Poison Ivy is one of the most well-known villains in the Batman comic book universe. A femme fatale with a vendetta against humanity, Poison Ivy has been a thorn in Batman’s side for decades. Though primarily known as a villain, there have been times when Poison Ivy has shown a softer side and even flirted with the idea of reform. This begs the question – does Poison Ivy ever put aside her criminal ways entirely and settle down? Does she ever get married?
Poison Ivy’s Backstory
To understand Poison Ivy’s journey, it helps to know her origins. Poison Ivy’s real name is Pamela Lillian Isley. She began life as a promising botanist, specializing in cross-breeding and hybridizing plants. While working at a university, she was seduced by a criminal professor named Jason Woodrue. Woodrue used her research to create plant-human hybrid creatures known as Plantimals. When Isley threatened to expose him, Woodrue attempted to kill her by pushing her into shelves full of dangerous plant toxins.
Rather than killing her, the toxins transformed Isley into Poison Ivy. She gained a deadly immunity to all poisons, toxins, and viruses. She also developed a toxic touch and the ability to control plants with pheromones. Twisted by the trauma, Isley embraced her Poison Ivy persona and began using her powers to get revenge on those who had wronged her.
Over the years, Poison Ivy has wavered between her human side as Pamela Isley and her villainous Poison Ivy persona. She’s formed alliances and friendships with heroes and villains alike. But she always returns to her eco-terrorist crusade against humanity.
Poison Ivy’s Romantic Relationships
Given her beauty, powers, and intellect, Poison Ivy has had her fair share of romantic admirers over the years, both as Pamela Isley and Poison Ivy. Let’s examine some of her major relationships.
Batman
Batman is probably Poison Ivy’s most famous would-be suitor. Ivy has tried to use her mind-controlling pheromones and toxins on Batman on more than one occasion, attempting to turn the Caped Crusader into her love slave. However, Batman’s iron will and immunity to many toxins has enabled him to resist her advances.
While there is a certain twisted attraction between Ivy and Batman, it seems more borne out of her desire to control and manipulate Gotham’s protector. Batman has never shown any true romantic inclinations towards Poison Ivy. Their cat-and-mouse game is psychological, not romantic.
Harley Quinn
Poison Ivy’s closest human relationship is with fellow villain Harley Quinn. The two first met in Arkham Asylum and quickly became close friends and partners in crime.
Their relationship has been portrayed at times as romantic. However, it seems more akin to a very close female friendship, albeit one between homicidal criminals. Ivy herself has dismissed notions that she and Harley are romantically involved. It’s clear Harley is Ivy’s closest confidant, but not her lover.
Jason Woodrue
Jason Woodrue, the professor who betrayed Isley and turned her into Poison Ivy, became infatuated with his creation. Taking on the moniker Floronic Man, Woodrue has tried to convince Ivy to be his plant-controlling queen.
However, Ivy loathes Woodrue for what he did to her. She has rebuffed his advances many times over. Woodrue remains obsessed with Ivy, but she continues to scorn him.
Batman Villains
Poison Ivy has had her share of flings with fellow Batman rogues over the years. She briefly dated the Riddler and seemed to have a mutual attraction with Scarecrow. She also has manipulated villains like Penguin, Two-Face, and even Bane using her mind-altering toxins.
However, these seem to be short-lived relationships built on manipulation, rather than real affection. More than anything, Ivy tolerates her fellow villains only insofar as they are useful tools for her larger plans.
Civilians
When inhabiting her Pamela Isley persona, Ivy has had relationships with ordinary civilians at times. During the “War of Jokes and Riddles” storyline, she briefly dated a man named Darshan. She eventually scared him away by revealing too much of her Poison Ivy side.
In other instances, she has dated men under false pretenses as part of larger criminal schemes. While Isley is capable of connecting with men as Pamela, these relationships inevitably fall apart once her villainous nature emerges.
Does Poison Ivy Ever Get Married?
Based on her history, Poison Ivy does not ever appear to get married, for several reasons:
Dedication to Her Mission
Above all else, Poison Ivy is dedicated to her mission of protecting the environment and destroying humanity for harming the planet. She loathes the idea of commitment to anything but her green crusade. Marriage does not suit her temperament or goals.
Distrust of Humans
Aside from Harley Quinn, Ivy does not easily trust other humans. She may manipulate and use them, but she almost always considers herself above and superior to them. Marrying a human man would require Ivy to view him as her equal – something she has never proven capable of doing.
No Equal Partner
Poison Ivy has never encountered a man (or woman for that matter) who she views as her proper equal. She disdains weaker men she can control, like Penguin and the Riddler. She resents stronger men like Batman who resist her. Ivy has simply never met someone she respects enough to take seriously as a husband.
Her First Love is Nature
Poison Ivy will always choose nature and her plant creatures over humans. She may have temporary affection for individuals, but her heart lies with vines and vegetation. Ivy marrying a person would go against her core personality and motivations.
The Closest Ivy Comes to Marriage
There is one storyline where Ivy comes close to a committed relationship. In the Gotham City Sirens series, Poison Ivy briefly dates a kind elderly man named Melvin Fermin who is able to resist her mind-controlling toxins.
Ivy goes so far as to move in with Melvin. For a brief time, she finds happiness living a normal domestic life with him, tending his garden. In issue #22, there are even suggestions Ivy accepts Melvin’s marriage proposal.
However, it turns out Melvin has a dark secret – he is actually a twisted serial killer. Ivy is horrified and quickly ends the relationship. This affair with Melvin is as close as Poison Ivy has ever gotten to a real, committed union with a man.
Conclusion
While Poison Ivy seeks companionship at times, often withHarley Quinn or in her civilian persona of Pamela Isley, she remains unwedded. As one of Batman’s most relentless villains, her commitment is to the plants and to vengeance against humanity. Romance ultimately comes second for Poison Ivy. Her complexity and fervor are what make her such an engaging and long-lasting character. While a wedded Poison Ivy would certainly be interesting, it would also undermine her core being. So for the foreseeable future, Poison Ivy seems destined to remain a toxic bachelor!
Relationship | Did They Marry? |
---|---|
Batman | No |
Harley Quinn | No |
Jason Woodrue | No |
Other Villains | No |
Civilians as Pamela Isley | No |
Melvin Fermin | No |