Arkham Asylum (Game): Poison Ivy Trailer

The anticipation for the Batman: Arkham Asylum video game is ever-growing. Today the fans were treated to Poison Ivy's vignette -- and the reviews are mostly positive. She looks stunning. The face and body are quite vampy. Though I'm not sure why she appears in such a pedestrian looking blouse. I'm hoping that it is replaced by something a bit more classic. There's also a minor controversy about her appearing in "underwear" (of sorts). She looks practically nude in the game because the two shades of green blend together. I'm undecided about the hair -- it's very Sims like and moves in a rather stiff fashion. Beautiful shade of red though. Also featured is the mother-lust relationship between Ivy and her plant minions. It's amusing if not weird.

The model sheet for Poison Ivy shows her wearing an Arkham issued prison top. I'm assuming Ivy goes through some type of transformation from flesh-toned human to green-skinned villain. Perhaps the shirt too! There is also mention that her eyes are to cry "green tears" when she uses her powers. A new and startling detail.

Diane Pershing returns as the voice of Poison Ivy -- wonderful! The slated release date for Batman: Arkham Asylum is August 25, 2009.

Update: Whoops! The voice actress from this game sounded so much like Diane Pershing I confused the two. The actress is actually Tasia Valenza.

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Tonner Doll Company : Poison Ivy

The Tonner Doll Company partnered with DC Comics to produce a series of dolls based on many of their famous comic book characters. In 2007 we saw the release of the DC Stars line; Poison Ivy was included in the collection.

I must say, these dolls are quite fabulous. Standing at a towering 16" they make quite a statement. The larger size allows for better made costumes and accessories. You see those green strapped boots? (Look left) They have actual working zippers going up the back seams. It's those types of details and craftsmanship that have made the Tonner dolls highly sought after by hobbyists.

And now for a bit of (my) history. I worked at F.A.O. Schwarz for a number of years; both in Denver and Seattle. My specialties were action figures and dolls. I preferred working in the doll boutique; the items and collectors were equally fascinating. It saddens me to realize that both of those locations are now closed; however, the New York and Las Vegas stores remain in business.

We sold a number of collectable fashion dolls; namely Mattel's Barbie brand. But there were two other dolls gaining in popularity. The first being Ashton Drake's "Gene" dolls (now produced by Integrity Toys). The second was Tonner's "Tyler Wentworth" collection. A few key similarities brought collectors to these lines. Both fashion dolls were unconventional in size, they were given "scripted lives", and the exquisite fashions. Needless to say I'm thrilled that the Tonner Doll Company has branched out into trademarked properties because the DC Stars collection is a hit.

On to Poison Ivy; from the offical site:

As a prime nemesis to BATMAN™ and BATGIRL™, toxic beauty POISON IVY™ joins the DC STARS™ TONNER CHARACTER FIGURES™ Collection as the first super villain based on DC COMICS™. She is dressed in a leaf-printed bodysuit with tights and cross-lace motif zip up boots. Her costume is wildly trimmed in ivy leaves and greenery. POISON IVY™ is app. 16” tall and she is crafted of fine vinyl and PVC plastic. She is fully poseable with 13 points of articulated movement, and she features high-end detail touches such as rooted saran hair and hand-painted face detail.; includes display stand.

It's a lovely interpretation of the classic Poison Ivy costume and a beautiful doll. That shade of red hair is gorgeous. As usual, the face paint/makeup is well done. I love the miniaturized accessories (those tiny leaves!); from the prickly feather-like boa to the ivy leaf belt. The boots are also nice. I would say the only thing a bit off here is the leotard. By that I mean the print; it's a bit too whimsical for me. Otherwise, it's a great effort and I will be adding this doll to my collection when I have the funds.

Be sure to check out Tonner's other Poison Ivy creations (of which there are many). The deluxe model is beyond fierce.

Credit for the face close-up photo goes to "Plastic and Plush".

*UPDATE: It has recently come to my attention that the leotard print in the promotional photo has been changed to something more flattering to this costume. Jolly good!

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