was a mysterious temptress who had no origin story. When she was given a backstory, she became Dr. Pamela Lillian Isley, a botanist and environmentalist who turned eco-terrorist. A freak accident in the lab makes her immune to toxins and poisons and gives her control over plant life.

She is one of the only Batman villains with anything akin to super powers. Ivy uses her affinity for plant toxins and pheromones, as well as her control of plants, in her acts of eco-terrorism. She often partners with her best friend Harley Quinn, and during their partnerships, her crimes take on a more mundane nature — more robbery and burglary, less conquering humanity in the name of Mother Nature.

When feminists made it clear that there was a need for more strong female villains, Poison Ivy was used to replace Catwoman (who we know has a history as a hero) as Batman’s most antagonistic female supervillain.

More recently, on Gotham, we’ve seen yet another origin unfolding, proving that Poison Ivy is trouble no matter what her beginnings. She’s not as popular a villain as Harley Quinn or Catwoman, but has made an important impact in comics and deserves her spot on our list of the 50 greatest super villains.

Next: No. 34: Like Wolverine, only evil