swamp thing #1 review
scott snyder- writer
Yanick Paquette- art
When DC announced the full New 52 I did what i'm sure most fans did which was grumble first and then with hesitation go through the title list to pick out the ones that appealed to me. when i heard about the swamp thing reboot, i was stoked! finally i would have the chance to start fresh with a character that had been around for years with numerous sagas, but had overwhelmed me. thus far the new 52s have been a success to me. i get to start over with swampy and a few other characters that i knew nothing about but had much interest in. so here is where it gets shameful, I never knew creepy vegetable dude originated from the same place that Superman did, 4RLZ. Most of my Swamp Thing knowledge came from the live-action movies and the t.v. show. [shut up] Up until recently, I really had no clue Swamp Thing had origins in the DCU. So please forgive me comic pals, as this is totally new to me.
Swamp Thing #1 begins with Batman,Superman and Aquaman encountering a similar problem. Starting off- right here with these characters is a totally smart way of giving me, a most uninformed reader, a sturdy foundation of the time period. There's a tedious introduction to Alec Holland, the typically unknown alter ego of the big swampy beast. Holland narrates who he is, and how his other side is no longer part of him. In part of the intro process we get a visit from Superman, who is questioning Holland on a series of mysterious animal deaths happening across the country.
We get this iconic interaction which was neat to read as Holland bounces his personality off of an established hero such as Supes. Holland describes that he woke up a few weeks back in the swamp with memories of being Swamp Thing, but is no longer the creature. Now, finally back in to being human, Holland has been able to perfect his Bio-Restorative formula, the one that initially caused him to turn into the leafy beast. [reminds me of another greeny from a different universe]
So much time is invested in, [ i guess ] of the much-needed reintroduction of Alec Holland, that Swamp Thing takes forever to show up. When he does it's pretty neat and it leaves me wondering what role does Mr. Big and Leafy play in the rebooted universe?
writing- 4 of 5
i can only recall reading one other title by scott snyder , which i reviewed a few weeks back, Flashpoint: Project Superman. He is also penning the new Bats title that is coming out. So far to me, he has proven himself as a capable writer with this most excellent script beating with mystery and meaning. It's a decently done comic that eased me as a new reader into the story at a careless but fascinating pace. Im sure that respected long time fans will appreciate the nod to some of the continuity, as well.
art- 4.5 of 5
Paquette with's colorist Nathan Fairbairn, brings beautiful detailed montages throughout the book's panels. Holland's world is lush, yet deadly. There’s a beautiful rendition of Holland’s origin as Swamp Thing, a humbling appearance by the Man of Steel, and this yet to be named "Eeep-ish" threat. Paquette shows off more of his talent toward the end of the issue in particular with a scene which introduces the presumed antagonist. This new bad guy, whoever, or whatever it is, is one of the gnarliest beings I've seen outside of a horror comic. It made me curious as to whether i was reading a horror, sci-fi or superhero comic. These efforts are most definitely complimented by John J. Hill’s lettering that delivers a most uneasy dialoge.
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