It’s that time of year again! Another issue of Holland Files is nearly complete and I’m taking pre-orders. If you’d like to secure your copy, email me at HollandFilesZine@gmail.com. Books are $10 with free shipping… More
Archie & Predator in the House of Secrets
Two fantastic books were released recently and I’ve been waiting on the Archie book to arrive in the mail before sharing them. House of Secrets 92, the book that started it all for our favorite character, Swamp Thing is represented through parody and reproduction!
House of Secrets Facsimile Edition – 2019
It’s wonderful to see House of Secrets 92 (1971) reprinted once again. The book is excellent exposure for Swamp Thing and for fans to finally get their hands on a copy… without the hefty price tag of an original. Len Wein & Bernie Wrightson’s masterpiece lives on in this fresh release. The book was in stores August, 28 and I’d guess they’re readily available at most local comic shops.
The reproduction includes ads and all. I suppose it should be noted that the five stories within (“Snipe Hunt”, “Swamp Thing”, “After I Die”, “It’s Better to Give” and “Trick or Treat”) have been recolored.
The back cover
Archie vs Predator II – 2019 (Marco D’Alfonso cover)
As soon as I saw this book last month, I had to have it. Although limited to a print run of 300 copies, it was easy to obtain on-where else but-eBay. There’s also a virgin version of this variant cover, also limited to 300 copies.
Marco D’Alfonso crafted this amazing homage to the cover of Swampy’s first appearance. This whimsical take on HOS 92 includes the same subtle textures Bernie Wrightson used on the original; note the items in the foreground, on the vanity.
I’ve not read an Archie comic since Afterlife with Archie began (2013) so I’ve got some catching up to do but the setup of this first issue is fun and dark.
A fella named Dilton purchased a mask off of eBay. What he’d hoped to be a costume for dance night becomes a beacon… for Predators.
I got a kick out of seeing Predators messing with Opportunity, the Mars Exploration Rover.
And with the original
DC Computer Mat With a Little Bit of Swampy
DC Year of the Villain “Who are the infected?” Promotional Computer Mat (2019)
Good friend and purveyor/guru of comics, John Nordstrom stopped by the house last night with this wonderful surprise! The promotional mat was included in comic shop orders this week. I’m not sure if all retailers received this cool promo mat but I’m thrilled to share it with you. Oh, and it features Swamp Thing!
The mouse pad-like mat measures 11×17, while Swamp Thing’s appearances on the mat is the size of a penny. Regardless of how big or small, it’s always a thrill to come across a Swamp Thing sighting.
Harley Quinn 64
Harley Quinn 64 (2019)
Even though Swamp Thing and the Justice League Dark are busy battling forces of evil in their own title, they’ve found time to make an appearance in the new Harley Quinn 64.
The quirky and beautifully written story focuses on Harley Quinn reading to her mother who is in intensive care, battling cancer. In the imaginative story, Harley eludes Lex Luthor as he tries to convince her to join his villainous cause. Unfortunately, Lex has an offer Harley can’t refuse.
Lex is wrapped up in his Year of the Villain mission. In keeping her distance, Harley jumps from story to story, trying to focus on reading to her sick mother. While story jumping, Harley pops-in on The Justice League Dark who are in the midst of their own adventure.
While visiting Rocky Point Beach, Swamp Thing and the JLD investigate the case of Captain Cutler’s Ghost! The team is depicted as various members of the Scooby-Doo crew. This parody provides a fun connection to when we found out that Shaggy was Chester Williams’ nephew.
It’s a brief, zany, one-page cameo for the JLD.
Zatanna plays the part of Daphne, Wonder Woman is Velma, Man-Bat is Fred, Detective Chimp plays the part of Scooby, and Swamp Thing is Shaggy.
I’m excited to see how this plot turns out for Harley in future issues. The subject matter and what’s at stake for Harley and her mother is quite intriguing.
Poison Ivy fans will be excited to hear that Ivy make an appearance in this issue as well!
SDCC Exclusive Swamp Thing Poster
2019 SDCC Exclusive Swamp Thing Poster
Fellow Swamp Thing fanatic, Erica attended San Diego Comic Con last week and sent me one of the treasures she acquired! I’m so grateful for Erica’s generosity and to add the poster to my collection! Artwork by Cliff Cramp
The poster measures 18” x 24” and is printed on thick, quality paper. Along with the SDCC Swamp Thing bag, the poster promotes the current Swamp Thing show available on the DC Universe streaming platform.
Pixel Elixir‘s Return of Swamp Thing Collection
Pixel Elixir‘s Return of Swamp Thing Collection is out now and if you’re one of the first 50 customers, you get this limited print signed by TROST director, Jim Wynorski!
A few months ago, Pixel Elixir asked me to send them ideas for pins relating to The Return of Swamp Thing film. I provided a laundry list of fun scenes and characters from the film that I thought would make for fun enamel pins. They decided upon the classic Swamp Thing scene where he gives the kids a thumbs-up. I’m extremely proud that they asked for my thoughts and am even more excited to have received the pin and print last week.
Back of card
Visit Pixel Elixir to get the goods!
2019 SDCC Swamp Thing Tote
2019 SDCC Exclusive Swamp Thing Tote/Backpack
San Diego Comic Con was last week and and I was fortunate enough to obtain a couple exclusive Swamp Thing items. This large bag measures 19″ x 23″ x 4.5″. I can only imagine the amount of awesome loot you could fill this with. The front of the bag features Swamp Thing, promoting the current tv series on the DC Universe streaming service.
Front of tote/backpack
Detail
The back of the tote/backpack features a 2019 SDCC graphic with Warner Bros straps. Next week, I’ll be posting the 2019 SDCC Swamp Thing poster.
Wild Animals 1 (1982)
Wild Animals 1 (1982)
I stumbled upon this book a few years ago and was pleasantly surprised to find a Swamp Thing parody within it. It’s also interesting that the illustration that features the Swamp Thing parody was originally printed in The Buyer’s Guide for Comic Fandom #184 in May, 27 1977.
Clark the Collector is celebrating the popularity of Funny Animal books when he hears a No-Luck Duck sobbing. When asked why he is crying, the duck goes on to tell them about his failed career in comics. One of those failed attempts was Barnyard Bog!
Based on No-Luck Duck’s account, “Barnyard Bog lasted 5 issues before cancellation” and it is not spoken of again within the Clark the Collector and the No-Luck Duck comic strip.
