Poison Ivy: Thornes was a gothic delight. This DC YA graphic novel follows Pamela Isley an environmentalist teen with a nack for revenge. After an eco-disaster leaves parts of her town deathly ill one of Pamela’s classmates, Alice moves into the Isley mansion. But the Isleys have secrets they need to keep hidden and Pamela is charged by her father to make sure none of them get out.

I instantly fell in love with Poison Ivy: Thornes’ gothic aesthetic. Sara Kipin’s art captures the atmosphere of the story brilliantly. The desaturated earthy colour palate whose vibrancy increases exponentially anytime Pamela’s surrounded by nature was fantastic. The character and scenic design had an understated creep factor I loved.

The gothic tropes played within the graphic novel were charming. From creepy Victorian mansions to mad scientists and ~something~ in the attic, Kody Keplinger utilized these familiar tropes well throughout. While I don’t think the mystery will blindside anyone it works perfectly for the story. The themes of vengeance and tragedy were suitably cathartic.

Pamela was a well-rendered character. I find YA often fails to write believably morally grey protagonists but Keplinger works with the gothic tropes to make Pamela’s journey interesting and narratively satisfying. All her emotions from rage to sorrow felt authentic and motivated her decisions in interesting ways. Not to mention her lovely tender romance with Alice. The story captured an angst, tension, and sweetness to their relationship that I loved.

Poison Ivy: Thornes was a great version of the story it wanted to tell. It was a perfect atmospheric gothic tale for the fall season.