Though it was probably overall not worth the extra dollar, it was still a decent enough issue. Save the buck and get the regular cover, but this is a must-read for fans of John Layman's current run on Detective Comics. It is also worth noting that though I do love (almost) all things Batman, I've never really cared about this character in particular. There are rare occasions where she is used well, but never more than a simple plot device that has been well placed within the story. This was the first time I would actually say Poison Ivy is front and center. And actually important. That's worth the cover price alone. And that's what makes the premise of Villains Month and Forever Evil not only a fun gimmick, but necessary for the survival of DC Comics and the New 52. Read Full Review

If all of the villains month one shots are this impressive, I wonder what crazy idea DC will come up with next to take all of our money. Whatever it is I hope other publishers don't get any ideas, my wallet can't handle this for long!!! Read Full Review

This is a good story, just not a fun one.  We get the back story of a Batman villain I don't really enjoy as much as others, but I found it to be a good story, so that has to say something.  Sadly I find it to be a story that really isn't needed, and I fear that the majority of Villain's Month will be the same.  But for fans of Poison Ivy, I'm sure you'll find this issue very enjoyable. Read Full Review

Detective Comics #23.1 isn't a great issue by any means, but I was able to easily follow the story without being forced to seek out Forever Evil. I could have done without the usual New 52 tweaks to Pamela Isley's origins but the core of the character seems largely intact. Worth a look. Read Full Review

With its uneven execution, Detective Comics #23.1 falls firmly in the middle of the pack as far as these Villains Month specials go. Read Full Review

It's an alright little done-in-one Poison Ivy story with nice artwork. There's nothing here that's going to surprise you or to give you something to meditate on, but it's entertaining. Read Full Review

Regardless of any praise or dissuasion this issue may receive, it will be referenced for a long time to come because it holds the origin story for fan-favorite Bat-agonist Poison Ivy. Read Full Review

The standout element of this issue was definitely the art, Javier Pina and colorist John Kalisz definitely produced a very eye-pleasing book, but unfortunately the story itself doesn't really stand out. That's not to say it was bad by any stretch, I honesty found it to be enjoyable, it just didn't add all that much to Ivy's character, especially if you're already familiar with her. That said, if you're a fan of Poison Ivy, it's still worth a look. Read Full Review

The Verdict: Detective Comics 23.1: Poison Ivy was a decent issue that shed some light on Pamela Isley in her past and present, but it wasnt enough light in either time period. It would have been better, in my opinion and what do I know, if this issue was either an origin story or a plot-related tie-in to Forever Evil. I would have liked to see an in-depth origin story that dives deeper into her childhood, psyche, motivations, and character personality. Or it would have been better if they skipped the origin and focused solely on her interactions with other Bat-villains and how she fits into Gotham City during Forever Evil. That being said, we still get to see how ruthless Poison Ivy can be and some hints at what is to come for her in Forever Evil. Its a fun study of Poison Ivy, but I wish there was more to it. Read Full Review

Of all the Batman villains out there, Poison Ivy seems to be the easiest one to get right, so this stumble is all the more disappointing. There are a lot of fantastic Poison Ivy stories that will be remembered over the years, but this one seems sadly forgettable. Read Full Review