Swamp Thing 32 (1986) “Pog” After the intensity of the Swamp Thing Annual #2, Moore and the story-arc tapped the breaks for a couple issues (ST 32 & 33). It’s been said that Bissette and… More
Swamp Thing sneaking into the covers
Comics Journal 115 (1987)
Thanks to friend and fellow Swamp Thing fan Rene, I was able to track down this great Swamp Thing appearance.
This issue of the Journal is stuffed with detailed info and insight into the infamous Fleisher v. Fantagraphics libel case, featuring Jim Shooter, Harlan Ellison, Gary Groth, Dean Mullaney and Joe Sacco.
I’m in it for the cover.
The jam-packed, star-studded, wraparound cover by the great Don Simpson includes Swamp Thing and Abigail! They’re apparently on scene for Shooter’s testimony.
Abigail looks concerned and tired.
Swamp Thing Annual 2
Swamp Thing Annual 2 (1987)
Down Amongst The Dead Men
The only thing in Swamp Thing’s life that is normal, steadfast or makes any sense is Abigail Cable. She’s evolved into the glue that helps hold together the humanity and the muck. In this Annual, Swamp Thing goes to hell and back to save her.
It was clear that Moore’s scope to develop the complexities of Swamp Thing was seemingly limitless. When I first read this book I remember being blown away by Swamp Thing’s ability to harness his powers and quickly understand his capabilities. It’s the complex, quickly moving continuity that I now judge other books by. Moore doesn’t linger on exposition. It’s full speed ahead…
When figuring out how to make his way down to hell, Swamp Thing doesn’t seem completely out of his element. The concept is wild but from the get go (issue 20), Moore established that things aren’t what they seem. Swamp Thing is no longer the physical make-up of Alec Holland and the Swamp Thing universe became much more complex. Moore made it very easy to buy into the new direction and suspend disbelief. When he involved Jason Blood/Demon, Phantom Stranger and Deadman, the characters held a sense of greater wisdom. They provided direction and aid for Swamp Thing but also held their cards close to their chest, acting as cryptic guidance. Paired with a character (Swamp Thing) that is quickly developing his seemingly endless abilities, the mythology feels established and Moore has only scratched the surface. A misunderstood good guy with the powers of a god, involved in something even greater than he, is pretty darn intriguing.
Continue reading “Swamp Thing Annual 2”
Swamp Thing Sweatshirt
Swamp Thing Sweatshirt – 1991
Just because it’s getting warmer outside doesn’t mean you need to put your cool clothes away!
This kid-sized Swampy sweatshirt features artwork that’s been used on other Swamp Thing apparel before. I found a t-shirt with the same fighting, Swampy and Dr Deemo-looking Un-Man a few years ago.
Unfortunately all of the ST apparel was produced in youth sizes. These would be really popular and fun to wear as an adult/for adults.
Underdog & The Mop-Thing!
Underdog 6 (1975)
“The Mop-Thing”
It took me a little while but I finally tracked down this fantastic Swamp Thing parody within Underdog 6.
One of a few stories within this comic is, “The Mop-Thing!”. The story tells the tale of the Swamp Thing-like muck monster with “hideous strength and horrifying stench”.
Underdog ventured down to the bayou for a vacation but instead gets a history lesson in Mop-Thing. Similar to Alec Holland’s fate, a “brilliant research scientist” meets his fate in the swamp, covered in his own ingenious “soda pop or fantastic new hair tonic”.
The swamp monster ends up making his way into town and after a little confusion, he lands a deal with a movie agent!
Swamp Thing VHS
I recently came across this great Swamp Thing VHS from 1983 and I can’t wait to take it for a spin. The original, unedited version of the film can be tough to come by for a reasonable price and I’m thrilled to add this version of the VHS to my collection. I snapped some pictures, below.
Front of case
Back of case
Cassette
Spine of case and cassette
Swamp Thing is in a heap of monsters
A.C.B.A. Sketchbook 1973
the A.C.B.A. Sketchbook is a 36 page art portfolio, published by the Academy of Comic Book Artists. It features prints by some of the greatest artists in comics.
Cover interior
The portfolio was edited by Neal Adams, Doug Murray, and the rest of the Academy to promote the work of Academy members.
I’ve been looking for the 1973 A.C.B.A. Sketchbook for a number of years and finally stumbled upon the portfolio last week. I’d heard of a Swamp Thing sketch within but wasn’t certain. After finding the portfolio, I’m happy to report that Jim Starlin created an awesome Swamp Thing illustration… with room for a pig-pile of sorts.
Within the monster pile is, Man-Thing, Swamp Thing, Beast, Thing and Hulk.
Along with this sketch, the ACBA Sketchbook is filled with art by premiere artists. I’ve selected some of my favorites (below) but my selections don’t do the portfolio justice. This 25 page collection is truly stunning. The portfolio includes work by, Neal Adams, Sergio Aragones, Bob Brown, Frank Brunner, Sal Buscema, Howard Chaykin, Dave Cockrum, Gene Colan, Reed Crandall, Frank Frazetta, Stan Goldberg, Billy Graham, Harper, Larry Ive, Michael Kaluta, Alan Kupperberg, S. Lentin, Al Milgrom, Gray Morrow, Don Perlin, John Romita, Mike Royer, Syd Shores, Joe Sinnott, Jim Starlin, Jim Steranko, Stillwell, Tony Tallarico, Herb Trimpe, Wallace Wood, and more.
Continue reading “Swamp Thing is in a heap of monsters”
Superman 45 & a little bit of Swamp Thing
Superman 45 (2018)
“Boyzarro Re-Death”
Technically, a little bit of Swamp Thing makes its way into this book.
The Kents are moving out of Hamilton, with Patrick Gleason and Peter J Tomasi making the event special, filling the book with tender moments and life lessons. You’ll probably recall, Gleason and Tomasi crafted the amazing Superman Annual 1 that starred Swamp Thing, released at the tail end of 2016. Well, this issue (Supes 45) ties into the annual, and we find out what became of the gift Swamp Thing gave to Superman.
I should have mentioned that the Swamp Thing appearance in this book is small; about the size of a houseplant.
As the Kents finish their packing and prepare boxes for the moving company, Lois notices an item has been overlooked.
Continue reading “Superman 45 & a little bit of Swamp Thing”
