Warning: Contains spoilers for "The Chthonian Dawn," which appears in DC Horror Gifts #3!
Poison Ivy has become one of DC's most beloved characters, but now his power is being challenged by a surprise Swamp Thing character. As far as plant-based characters go, Poison Ivy and Swamp Thing are opposite sides of the same coin: they're both committed to environmental justice. However, now, a former Swamp Thing lover took a dark turn DC Horror Gifts #3, threatening Poison Ivy's supremacy.
In the story “The Chthonian Dawn”, written and drawn by Francesco Francavilla and appearing in DC Horror Gifts #3, Batman is investigating a break-in and murders at a research laboratory. Scientists at the laboratory were looking for ways to speed up plant growth. The trail leads Batman to Abigail Arcane, the ex-wife of Swamp Thing Alec Holland. Abigail tells Batman that he is now serving a new god, called “Asintman,” who seeks to assimilate all life into him.
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 Arcana? Swamp Thing's former lover explained
Abigail and Swamp Thing's relationship had its ups and downs Although "The Chthonian Dawn" isn't set in DC's main continuity, it still presents a chilling look at a villain who took Poison Ivy's environmental philosophies to the extreme.
Although "The Chthonian Dawn" isn't set in DC's main continuity, it still presents a chilling look at a villain who took Poison Ivy's environmental philosophies to the extreme. However, It wasn't always this way, as Abigail Arcane was one of Swamp Thing's most loyal allies. She first appeared in 1973 Swamp Thing #3, created by Len Wein and Berni Wrightson, who also created Swamp Thing. His uncle, Anton Arcane, is one of Swamp Thing's greatest enemies. Abigail challenged him to be with Swamp Thing, with whom she had a son.
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 been a shock, it was a while in the making. Although Abigail and Swamp Thing enjoyed years of happiness together, the relationship turned sour. The pull of family was too great for Abigail. His uncle, in addition to being an evil scientist, was an avatar of the Rot, a force of decay that opposed Green and Red. Over time, this role was passed on to Abigail. Unfortunately, because she was part of the Rot, she was unable to continue her relationship with Swamp Thing, and they broke up.
THE Fans of Abigail's Arcane variant find themselves in "The Chthonian Dawn" is a fascinating glimpse of what may lie ahead for her. Although the story's Abigail no longer seems involved with the Rot, her new philosophies (and boss) are aligned with her uncle's more diabolical plans. The Arcana family's legacy is one of evil, betrayal, and death, and the Abigail Arcane of “The Chthonian Dawn” exemplifies each of these traits. She turned her back on Swamp Thing and abandoned 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 Overcame Poison Ivy
It's only fitting that Abigail Arcane surpasses Poison Ivy as DC's top plant villain, as the two share a connection. Abigail met Alec Holland when she was young, developing a student crush that would eventually turn into marriage. After his time with young Abigail, Alec would enter college and graduate school, where his main advisor was Doctor Jason Woodrue, who would 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.
AND Abigail 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 ensures victory by any means necessary. Abigail feels the same, but goes a step further by openly renouncing her ex-lover Swamp Thing and casting his lot with Asinthmah. Poison Ivy the moral code is hers, but she would not join forces with such a dark force. Abigail Arcane, however, had no such problems.
DC Horror Gifts #3 is on sale now from DC Comics!