Warning: contains spoilers for “The Chthonian Dawn,” appearing inDC Horror Presents#3!
Poison Ivyhas become one of DC’s best-loved characters, but now her power is being challenged by a surpriseSwamp Thingcharacter. As far as plant-based characters go, Poison Ivy and Swamp Thing are opposite sides of the same coin: both are committed to environmental justice. Yet now,an ex-lover of Swamp Thing has taken a dark turn inDC Horror Presents#3, threatening Poison Ivy’s supremacy.
In the story “The Chthonian Dawn,” written and drawn by Francesco Francavilla and appearing inDC Horror Presents#3, Batman is investigating a break-in and murders at a research lab. The scientists in the lab were seeking ways to accelerate plant growth. The trail leads Batman to Abigail Arcane, the ex-wife of Swamp Thing Alec Holland.Abigail tells Batman she is serving a new god now, named “Asintman,” who seeks to assimilate all life into it.
Abigail believes this is the only way to save Earth, citing Swamp Thing’s failure to do so as one of her motivators.
Who is Abigail Arcane? Swamp Thing’s One-Time Lover Explained
While “The Chthonian Dawn” is not set in mainline DC continuity, it still presents a chilling vision of a villain who has taken Poison Ivy’s environmental-tinged philosophies to the extreme.
While “The Chthonian Dawn” is not set in mainline DC continuity, it still presents a chilling vision of a villain who has taken Poison Ivy’s environmental-tinged philosophies to the extreme. However,it was not always this way, as Abigail Arcane was one of Swamp Thing’s staunchest allies.She first appeared in 1973’sSwamp Thing#3, created by Len Wein and Berni Wrightson, who also created Swamp Thing. Her uncle, Anton Arcane, is one of Swamp Thing’s greatest foes. Abigail defied him to be with Swamp Thing, with whom she eventually had a child.
Abigail was able to conceive a child with Swamp Thing thanks in part to John Constantine.
While Abigail Arcane’s turn to the dark side may have come as a shock, it was a while in coming. While Abigail and Swamp Thing enjoyed years of bliss together, the relationship soured. The pull of family was too great for Abigail. Her uncle, in addition to being an evil scientist, was an avatar of the Rot, a force of decay standing in opposition to the Green and Red. In time, this role was passed down to Abigail. Unfortunately, owing to being part of the Rot, she was unable to continue herrelationship with Swamp Thing,and they parted ways.
Poison Ivy Debuts a Totally Different Costume Perfect for a Swamp Thing Team-Up
Poison Ivy’s new costume is perfect for her upcoming team-up with Swamp Thing, which will take them on an adventure into the homicidal wilderness.
TheAbigail Arcane variant fans meet in “The Chthonian Dawn” is a fascinating glimpse into what might lie ahead for her.While the Abigail of the story does not seem to be involved with the Rot any longer, her new philosophies (and boss) are in line with her uncle’s most fiendish plans. The legacy of the Arcane family is one of evil, treachery and death, and the Abigail Arcane of “The Chthonian Dawn” exemplifies every one of those traits. She has turned her back on Swamp Thing, and forsaken her humanity, aligning herself with a new source of power.
Poison Ivy is Connected to Abigail Arcane Whether She Knows It or Not
Abigail Arcane Has Outdone Poison Ivy
It is only fitting that Abigail Arcane would overtake Poison Ivy as DC’s premiere plant-based villain, as the two share a connection. Abigail met Alec Holland when she was young, developing a school-girl crush that would eventually blossom into marriage. After his time with the young Abigail, Alec would enter college and grad school, where his primary advisor was Doctor Jason Woodrue, who would go on to become the Floronic Man. Alec’s cohort was a Who’s Who of future plant-based characters, such as Bella Garten, who would become the Gardener, as well as Pamela Isley, the future Poison Ivy.
AndAbigail Arcane has thrown herself into a niche once occupied by Poison Ivy.Long labeled an “eco-terrorist,” Poison Ivy has waged a crusade against those who would destroy the planet.Poison Ivy is morally gray, and her tactics can be brutal as she assures victory by any means necessary. Abigail feels the same way, but goes a step further by openly renouncing her ex-loverSwamp Thingand throwing her lot in with Asinthmah.Poison Ivy’smoral code is her own, but she would not join forces with such a dark force. Abigail Arcane, however, had no such hang-ups.
