Category: Appearances

The Swamp Thing – 2021

I held off on reading this new Swamp Thing series because I wanted to enjoy reading the first four issues in one sitting. I also expected the first few books to be light in content, stringing me along with one vague cliffhanger after another. I was absolutely wrong in having that opinion/preconception. I loved the first book so much that I paused reading so that I could jot down some initial thoughts regarding how great it is. Mike Perkins illustrates an amazing world for Swamp Thing.

Ram V’s writing feels much smarter and smoother than most stories being written today. I’m really enjoying his pacing. His story telling isn’t heavy with exposition. He drops you into an intense, mysterious scenario that you unravel along with the characters, Swamp Thing/Levi Kamei. Perhaps it’s how the characters are written, or Ram V’s timing, but the story feels like a classic episode of the Twilight Zone. I was effortlessly drawn into this new Swamp Thing world.

Ram V does a fantastic job of introducing various plot threads. Whether through dreams, flashbacks or while Swampy spontaneously regenerates, Ram V keeps the story moving by presenting multiple vignettes. This style of storytelling makes the reader feel as if they are getting a rich, multifaceted story within each single issue. Rich storytelling is why I enjoy the Alan Moore series so much. It feels like you’re getting more per issue, like Mike Perkins and Ram V’s series. Continue reading “The Swamp Thing 1-4 Review” →

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.

1963, Book 6 – The Tomorrow Syndicate “From Here to Alternity!” (October 1993)

1963 is another fun Alan Moore series where he presents a parallel universe of previously established comic book superheroes—think Watchmen but far more playful. Rick Veitch & Don Simpson are in on the fun as pencilers. Dave Gibbons provides the inks. With a creative team so familiar with Swamp Thing, you know he made his way into this book. Moore & Veitch of course worked on the Swamp Thing series. Don Simpson drew Swamp Thing back in ‘87 for the Comics Journal #117 cover. He also referenced Swamp Thing in his Megaton Man series in 1985. Here are links to Megaton Man #5 & Megaton Man #6. To round things out, in the early 80s Dave Gibbons submitted artwork to DC to audition as a Swamp Thing artist. The submitted work was later published in Watching the Watchmen, here.

This book pays homage to Silver Age superheroes. The Tomorrow Syndicate is a team similar to the Avengers. The more familiar looking characters are USA (Captain America), N-Man (Hulk), and Horus the Lord of Light (Thor). In the book, the Tomorrow Syndicate is looking for another superhero group, Mystery Incorporated. They search for the missing team in New York City after picking up a suspicious radiation source.

Underneath New York City, the Tomorrow Syndicate discovers a technological labyrinth leading to Alternity, “a sort of clearing house between realities.” Within Alternity’s busy corridors, two familiar superheroes can be found. Below, within two different lines, you can spot Swamp Thing and Superman.

Superman can be seen holding his Death Certificate, on the left. Swamp Thing is on the right, and a little harder to make out because he’s colored dark green. I messed with the contrast of my photo to make Swampy a little more noticeable, below. Swamp Thing and Superman, like many other travelers, are making their way through Alternity to reach their desired realities. Since this book was published in 1993, I’m assuming Veitch is referencing Swamp Thing’s many adventures throughout time and space.

Continue reading “Swamp Thing Awaits A New Reality in 1963” →

Wonder Woman (Vol 3) #19 – June 2008

This issue of Gail Simone’s Wonder Woman features a special and very small Swamp Thing reference. It’s the culmination of a passé pop culture reference & our favorite muck-encrusted mockery of a man. 

How did a Swamp Thing/Frankie Goes to Hollywood t-shirt make its way to the planet Khundia? The book takes place on Khundia and the majority of it centers around Wonder Woman fighting the Green Lantern, Procanon Kaa. Amidst the fighting and chaos, Wonder Woman’s new friend, Kho Kharhi shows up in the super cool t-shirt!

Khundia doesn’t have a lot going for it. It’s a dark world, forever eclipsed by its own moon. It’s massively overpopulated and militant, but at least the inhabitants understand the power of a fun t-shirt and fandom. They also enjoy their MTV (see Wonder Woman #18 – May 2008). Continue reading “Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Swamp Thing Say, “Relax”” →

Time Masters #5 “Good Times… Bad Times” June 1990

Before getting into this really fun Swamp Thing appearance/reference, I want to circle back to Swamp Thing’s birthday. I don’t think DC plans to celebrate Swampy’s 50th the way Marvel has with Man-Thing. So in honor of our favorite swamp monster’s birthday, I’ve decided to take action and hold a virtual birthday party. Last week, I reached out to Swamp Thing creators & fans to participate in the fun and I’ve received amazing responses. The party will be live on youtube, May 25th at 9pm CST. The evening will include birthday wishes from some of Swamp Thing’s oldest and familiar friends. We’ll be discussing great moments in Swamp Thing history and sharing personal stories of how Swampy has become a part of our lives. There will also be Swamp Thing giveaways and so much more. The wonderful podcast, The Grail Keepers will be hosting the birthday party with me on their YouTube channel. I encourage you to join in the fun and the live conversations. As the date gets closer I’ll be sharing even more information, along with familiar faces. Below is a teaser image I’ve been sharing on social media.

Now, onto the book!
I’ve been posting more Swamp Thing cameos than Swampy books lately. But, the cameos are the fun sightings that tie everything together. This issue of Time Masters is a great example of continuity and crossovers.

Most readers recall Swampy’s adventures through time while Rick Veitch was the writer on Swamp Thing. It was around the time of DC Comic’s Invasion event. Swampy’s time travel troubles began in Swamp Thing #80, “The Longest Day.” In the book, Swamp Thing was lured out of his body and sent hurdling through time. It was the master plan put forth by Dominators, to get Swamp Thing out of the picture. The events were very disorienting for Swampy. Each book placed him in a different, significant time in Earth’s history. During his time travels, Swamp Thing bumped into many notable, historic figures, but in this post I’m focusing on the time Swamp Thing bumped into Rip Hunter. 

The image above is from Time Masters #5, published in June 1990. The image below is from Swamp Thing #86, published in May 1989. One year after Rick Veitch included Time Masters, Rip Hunter & Jeff Smith into Swampy #86, the two characters continued the story continuity in Time Masters #5.

In Swamp Thing #86, while traveling through the time stream, Swampy collided with Rip Hunter’s Time Sphere. The collision resulted in Swamp Thing being knocked off course as you can see above. The collision sent Swamp Thing back to 1780. For Rip Hunter and the Time Masters, the consequences were less severe. The Time Sphere required minor repairs and a good scrubbing. As you can see from the panels above, Swamp Thing inadvertently left a bit of himself on the Time Sphere. Continue reading “Swamp Thing, the Smear on Rip Hunter’s Time Sphere” →

Martian Manhunter #11 “Pilgrims” (Volume 2) October 1999

Throughout his history, Swamp Thing has been known to leave his mark in space. Outside of the Swamp Thing title series, there have been a handful of space based appearances that I really enjoy. Adam Strange Book #2 (April 1990) is a good one. Time Masters #5 (June 1990)-which I will write about soon-has a really fun, Swampy appearance in it. This Martian Manhunter book provides a wonderful glimpse into Swamp Thing taking the time to inspire and empower a race of plants.

It’s the 853rd Century. Hssfsstss are a race of sentient plants. They travel throughout space in cool, little pods. They put their roots down on alien worlds and help heal plant-based illness. They are also storytellers. They tell their history and of their admiration for the “two green men… one of our creation, one of our salvation.” In this book, we learn of the two green men who helped develop the Hssfsstss race.

Before the Hssfsstss became nomadic, healing heads of cabbage, they were a grouping of telepathic plants on their home planet. Before the great, green men arrived, they were rather unremarkable. The Hssfsstss’ sentience was taught to them by Swamp Thing. The space travel came from J’onn J’onzz.

It sounds like there is a lot to unpack here but it’s pretty simple. This book takes place in the 853rd Century. The Hssfsstss recall its origin story which occurred in the 20th century, circa 1987. It plays out as a flashback within the comic. Most Swamp Thing fans have fond memories of Swampy’s space travels in 1987, especially in issue #56 “My Blue Heaven.” Continue reading “Swamp Thing Helps The Hssfsstss” →

House of Mystery #304 – May 1982
I… Vampire! “The Night Has Eyes”

Swamp Thing is back at it, making an appearance at a carnival, scaring children. You probably remember when Swampy was giving Clark Kent & Lana Lang a fright in, Superboy 198 (1973) “The Fatal Five Who Twisted Time.” In House of Mystery 304 (May 1982), Swamp Thing is an attraction in the Fun House! I just found out about this appearance thanks to a fellow Swamp Thing fan on Instagram. Thank you Theodore!

In this story, Mary Queen of Blood has a plan to kidnap J. Brown Wooley’s granddaughter. Who’s Wooley? See below

Andrew Bennet stands in the way of Mary’s plans, so she drives a stake into his chest. She has her henchmen display Bennett’s body in a coffin as a carnival Fun House attraction. Not far from Bennett’s coffin, a wax statue of Swamp Thing appears next to the Wolf Man.

The Swamp Thing statue looks stylized with elongated ears and fangs. The carnival ride looks more like a haunted house than a fun house. In regards to Swamp Thing continuity, House of Mystery 304 was released the same month as, The Saga of the Swamp Thing 1 “What Peace There May Be in Silence” (Series 2) May 1982. Continue reading “Swamp Thing is Back, Scaring Kids at the Carnival” →

Swamp Thing is 50 this year. House of Secrets 92 was in stores in/around April of 1971. July is on the cover. Whether you celebrated this month or wait until July, it’s fun to recognize the greatest swamp monster in comics. I’ve been thinking quite a bit  about how to celebrate. Not like me sitting across from a Swampy Statue, similar to the end of 16 candles, but with fellow Swamp Thing fans. Something interactive would be fun. Well, I’m hatching a plan and will have more info soon. Here’s a teaser image I’ve shared on social media 1, 2. 

Speaking of celebrating (and obscure appearances), if a Christmas tree shows up in a comic book, Swamp Thing is a terrific candidate to play the role. He does just that in, Guy Gardner: Warrior #39 “Merriment, Mistletoe, and… Mayhem” (Volume 1) February 1996

Guy Gardner is hosting a Christmas Party and many DC Comics heroes are in attendance. Guy has the blues and is slow in joining the party, but Swamp Thing jumped right in. Zatanna, Atom and Deadman help in getting Swamp Thing looking like the glorious Christmas tree he deserves to be.

Below is page 11, which features Swamp Thing. Guy finally came downstairs to join the party. Clark Kent can be seen in the bottom right corner of the page.

Regarding Swamp Thing continuity, the cameo is meant only to serve this holiday themed issue. It does not continue the narrative from Swamp Thing issues #163 & 164. Guy Gardner: Warrior #39 Was released the same month as Swamp Thing 163. Around this time in his ongoing title (January 1996), Swamp Thing is being written by Mark Millar and drawn by Phil Hester. His storyline at the time focuses on Swampy dipping his toes in the waters of the Parliament of Waves.

Showcase ’93 #4 – April 1993

Blue Devil and Earth are in a precarious situation in, “A World To Conquer (But I Wouldn’t Want to Live There).” Evildoer, Galaxa is hell bent on trying to use Blue Devil’s powers to retrieve the planet’s “Worldseed” (spirit).

So how did Swamp Thing make his way into this story? Like most obscure/random Swampy cameos, when Earth is in peril Swamp Thing responds. And respond he did! 

I wish I could say there was more Swamp Thing action–and any words at all–but a head turn (maybe even a double take) from our favorite muck-encrusted mockery of a man is fun. Making this page even more fun, Swamp Thing is in good company. It’s a grouping of fantastic characters from Swampy’s past, and those who happen to be tapped into Earth’s energy.

Above, Spectre, Madame Xanadu, Phantom Stranger & Etrigan react to Blue Devil and the Worldseed’s shift in power/energy. The creepy, ant like monster in the bottom right panel of the page is Nebiros. You may recognize that name because its first appearance was in Swamp Thing #15. Nebiros looked cooler when the great Nestor Redondo drew it. The fantastic illustration below (from Swamp Thing #15) was used for one of my favorite covers, the Australian edition, ”Creature of the Unknown (1980). Continue reading “Blue Devil Wows Swamp Thing in the Showcase” →

New Titans Annual #9 “The Red Hand Blues” – July 1993

We’re all aware of Swamp Thing’s dedication to Earth-it’s abundantly clear by thumbing through the LCA style guide-but sometimes people forget (I know, no one forgets). Sometimes the Titans get reckless in containing a catastrophic Biological Research Facility explosion, and sometimes Swamp Thing is right there for a couple panels to pass judgement.

Like so many random Swamp Thing cameos, this book takes place in Louisiana. The book features Mardi Gras, alien parasites, a cult, Aqualad, spinal fluid, Swamp Thing, and so much more! But, I’ll be focused on Swamp Thing in this post.

Swamp Thing came, he saw, and he didn’t say a word-only silent judgement. I love that he’s described as “unamused”, like an adult watching kids play recklessly. Or, Swamp Thing is in a foul mood due to his marital and family struggles. New Titans Annual #9 was released  the same month as Swamp Thing #133 “Daisy Chain”, in July of 1993. If you recall, in Swamp Thing #133, Swamp Thing battles Thunder Petal, the gigantic, murderous daisy. In Swamp Thing #134, Abby leaves Swampy to move to New Orleans with Chester Williams. Needles to say, it’s a very drama filled time in Swamp Thing’s life and the last thing he needs is to clean up after Steve Dayton’s exploding Biological Research Facility. Continue reading “Swamp Thing Keeps Watch While The Titans Play” →