The Demon #51 “Sons and Lovers” September 1994

Swamp Thing appears in a flashback in this Demon book. While Merlin (the not so magical magician) reminisces about the good ol’ days in Hell, a very small Swamp Thing can be seen. Merlin was a fly on the wall when Swampy, Deadman, Constantine, Spectre, Etrigan, Phantom Stranger, etc. battled the Great Darkness/Shadow in Swamp Thing #50 “The End” (July 1986).

In this Demon story arc, Etrigan is trying to bring his child into the Earthly plain and it could cause destruction for mankind. Merlin and Jason blood are heavily featured in this book and they discuss how to handle the situation. Jason Blood’s ex-girlfriend is expecting the child in six weeks. As you can imagine the plot certainly thickens. 

Merlin tells Jason Blood and Thing-That-Cannot-Die his perilous venture through Hell. The two think it’s hilarious that Merlin no longer has his powers.

Merlin references the grand showdown in hell involving Swamp Thing and his team (see Swamp Thing #50). If you’re familiar with Alan Moore’s “American Gothic” story arc you’re well aware of the fun involved with that story coming to a head in Hell.

I’ve enlarged and rotated the image of Swamp Thing, below. As you can see from the panel his appearance isn’t very big but he looks great.

I love the way Chris Alexander (penciler) and Rick Bryant (inker) depict Shadow’s arm within the book. I wonder if they inspired Nick Gazin’s Run The Jewels’ artwork (below). They’ve got great matching nails… wishful thinking.