SEEKERS OF THE BAT

Pamela Isley was experimented on by her biology professor and became the plant based eco-terrorist known as Poison Ivy.  Over the years since her introduction, her powers have grown to include secreting poison through her skin,  being able to create a pheromone spore cloud that enslaves men, communicating through plants over long distances, and animating and controlling plant life.  Of  all Batman’s rogues, her control over all plants makes Poison Ivy potentially his most powerful enemy.

Originally conceived as a pushover ‘joke’ foe for Batman, Mr. Freeze has evolved into perhaps Batman’s most tragic villain.  His ill wife in a cryogenic coma, Dr. Victor Fries had no choice but to turn to crime to fund research that might one day cure her.  His ‘by all means necessary’  approach is both noble and insane.

This variant of the Mr. Freeze’s history was made famous in an Emmy award winning episode of Batman: The Animated Series, and continued in the feature film Batman: SubZero.

Here, we have the Bat Signal; the only way for the authorities to contact the Batman. Its introduction marked the ascendancy of James Gordon to Gotham City police commissioner and the shift in Batman’s role from mysterious vigilante to trusted ally.

Although the good commissioner clearly needed to swallow his pride to admit his police force needed help, there is no doubt that the signal also serves as a valuable reminder to Gotham’s underworld that they are being watched.

A fan favorite element of Batman’s characterization is that he always wins in the end, no matter the odds stacked against him. His ultra preparedness ensures that he always has just the training or tool needed in his infamous utility belt.

Here, Dustin Nguyen pictures the result of an oft-debated match against a familiar foe. No matter that Wolverine instantly heals from any wound, has superhuman agility and reflexes, or is from a wholly different publishing universe, Batman still finds a way to stand triumphant.