We are super excited about DC's latest take on our favorite plant-loving redhead with a dark side in the upcoming graphic novel Poison Ivy: Thorns. The best part is, it was created by two very talented queer women: New York Times best-selling author Kody Keplinger (pictured above right) and award-winning artist Sara Kipin (above left).
Keplinger is best known for penning her best-selling young adult novel, The Duff, at age 17. The story was adapted into a major motion picture in 2015. Kipin (The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic) is a successful illustrator and storyboard artist who has worked with Marvel, Netflix, Cartoon Network, and Warner Bros.
Poison Ivy: Thorns follows Pamela Isley (a.k.a. Poison Ivy), an "unusual" girl who prefers to go unnoticed despite her natural beauty, brains, and mass of bright red hair. Pamela loves plants but doesn't trust people -- that is, until she meets cute goth girl Alice, who prompts her to start letting her guard down. But will the dark secrets that eventually come to light be too much for Pamela and her new friend to endure?
Keplinger discussed her creative process with The Advocateearlier this year, explaining that she wrote Thorns with her 15-year-old self in mind. "And an angsty gothic romance complete with creepy plants, a big spooky house, and two girls kissing definitely fits the bill," she said.
"I'm a huge fan of gothic literature; the aesthetic, the complex morality, the high drama," she added. "I wanted the story to feel romantic, but also eerie and moody."
Though Thorns officially releases Tuesday in honor of Pride Month, The Advocate got hold of some exclusive excerpts, shown below. Enjoy!
