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!
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.
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.
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
The Atom Vol 1 1 – July 1962
The Atom Vol 1 24 – April 1966
Justice League of America Vol 1 61 – March 1968
Limited Collectors’ Edition Vol 1 C-41 – January 1976
The Flash Vol 1 245 – November 1976
The Flash Vol 1 246 – January 1977
Super-Team Family Vol 1 14 – January 1978
Cancelled Comic Cavalcade Vol 1 2 – September 1978
Secret Society of Super-Villains Vol 1 11 – December 1977
Secret Society of Super-Villains Vol 1 12 – January 1978
Secret Society of Super-Villains Vol 1 13 – March 1978
Secret Society of Super-Villains Vol 1 14 – May 1978
Secret Society of Super-Villains Vol 1 15 – July 1978
Justice League of America Vol 1 166 – May 1979
Justice League of America Vol 1 167 – June 1979
Justice League of America Vol 1 168 – July 1979
Justice League of America Vol 1 195 – October 1981
Justice League of America Vol 1 196 – November 1981
Justice League of America Vol 1 197 – December 1981
Swamp Thing Vol 2 21 – February 1984
Swamp Thing Vol 2 22 – March 1984
Swamp Thing Vol 2 23 – April 1984
Swamp Thing Vol 2 24 – May 1984
Swamp Thing Vol 2 30 – November 1984
The Best of DC Vol 1 61 – June 1985 (Reprints Swamp Thing #21 Anatomy Lesson)
Who’s Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe Vol 1 8 – October 1985
Crisis on Infinite Earths Vol 1 9 – December 1985
Swamp Thing Vol 2 52 – September 1986
Swamp Thing Vol 2 66 – November 1987
Doctor Fate Vol 1 2 – August 1987
Batman Vol 1 415 – January 1988
Infinity Inc. Vol 1 46 – January 1988
Detective Comics Vol 1 582 – January 1988
Millennium Vol 1 2 – January 1988
Batman: The New Adventures 415- January 1988
Millennium Vol 1 3 – January 1988
Millennium Vol 1 4 – January 1988
Secret Origins Vol 2 23 – February 1988
Millennium Vol 1 5 – February 1988
Justice League International 10- February 1988
Millennium Vol 1 6 – February 1988
Superman 14- February 1988
Millennium Vol 1 7 – February 1988
Blue Beetle Vol 6 21 – February 1988
Green Lantern Corps Vol 1 221 – February 1988
Teen Titans Spotlight: Starfire 19 – February 1988
Millennium Illustrated Index 1 – March 1988
Millennium Illustrated Index 2- March 1988
Forever People 6- July 88
Who’s Who: Update ’88 Vol 1 2 – September 1988
New Guardians Vol 1 1 – September 1988
New Guardians Vol 1 2 – October 1988
New Guardians Vol 1 3 – November 1988
New Guardians Vol 1 4 – December 1988
New Guardians Vol 1 5 – December 1988
Black Orchid Vol 1 1 – December 1988
New Guardians Vol 1 6 – Holiday 1988
Swamp Thing Vol 2 82 – January 1989
Secret Origins Vol 2 36 – January 1989
New Guardians Vol 1 7 – February 1989
Invasion! Vol 1 2 – February 1989
Invasion! Vol 1 3 – March 1989
New Guardians Vol 1 8 – April 1989
New Guardians Vol 1 9 – June 1989
New Guardians Vol 1 10 – July 1989
New Guardians Vol 1 11 – August 1989
New Guardians Vol 1 12 – September 1989
Swamp Thing Annual Vol 2 5 – 1989
Swamp Thing Vol 2 91 – January 1990
Who’s Who in the DC Universe Vol 1 3 – October 1990
Who’s Who in the DC Universe Vol 1 6 – January 1991
Guy Gardner Reborn Vol 1 1 – July 1992
Green Lantern Vol 3 32 – November 1992
Green Lantern Vol 3 33 – November 1992
Green Lantern Corps Quarterly Vol 1 4 – March 1993
Justice League of America 72- March 1993
Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Vol 1 43 – March 1993
Swamp Thing Vol 2 132 – June 1993
Superman & Batman Magazine Vol 1 3 – December 1993
Batman: Shadow of the Bat Vol 1 56 – November 1996
Batman: Shadow of the Bat Vol 1 57 – December 1996
Batman: Shadow of the Bat Vol 1 58 – January 1996
Essential Vertigo: Swamp Thing Vol 1 1 – November 1996
Essential Vertigo: Swamp Thing Vol 1 2 – December 1996
Essential Vertigo: Swamp Thing Vol 1 3 – January 1996
Essential Vertigo: Swamp Thing Vol 1 4 – February 1996
Essential Vertigo: Swamp Thing Vol 1 10 – August 1996
Swamp Thing Vol 2 166 – May 1996
Swamp Thing Vol 2 167 – June 1996
Swamp Thing Vol 2 169 – August 1996
Swamp Thing Vol 2 170 – September 1996
Starman Vol 2 33 – August 1997
Starman Vol 2 34 – September 1997
Starman Vol 2 35 – October 1997
JLA Secret Files and Origins Vol 1 1 – September 1997
Batman: Poison Ivy – 1997
JLA 80-Page Giant Vol 1 1 – July 1998
Swamp Thing Annual Vol 2 4 – November 1998
Millennium Edition: Saga of the Swamp Thing Vol 1 21 – November 2000
Joker: Last Laugh Vol 1 1 – December 2001
Joker: Last Laugh Vol 1 3 – December 2001
Joker: Last Laugh Vol 1 4 – December 2001
Joker: Last Laugh Secret Files and Origins Vol 1 1 – December 2001
Outsiders Vol 3 6 – January 2004
Dc Comic Presents The Atom #1 – October 2004
Identity Crisis Vol 1 3 – October 2004
Enginehead 3- August 2004
DC Comics Encyclopedia – 2004
Batman: Gotham Knights Vol 1 65 – July 2005
Son of Vulcan Vol 2 1 – August 2005
JLA Vol 1 115 – August 2005
JLA Vol 1 116 – September 2005
JLA Vol 1 117 – October 2005
JLA Vol 1 118 – November 2005
JLA Vol 1 119 – November 2005
Infinite Crisis Vol 1 7 – June 2006
Amazing Adventures of the JLA – June 2006 (This story is reprinted from JLA 80-Page Giant #1)
Swamp Thing Vol 4 28 – August 2006
Swamp Thing Vol 4 29 – September 2006
The All-New Atom Vol 1 12 – August 2007
Countdown Vol 1 37 – August 2007
The Essential Batman Encyclopedia – 2008
DC Comics Encyclopedia: Updated and Expanded – 2008
Joker’s Asylum: Poison Ivy Vol 1 1 – September 2008
Superman/Batman Vol 1 51 – October 2008
Trinity Vol 1 30 – December 2008
Trinity Vol 1 32 – January 2009
Trinity Vol 1 35 – January 2009
Trinity Vol 1 39 – February 2009
Trinity Vol 1 40 – March 2009
Titans: Villains for Hire Special Vol 1 1 – July 2010
Gotham City Sirens Vol 1 8 – March 2010
Justice League of America Vol 2 45 – July 2010
Animal Man Vol 2 13 – December 2012
Swamp Thing Annual Vol 5 1 – December 2012
Swamp Thing Vol 5 16 – March 2013
Swamp Thing Vol 5 21 – August 2013
Swamp Thing Vol 5 22 – September 2013
Swamp Thing Vol 5 23 – October 2013
Batman Black and White Vol 1 1 – November 2013
Swamp Thing Vol 5 24 – December 2013
Swamp Thing Annual Vol 5 2 – December 2013
Swamp Thing Vol 5 25 – January 2014
Swamp Thing Vol 5 26 – February 2014
Swamp Thing Vol 5 27 – March 2014
Swamp Thing Vol 5 35 – December 2014
Swamp Thing Vol 5 40 – May 2014
Secret Origins Vol 3 9 – March 2015
Convergence: Swamp Thing Vol 1 1 – June 2015
Sinestro Vol 1 19 – March 2016
DC Comics Encyclopedia: All-New Edition – October 2016
Batman and Harley Quinn Vol 1 3 (Digital) – November 2017
Harley Quinn and Batman Vol 1 4 (Digital) – November 2017
Justice League of America: The Atom Rebirth Vol 1 1 – March 2017
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.
Detail of product numbers
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.
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.”
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.
Front Cover – Dust Jacket
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.
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.
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.
Some of the images on the various monitors look inspired by past Swamp Thing books.
Two wonderful Swamp Thing things came my way this week and I’m excited to share them with you. First, I received this amazing Cranius pin in the mail. The enamel pin is a dream come true. I’ve always wanted more Cranius collectibles, and the leader of the Un-Men only has a handful to speak of.
Thank you to everyone who left a comment for the giveaway. I loved reading your responses and am excited to announce the winners of the McFarlane Swamp Thing figures.
The first comment chosen at random was from Brandon Jernigan. Brandon answered the following question, What character would you cast yourself as, in any film or tv show starring Swamp Thing?
The second comment chosen at random was from Bill Stewart. Bill stumbled upon the bonus entry page, and answered the question, Who is your favorite writer (other than Alan Moore) to work on the Swamp Thing comic book?
Thank you for visiting rootsoftheswampthing.com and participating in the giveaway. Stay tuned for more fun giveaways in the near future.
Dossier Negro was a Spanish comic magazine published between 1968 and 1988. The series featured original stories but for the most part, it collected and reprinted horror comics. Swamp Thing appeared in Dossier Negro issue #207 in 1987. I’ve been on the hunt for issue #207 for a number of years but this edition is the closest I’ve come to obtaining it. This book collects issues 204-207 and was published in 1988.
The last and best comic in this book, as you can see from the image below, features a painting by Bernie Wrightson. The cover of Dossier Negro Issue #207 may look familiar because it first appeared on the wrap-around cover of issue #1 of DC’s Roots of the Swamp Thing-a five-issue limited comic series that reprinted the first 10 issues of Len Wein & Berni Wrightson’s classic first Swampy series.
Oddly enough, Dossier Negro #207 does not reprint Wein & Wrightson’s work, but features the seminal sotry, ”Anatomy Lesson” by Moore, Totleben & Bissette. Below are photos from the interior.
McFarlane Toys Megafig DC Collector Swamp Thing Action Figure
McFarlane Toys Megafig DC Collector Swamp Thing Variant Action Figure
The How:
In the comments section below, answer the following: What character would you cast yourself as, in any film or tv show starring Swamp Thing?
I was fortunate and obtained a couple extra McFarlane Swamp Thing figures and I’m excited to give them away. Two people will be chosen at random on March 31st. The first name that is drawn will get their choice of one of the figures. The second name that is drawn will receive the remaining figure. I wanted to pick two names on April 1st but April Fool’s Day might not seem like the most genuine of days to giveaway these two killer figures. Thank you so much for participating and visiting rootsoftheswampthing.com. I hope you are doing well. – John
American Cartoon Hero #093 – Swamp Thing Collection Card, Series II, China
These fun cards jumped out at me while fumbling around ebay. All 3 depict the cover of Damage #6 (DC Comics, June 2008) which featured Swamp Thing. The cards came in 3 styles. For the most part, the 3 styles look very similar. Below is the normal/base card from the American Cartoon Hero set.
For reference, I’ve provided the original Damage cover below.
The second trading card in the lot is the hologram version of the base card. I’ve provide a couple photos below to depict how great the card looks with the spectrum of colors.
The third version of the trading card has a foil treatment. It was difficult to capture a good photo due to the texture and reflections but it does the trick.
Swamp Thing and Solomon Grundy have a long history going back to April of 1979, within DC Comics Presents #8. Their paths have crossed in various comics since ‘79 but I was recently reminded of Grundy’s appearances during Rick Veitch’s Swamp Thing run. In Rick Veitch’s transformative “Infernal Triangles” story arc (Swamp Thing #77-#81) a new plant elemental was ushered into the world to replace Swamp Thing. The story arc featured numerous DC characters, involved crossover appearances, as well as various mentions/references. The covers/comics pictured below do not feature Grundy but they helped launch the ”Infernal Triangles” story arc.
Hellblazer #9, Swamp Thing #77 & Hellblazer #10
Recently, fellow Swamp Thing fan Alex Galer let me know that Veitch’s arc and Grundy provided more references than I was aware of. As I mentioned at the beginning, ”Infernal Triangles” involved ushering a new plant elemental into the world. Solomon Grundy was an intended host (albeit unwilling and unknowing) to receive the new plant elemental sporling. I’m sure you’re aware by now that the plan didn’t work out with Grundy and the new plant elemental. But, the failed attempt created repercussions that can be found within numerous comics including: Infinity Inc #39 (1987), Infinity Inc #46 (1988), Starman #48 (1998), Starman #49 (1999) and a handful of Swamp Thing books, primarily Swamp Thing #67 “The Wisdom of Solomon” (Series 2) from December 1987. Two books you can add to that list are below.
Infinity Inc #44 & #47
Alex was rereading the Infinity Inc. series when he discovered the references. They can be found within Infinity Inc. #44 “In the Midst of Death” (Nov 1987) and Infinity Inc. #47 “Outback and Back in Beverly Hills” (Feb 1988). Both references relate to Solomon Grundy’s connection to Rick Veitch’s ”Infernal Triangles” story arc. Within Infinity Inc. #44, Solomon Grundy turned green. He was also summoned by voices. The voices tried to guide him to the new Earth Elemental. Grundy was not happy being green. As we all know, it’s not easy…
Infinity Inc #44 – 1987Infinity Inc #44 – 1987
In Infinity Inc #44, Grundy can be seen leaving town, in search of the voices in his head. Questions are answered within Swamp Thing #67 “The Wisdom of Solomon.” The cover, seen below, may give the impression that Swamp Thing battled the Hulk. But, its Grundy. In Infinity Inc. #44, Grundy’s skin turned green in preparation for his merger with the Green and the Earth Elemental sprout.
Grundy didn’t make for a good host for either of the Elementals. He delivered a large serving of suffering for our friend Swampy.
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.
rootsoftheswampthing.com 