My local comic shop, Rainbow Comics, Cards and Collectibles had comics vet, Doug Mahnke stop in the store for a book signing. Unfortunately I was not able to attend but my friend-–and Rainbow Comics manager–John… More
Starlog 48 – Casting ‘81 Swamp Thing
Starlog 48 (1981)
As you know, I love Swamp Thing articles and ads, big and small alike. This instance being the latter, Starlog Magazine delivers another Swamp Thing mention. This time, a brief statement regarding the feature film from 1981.
Across the science-fiction universe and deep within the Star-Studded Notes portion of the magazine, Swamp Thing producers Avco Embassy make a key casting announcement.
The Phil Hester Test Pages
This weekend I had the opportunity to catch-up with artist/writer, Phil Hester at the 3rd annual SiouxperCon. Last month, Phil mentioned finding some old Swamp Thing pages (circa 1994) that he’d created for DC Comics in trying to get the on-going Swamp Thing gig. I was chomping at the bit to see these DC test pages and perhaps purchase a few. I’m happy to say that I came home with four beautiful pages.
Friday night kicked things off. The wonderful folks of the Wednesday Comics Podcast held a live recording from the convention. I was fortunate enough to take part in the show that was comprised of a series of comic-themed games. I was on Hester’s team and thrilled to hear that we would be playing Pictionary.
The planets aligned; Phil was tasked with drawing Swamp Thing, I guessed it immediately for the point, and was lucky enough to take Phil’s Pictionary sketch home with me.
The following day, and excited beyond words, I met-up with Phil to get a look at his Swamp Thing test pages. I ended up purchasing 4 of the 7 pages. Below are the beautiful pieces that now hang on my walls. It’s an honor to have a piece of DC history as well as Phil’s artistic process from a time when he was still digging into the comic book industry. Thanks Phil!
Swamp Thing ran off and joined the pirates
Harley Quinn 50
Harley Quinn Destroys DC Continuity
Swamp Thing has been popping up in various titles lately but Harley Quinn’s “Extra-Sized Anniversary Issue”, 50 has been the zaniest of them all. Swampy appears two separate times within the book, drawn by John Timms and John McRea, respectively.
It’s all hands on deck as Harley’s mixed up in a continuity kerfuffle. The book, written by Sam Humphries, features 15 artists teamed-up to tell a topsy turvy tale rooted in fandom. Sam Humphries does a great job poking fun at the DC continuity issues of late. Oh, and Harley is out to find her mother as well.
Swamp Thing appears in the title page spread along with a slew of other DC characters, emerging from a melting pot of Elseworlds. John Timms draws a great Swampy!
Timms also does a killer Swamp Thing shoulder. Within one of the panels on the title page, Harley passes Swampy and I believe she may be calling him a “jerkweed”. We can only hope.
Later in the issue, Harley angrily stomps across the deck of a pirate ship. She comes upon a melee at sea as she fights her way through a backdrop of ever-changing Elseworlds/continuity shifts. Swamp Thing arrives on the scene to do battle! John McRea creates some great features, blending Swamp Thing with the pirate ship.
Pixel Elixer Pledge Pin
From Pixel Elixer and Lightyear Entertainment; the Return of Swamp Thing pin is here! This month, the enamel pin has been making its way into mailboxes everywhere. Get one while they last if you haven’t already. shop Pixel Elixer here
“This 2″ soft enamel pin comes with dual yellow rubber clutches, back logo stamp and comes bagged on a glossy, double-sided backer card.” -via Pixel Elixer
With the release of the Return of Swamp Thing soundtrack and dvd earlier this year, this pin adds to the excitement in celebrating the best comics character in all the land.
Backing card, sans pin
An All-time Swamp Thing Reunion via Scooby-Doo
Scooby-Doo Team-Up 40 (2018)
How’s Bayou?
It’s a team-up and reunion of epic proportions for Swamp Thing and his friends. Swampy fans will enjoy revisiting some old friends…
Sholly Fisch kicks the book off with a tip of the hat to Alan Moore and it is wonderful. The elaborate, poetic description works as a fun flashback for Swamp Thing fans, as if revisiting the era of issue 34. I was truly elated opening to the first page to see the writing style.
Fisch provides a number of glorious Swamp Thing moments in this book. He makes my year by creating a fun connection between the Swamp Thing and Scooby-Doo Universes. Below, Shaggy mentions that Chester Williams is his uncle. I nearly fell out of my chair in excitement; such a fun pairing between the two hippies. For those not familiar, Chester is an old friend of Swamp Thing and Abby, since he first appeared in Swamp Thing 43 (1985). He’s one of my favorite characters and am so happy to see him back, sharing pages with Swamp Thing.
Scooby and the crew are down in Louisiana looking to solve the mystery of rumored zombies within the swamp. They’re quickly alerted to a group of brainwashed workers held captive by a Voodoo Queen. It’s a typical, entertaining Scooby-Doo plot filled with numerous special guests. The Swamp Thing themed scenario is a walk down memory lane for fans of Alan Moore era Swampy.
The book has more twists than a pig’s tail. Eluding the zombies, Scooby and crew look for help from an old swamp friend but Solomon Grundy is on the scene as well. Continue reading “An All-time Swamp Thing Reunion via Scooby-Doo”
Swamp Thing and the SDCC
There were a number of notable Swamp Thing moments at San Diego Comic Con this year and I’m excited to share my findings. Although I didn’t attend, I was in touch with various folks that did and there were some fun sightings!
DC Comics Swamp Thing Experience
At SDCC, DC comics created an off-site event to promote its upcoming online streaming service and by all accounts, it wasn’t very informative. A mini maze, decorated to look like a swamp that included lush vegetation, props and cast members, acted as a fun teaser for the upcoming live-action Swamp Thing series. Below are some images sent to me by fellow Swamp Thing fan, Erica who was on location for the event.
The DC Experience provided some hype and excitement going forward into the launch of DC’s streaming service. It also put Swamp Thing into the limelight at one of the largest comics related conventions in the world. Doom Patrol, Teen Titans and Harley Quinn were also part of the DC experience. I’ve not seen any images from those specific attractions but look forward to more as images from the convention emerge.
Note: Yesterday, the website Geeks World Wide posted the following information relating to the Swamp Thing series. “production start is expected to begin on September 10th in Wilmington… Casting is well underway and we expect to start hearing announcements very soon.” click here to read more.
Although news has been slow to be released for a show that will be shooting in September, it will be extremely exciting to see developments as September approaches.
Injustice Swamp Thing Figure
Along with the DC Experience, a Swamp Thing collectible was unveiled at SDCC. Hiya Toys announced and displayed an Injustice Swamp Thing figure. Slated to be relaeased in the winter/spring of 2018/2019, the figure comes with a wooden club and additional hands. The 4″ action figure looks beautifully sculpted, and is an exciting new direction for Swamp Thing figures.
Continue reading “Swamp Thing and the SDCC”
Twixt Two Worlds 3
Twixt Two Worlds #3
Swamp Thing alum, Thomas Yeates released another installment of Twixt Two Worlds recently and I was excited to obtain a signed copy. The book features some of Yeates’ convention sketches commissioned by Dwayne Covey.
Swamp Thing kicks things off!
On the inside cover Swamp Thing does his best Clint’s Eastwood, looking contemplative and badass wearing this Spring’s freshest moss fashions.
Yeates and the convention sketch…
Yeates pays tribute to Bernie Wrightson, mentioning his great influence at an early stage in his artistic development. The image featured in the book inspired Thomas Yeates to work in a more bold/graphic manner in doing quick convention sketches.
Continue reading “Twixt Two Worlds 3”
