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by **LOLtron** » Mon Sep 12, 2011 4:26 pm

ZombieLovePony returns from the Phantom Zone with a copy of Swamp Thing #1! Is his most harrowing adventure behind him, or does he fall victim to the menacing world of responsibility once again?

Credits & Solicit Info:

Swamp Thing #1
Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Yanick Paquette
DC Comics
$2.99

Review:

"And you're right, I do feel lost at the moment, but the truth is right now, I just don't want to be found." - Alec Holland

Having been out of DC Continuity for an extended period of time, Swamp Thing was a character who was simply begging to be included in the New 52 Relaunch. With the ongoing climate change debate raging on in American Politics, coupled with the seemingly never-ending stories of natural disasters, it's only appropriate that a nature based superhuman comes back to the forefront of comics. However, as long time fans of Swamp Thing will point out, there are underlying layers in the past series; one steeped in mythology, horror, and humanity. If this reboot is to be successful, the creative team needs to honor the old stories, especially considering some of the previous talent on the title, like Len Wein and Alan Moore, but also bring the character into the 21st century and make him relatable to a modern audience.

For most of the book, writer Scott Snyder shows, rather than tells, the origin story of Swamp Thing, which is illustrated through intricately drawn and designed panels by artist Yanick Paquette. Both the talents on the book really pull out their A-game, and it shows. Snyder skillfully introduces Alec Holland by making him a very likable and sympathetic character, but also showing that he's not exactly the superhero type. A lot of elements of the Alan Moore story are referenced, but not overtly expressed to confuse any new readers, who may be experiencing this character, and his world for the first time, which Snyder handles sublimely. Also, his inclusion of the other DC heroes in the first few pages of the comic creates a bridge for new readers to access this lesser known hero, with the conversation with Superman especially connecting Alec Holland to the new DC Universe. There are also a lot of horror motifs sprinkled throughout the pages, expertly drawn by Paquette to set a tone and mood for this book. The reader can truly embrace the genre that Swamp Thing encompasses with the off setting imagery conveyed throughout the issue.

Overall, Swamp Thing hits all of its marks with finesse, with the writer and artist both giving this title their all. The only drawback is that for a reader who has followed Swamp Thing for an extended period of time, may become a bit bored by the reiterations of Swamp Things tropes, but this is a minor gripe, as the story and art both bring the character back into the spotlight he previously once had. This particular #1 is one of the strongest yet, and sets the stage for some really great potential stories in the future of the New 52.

Score: 9 out of 10.

Review by: zombielovepony

http://173.199.169.70/index.php/reviews/comics-reviews/15647-review-swamp-thing-1.html/

by **eltopo** » Mon Sep 12, 2011 4:28 pm

good review
I also really liked this book

by **BladerCT** » Mon Sep 12, 2011 9:35 pm

Review made me wanna pick this up.

by **Zenguru** » Tue Sep 13, 2011 3:08 am

Being a Swamp Thing fan, I picked this up. This is one of the best new books DC put out. People who loved Snyder's gut-chilling run on Detective will be curious to see where this book goes.