Roots of the Swamp Thing

Giveaway Results!

Published on November 7, 2022 by Roots of the Swamp Thing1 Comment

Congratulations to Danilo Melo! Danilo was randomly selected from the giveaway post comments to win this fun batch of Swamp Thing collectibles.

Thank you so much for everyone’s participation, it’s always fun to hear from fellow Swamp Thing fans. I had fun reading through all of your comments. Giveaways like this always remind me to reread Swamp Thing storylines that I’ve not read in a while. Below is Danilo’s response to the giveaway question, “Besides Swamp Thing, who is your favorite character to have appeared in a Swamp Thing Book, TV Show or Movie?”

As always, thank you for visiting rootsoftheswampthing.com. If you or someone you know would like to contribute to the upcoming Holland Files #7, please contact me at hollandfileszine@gmail.com. The book goes to press in December so be sure to reach out to get your work submitted in time. Thank you all for your support and sharing in the love of Swamp Thing. – John

Swamp Thing Halloweeny Giveaway

Published on October 28, 2022 by Roots of the Swamp Thing62 Comments

It’s been a while since I’ve had a Swamp Thing Giveaway and Halloween is the holiday for treats, so I’m giving 1 person all this fun Swamp Thing stuff! All you have to do is answer the following question in the comment section at the bottom of this post.

Question: Besides Swamp Thing, who is your favorite character to have appeared in a Swamp Thing Book, TV Show or Movie?
Mine is Chester Williams, my favorite red-headed hippy. Provide your answers in the comment section at the bottom of this post to enter to win.

A winner will be chosen at random from the list of comments, below. The winner will be announced here on rootsoftheswampthing.com as well as the ROTST Instagram page on November 7th. Below is a list of items that are included in the giveaway. Good luck to all and thank you for stopping by.

1 Dick Durock Autograph

1 copy of Swamp Thing New Roots Trade Paperback (2020) – Collects Swamp Thing Giant Direct Market Edition #1-4, Swamp Thing Giant (Wal-Mart Edition) #5, Swamp Thing: New Roots #6 & Swamp Thing: New Roots #9.

1 copy of Swamp Thing Becoming Trade Paperback (2021) – Collects Future State: Swamp Thing #1-2 & Swamp Thing #1-4

1 Sheet of uncut Indonesian Swamp Thing trading cards

1 copy of Holland Files #1 (2017)

1 American Cartoon Hero #093 – Swamp Thing Trading Card

1 Spyfall, DC Card Game The Swamp – Environment Trading Card (2018)

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Absolute Underground #108

Published on October 22, 2022 by Roots of the Swamp ThingLeave a comment

Absolute Underground’s 100-page Halloween special is now available and Swamp Thing is on the cover! To make the monster-sized issue even more Swamptastic, it features an interview with me by fellow Swamp Thing fanatic, Ira Hunter. Ira has contributed to most (if not all) issues of Holland Files, and I was extremely proud to be involved in his awesome book.

The cover was illustrated by Tom Bagley, of Forbidden Dimensions.

For those not familiar, Absolute Underground has been supporting the underground music scene since 2004. Each issue extensively covers: events, bands, new albums, artists, art shows, skateboard events, horror movies, burlesque shows, DVD reviews, zombie walks, tattoo artists, tattoo shops, music festivals, comic festivals and more. Absolute Underground is published six times per year and distributes 10,000 free magazines in Victoria & Vancouver Island, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Seattle, as well as other parts of Canada and United States. Magazines are distributed in record stores, skate shops, tattoo studios, hair salons, head shops, comic book stores, video outlets, clothing stores, bars, book stores, surf shops, colleges, universities, restaurants, coffee shops and more.

Below is a low-res photo of my interview with Ira.

Below are a couple of questions from the interview. To read the whole interview visit Absolute Underground to download your free copy of this awesome Halloween special.

Alan Quah’s Hidden Swamp Thing

Published on October 15, 2022November 7, 2022 by Roots of the Swamp ThingLeave a comment

Dark Knights of Steel #1 – Alan Quah Midtown Comics Variant Cover

One of the smallest Swamp Thing appearances of 2021 almost escaped me. A fellow Swamp Thing fan on Instagram let me know that in November of 2021, Swamp Thing made his way onto this medieval, star studded cover by Alan Quah. I haven’t read the Dark Knights of Steel series yet, but I’m looking forward to.

This exclusive variant cover was produced by Midtown Comics. The collage of DC characters by Quah features more characters than I care to count. You’ll no doubt find your favorite DC character amongst the crowd. Swamp Thing is hard to spot, but he can be found above Wonder Woman, close to the book’s spine. Below is a detail.

Below is a detail from the back cover.

More Swamp Thing Style From ‘91

Published on October 10, 2022October 28, 2022 by Roots of the Swamp ThingLeave a comment

Another great Swamp Thing outfit was spotted on eBay and I couldn’t resist getting it. The shirt & shorts set from 1991 is a glorious addition to my ever-growing collection of Swampy clothing from the animated series era. Fun and varied merchandise was produced for the short lived, 5 episode Swamp Thing cartoon. But, a lot of the merchandise (except perhaps the action figure line) wasn’t highly sought after and wound up in store bargain bins. I was relieved to see that this set was in great shape, and it doesn’t look like it was worn much.

You may recognize the artwork on the shirt from the LCA stye guide, along with other apparel items I’ve shared in the past.

The artwork on the shorts made me laugh. Swamp Thing doesn’t appear to be happy on shorts.

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Spin Master Swamp Thing Arrived

Published on October 7, 2022October 22, 2022 by Roots of the Swamp Thing1 Comment

Last week the latest Swamp Thing toy figure from Spin Master arrived in the mail. It’s an interesting take on Swampy, looking similar to Doomsday. Like most Swamp Thing kids toys, he comes with a weapon. The toy set is called, Batman vs Swamp Thing – Armory Attack Batcycle. I’m not sure what the narrative is at Spin Master toys but it reminds me of the days when Swampy and Batman would go toe-to-toe in Gotham.

The back of the box features quite the showdown between the two characters.

I’ve not seen this particular Spin Master set in stores near me so I found one online. I hope you have been luck at your local stores.

Swamp Thing’s Sticker & The South

Published on July 31, 2022October 15, 2022 by Roots of the Swamp ThingLeave a comment

It’s been over a month since I’ve posted because life has been busy in the best way possible. I started a new job-which keeps me very busy-and our son turned one in July. His endless curiosity paired with a passion for tearing and tasting paper makes it difficult to read physical comics around him. But, I’m still keeping up with my favorites and have also been enjoying, Comics and the U.S. South by Qiana J. Whitted and Brannon Costello. More on that anthology after this cool illustration by John Gholson!

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You probably recognizeJohn Gholson’s name from Holland Files. He has contributed to every issue. He is a huge Swamp Thing fan and is extremely talented. Earlier this week, John tagged me on Twitter with this illustration. I’m so grateful and touched by his words.

As if this week couldn’t get more Swamptastic, a Swamp Thing sticker arrived in the mail yesterday.

2D8A5107-D3A0-4DC0-866A-358209C1E1B1 The 4” x 5” sticker was released in the early 90s, in conjunction with the short lived Swamp Thing animated series. I’m assuming the stickers would have been available in sticker vending machines. I was fan of the quarter slot sticker dispensers when I was a kid in the 80s. I loved the thick cardboard that sandwiched the sticker.

Another Swamp Thing related book that I’ve been enjoying lately is, Comics and the U.S. South (2012) by Qiana J. Whitted and Brannon Costello. Comics and the U.S. South provides an insightful exploration into how life and culture in the South is represented in comics. The book is filled with scholarly essays that are beautifully crafted. Whitted and Costello wield a vocabulary that sent me thumbing through the dictionary a couple times-which I find exciting.

Continue reading “Swamp Thing’s Sticker & The South” →

My Jason Woodrue Chronology – Looking for Appearances

Published on June 19, 2022October 10, 2022 by Roots of the Swamp Thing2 Comments

I’m writing an essay for the next issue of Holland Files. It explores Jason Woodrue’s history in relation to Alec Holland/Swamp Thing. My essay primarily focuses on how Woodrue could have effected Holland becoming Swamp Thing.

I tell you all that to tell you this: I’m sharing my Woodrue chronology (that goes to 2017) below. I’m hoping that other Floronic Man fans will notice an appearance that I’ve missed and I can add it to my reading list. I’ve been rereading every Woodrue appearance to document in my essay, and I want to be sure I cover all my bases. Note: My essay focuses on Woodrue up to the late 80s (after Alan Moore’s redefined Swamp Thing). This is why I’ve stopped my Woodrue chronology at 2017… laziness. Enjoy, and thank you -John

The following list of appearances includes Jason Woodrue of New Earth & Earth Prime July 1962 – March 2017

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Exclusive Photos: Spin Master Swamp Thing Figure

Published on June 17, 2022October 7, 2022 by Roots of the Swamp ThingLeave a comment

Exclusive photos came my way earlier this week from a super-secret Swamp Thing corespondent and I’m excited to share them with you. Toyline, Spin Master is releasing a Swamp Thing figure in the future and the photos below will give you an idea of what it will look like.

Unfortunately, I’m not aware of a release date. It’s also unclear if the Swamp Thing figure will be available alone, or exclusively within the Batman Armory Attack Batcycle box set.

I’m not familiar with the Spin Master Universe, but Batman and Swamp Thing must not be friends. I thought the two hashed things out-for the most part-in Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing #53.

Swamp Thing appears to be wielding an axe.

The Sophisticated Moves Into Mature Territory in ’86, Letters From Kahn

Published on June 4, 2022July 31, 2022 by Roots of the Swamp ThingLeave a comment

A couple weeks ago, Stan Chu (a fellow collector from Toronto, Canada) contacted me to share some amazing letters that he’d found at his local comic shop. The first letter, intended for DC Comics freelancers, was written by-then President of DC-Jenette Kahn in1986. Amongst other things, her letter discusses the transition from the “Sophisticated Suspense” label on the Swamp Thing series to the introduction of the “For Mature Readers” label. Check it out below, and thanks again Stan!

DC Comics – Letter to Freelancers

Page 1 of Letter to Freelancers by Jenette Kahn – DC President and Publisher

Below, Kahn mentions Swamp Thing! After all, the wild success and craftsmanship put into the Swamp Thing series helped DC to distance themselves from the Comic Code. “Almost anything in a comic book is acceptable if appropriate to the characters, the storyline and the way the story is told.”

Page 2 of Letter to Freelancers by Jenette Kahn – DC President and Publisher

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Beautiful Brian Bolland Art Book

Published on May 24, 2022June 19, 2022 by Roots of the Swamp ThingLeave a comment

Cover Story: The DC Comics Art of Brian Bolland (2011)

I’ve had this book on my ‘want list’ for a while and I finally picked it up while traveling through Omaha, Nebraska last week. I took the family to the Omaha zoo, but not without a stop at Krypton Comics. The store is covered, wall-to-wall, with awesome books, collectibles and games. I bought a couple Swamp Thing series 1 books as well, to be sure our muck-encrusted friend was represented.

The title page is a Bolland illustration that features some the more notable characters he has worked on. Naturally, Swamp Thing made the cut.

Below is a detail from the title page.

If you pick up a copy of this beautiful hardcover book, be sure to take off the dust jacket for these two amazing black and white reproductions.

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Summer of 79, A Comics Journal Interview with Len Wein

Published on May 1, 2022June 17, 2022 by Roots of the Swamp ThingLeave a comment

Comics Journal #48 – Summer 1979

Last week, artist and fellow Swamp Thing fanatic, Jeff Gauntt let me know of a Swamp Thing sighting within Comics Journal magazine. Swamp Thing and a thorough interview with Len Wein can be found within this Super Summer Special!

“Interview with Len Wein, DC’s newest editor and one of comics’ most prolific writers!”
The interview begins with a deep dive into how Len Wein got his foot in the door of the comics industry. As most of you know, Len had a close relationship with Marv Wolfman and the two finally broke through with the help of Joe Orlando in 1968. The first series that Len wrote was, Hot Wheels for Charlton Press. Alex Toth was the artist for the Hot Wheels series at the time. But, Neal Adams, Ric Estrada and Dick Giordano also contributed to the series.

Swamp Thing made his way into the background of the feature interview illustration. Newsome depicts Swampy looking exceptionally toothy and tired.

Wein worked on numerous titles in his early years in comics and was published by Charlton, Gold Key, Skywald, DC and other smaller publications. He worked on Star Trek for Gold Key and, with help from his friend Marv Wolfman, revived Phantom Stranger for DC.

Wein didn’t start writing Phantom Stranger, regularly, until about 10 issues in. And, Wolfman barely contributed to the series. But, Len mentions that he was eagerly waiting in the wings. Wein’s talent, hard work and making himself available, proved to pay off immensely for the writer and creator throughout his career.

On page 77 of the lengthy interview, Swamp Thing is finally brought up. I was surprised to read that Wolfman thought Wein was a better writer on Phantom Stranger

Swamp Thing appears again on page 78 of the book. The illustration is by Mitch O’Connell. The page also features insightful info regarding Wein & Wrightson’s creative process while making Swamp Thing.

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Swamp Thing’s Spring, So Far

Published on April 24, 2022June 4, 2022 by Roots of the Swamp Thing1 Comment

This Spring has been fun for Swamp Thing fans. The current, The Swamp Thing series reintroduced Tefé Holland in this month’s issue. And-as Im sure you’ve already heard-Perkins and Ram V’s series was extended to 16 issues. I greatly anticipate the delayed Swamp Thing Green Hell #2 (rescheduled to release May 17th), but having Tefé back in the title is helping me forget all about it. The Swamp Thing #11 is beautifully drawn. Below is the cover to this month’s issue #11.

Above: The Swamp Thing #11 covers – 2 variants

Speaking of the recent Swampy series: I received this beautiful Mike Perkins page last week. It’s page #9 from The Swamp Thing #9 (2022). And it features numerous instances of Swamp Thing.