Review: SWAMP THING #1
Writer: Len Wein
Illustrator: Kelley Jones
Colorist: Michelle Madsen
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Publisher: DC Comics
Swamp Thing is one of the more recognizable names at DC Comics. Even as a little kid, I remember seeing pictures of Swamp Thing and hearing the name mentioned on TV and in comic book shops. As I grew older, I learned that some of the greatest names in comics worked on the title — Len Wein, Alan Moore, and Grant Morrison to name a few.
With the start of 2016, DC Comics looks to revive Swamp Thing again by going back to one of his co-creators (Len Wein) for a six issue limited series.
What I Liked
I must confess that I’ve never read an issue of Swamp Thing. Before you get up in arms, I’ll quickly say there are a couple of iconic runs in comics I’ve never touched.
Which makes me the perfect reader for this new volume of Swamp Thing right? I can judge if this first issue is new-reader friendly or not. My verdict is it passes that test. Writer Len Wein gets readers caught up quickly with Swamp Thing’s origin — how he got his powers, what part of the world he lives in, and the type of threats he combats.
The narration by Wen takes me back to how comics used to be written. The captions are old school to the core. “Here’s what is happening”. No subterfuge, no deception. Following along is clear as day. There is also a scary tale vibe to the writing style. Very similar to something like the “Headless Horseman” story.
The setup for issue one is easy to understand as well. A couple searches for Swamp Thing to ask for help finding their son. It seems the son has gotten himself mixed up with the wrong people, with disastrous results.
Kelley Jones and Michelle Madsen’s art is very classic. It reminds me of something right out of a 1980’s comic magazine. Even the lettering by Rob Leigh conveys this timeless aesthetic. Madsen fills each page and panel with dark shadows and colors — perfect for a bayou setting.
Also, there is no wasted space on the page. Jones fills the majority of the panel backgrounds from border to border with necessary scenery.
What I Didn’t Like
There is a guest appearance by another DC hero who inhabits the supernatural genre. The appearance is nothing more than a tease of future happenings. Talk in a cryptic tone — leave our main hero Swamp Thing dazed and confused.
Swamp Thing talks in a very….odd tone. Just like I typed that last sentence is how his speech patterns looked. Perhaps this is a trademark of Swamp Thing and I’m not aware. Maybe he’s just a slow talker? Could that be what the orange word balloons symbolize?
So I mentioned the couple that goes looking for Swamp Thing’s help. How exactly did they know where to look? I can buy that the legend of the Swamp Thing could spread, but I feel that an extra sentence or two of explanation was needed.
Timdogg
#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE
