monition : contains spoilers forBatman Secret data file : The Gardener # 1

The human relationship betweenHarley QuinnandPoison Ivyhas become a delineate aspect of both fibre . Thanks to Poison Ivy , Harley has been capable to escape herabusive kinship with the Jokerand prosecute a heroic way of life . InBatman Secret file : The Gardener # 1 , on sale now in print and digital , readers learn that Ivy ’s interest in Harley may staunch from a similar relationship she was once in with one of DC ’s most minatory villains .

Although Harley Quinn is now a fixture in the DC Comics Universe , she actually originated in the classicBatman : The Animated Seriescartoon and it was there she first met Poison Ivy , in the sequence “ Harley and Ivy . ” When Harley move into the mainstream DC Universe , her friendly relationship with Ivy carried over . Poison Ivy understoodthe Joker manipulated Harley , taking advantage of her and rig her into a life of crime , but Ivy would aid Harley rise above it , and chance herself once again . The family relationship between the two has moved beyond bare friendly relationship , and the two have now become lover . Ivy ’s interest in Harley is genuine — she desires to see Harley move beyond the Joker . Yet inBatman Secret Files : The Gardener # 1 , one of Ivy ’s layers is peeled back , lead to a revelation that might explicate why she befriend Harley in the first place . The one - shot is publish by James Tynion IV , with art by Christian Ward and letters by Tom Napolitano .

Harley Quinn imagery

Related : Harley Quinn Can Barely Watch Poison Ivy Tangle With Vixen in New Cover

In recent month , a novel plant - establish role has appear in Gotham City , calling herself the Gardener .   As readers travel through the Gardener ’s yesteryear , they acquire how she is associate to Ivy — they went to grad school together . Also in their cohort were Alec Holland ( thefuture Swamp Thing ) and his married woman Linda , as well as their professor , Jason Woodrue , who would go on to become the evil Floronic Man . Woodrue was a charismatic professor who regaled his scholar with his wild possibility on plant life and evolution , and Poison Ivy was his most devout student . As the other grad student left , Poison Ivy persist behind , and the Gardener recounts how Woodrue take vantage of Ivy , using her not only for sex , but also as a guinea pig for his experiments — which ultimately gives Ivy her powers . However , Woodrue abandoned her and it would be years before they would meet again .

The Gardener ’s story casts a new light onHarley Quinn and Poison Ivy’srelationship . Ivy initially took interest group in Harley because Ivy saw so much of herself in Harley . Much like Harley , Ivy had once been manipulated and abused by a supervillain who predate upon her insecurity and naiveness . Ivy was able to escape from Woodrue ’s influence , although it left her marred for life . Ivy saw the good that was in Harley , and how the Joker had twist it , and remember her treatment by Woodrue , adjudicate that Harley was not become down the same route . As Harley and Ivy grew closer , not only was Harley able to heal , butPoison Ivy was as well , allowing her to finally shut the book on Jason Woodrue .

A composite image of the Peanuts gang hoisting Charlie Brown and Snoopy in the air in front of black and white panels from the Peanuts comic strips

Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn ’s kinship is one of the greatest in the DC Universe   andBatman Secret Files : The Gardnermakes an interesting Revelation of Saint John the Divine aboutPoison Ivy , one that explains why she is so interested inHarley Quinn .

Next : Poison Ivy Sweeps Harley Quinn Off Her Feet in romanticist New Cover

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Poison Ivy meets Harley Quinn for the first time

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