The Swamp Thing event went off without a hitch. Phil Hester was amazingly gracious; I could listen to him talk Swamp Thing all day. The review process took just over three hours and every item was checked off-from trades to chalk.

It was quite an operation and I was fortunate to be surrounded by friends for the process. I had two photographers, two videographers, three assistants, three official witnesses and my wonderful friends who kept the whole thing moving.

Each item in my collection had to be photo documented. If Swampy didn’t appear on the cover, I had to be sure to provide evidence that he indeed made an appearance, no matter how small.

I can’t say I’d want to do it again (paperwork, prep and coordination) but I had the time of my life. I started setting up at 2 in the afternoon, didn’t finish until 3:30 am, then returned at 6 am for final prep before the review process started. The two hours of sleep was worth it. Seeing my witnesses (Phil Hester, John Nordstrom and Andy Howes, who have a lifetime of comic knowledge) react to ST appearances they had never seen or heard of was extremely rewarding. It was a lot of fun having everything on display, as well. I had never seen everything displayed in one room so I was as excited as the guests.

My friend Dan graciously wore my ghillie suit (a ST mask is in the works). Guests loved him and we made sure Phil got a picture.

When Phil arrived, he surprised me with this fantastic Spanish printing of his run with Millar and Morrison. He told me, “I have something I know you do not have”. It was really exciting.

He shared some inside baseball on why the collected run wasn’t previously published. Amongst other things, cutting Abbie’s hair was a point of contention, creating a grudge.

While thumbing through the book I found one of Phil’s sketch cards, he said I could keep it.

He stuck around and did some killer sketches for some folks. I had him sign my chalk.

It has been a pretty great week. I have been writing thank you notes since the event. There are a lot of people that deserve a great deal of praise for their efforts and support. I truly could not have pulled off such a day without them. Also If you are reading this, thank you. It means so much to share my love of Swampy with other fans.

More Swamp stuff came in the mail this week!

The french trade, La Creature Du Marais No.3 “Le Combat des Demons” Aredit July 1982

a production slide from Swamp Thing the motion picture

I’ve come across some terrific production stills showing the cast having fun while on set but nothing like this. I’m not sure if Dick Durock is sporting Adrienne Barbeau’s wig or David Hess’s wig but it’s a good time none the less. Speaking of good times, google ‘David Hess’ and listen to some of the classic songs he wrote for legendary musicians like Elvis.

The Return of Swamp Thing in laser disc format

and DC Releases from June of ’84

The free preview zine features info on Swamp Thing #25

Until next time,
John