Reviewed By: Eden Zacarias
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Yanick Paquette
Colorist: Nathan Fairbairn
Genre: Comic Book
MSRP: $2.99 USA
Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: Available Now
When DC Comics announced that Swamp Thing would be joining their list of “New 52” titles that will get a major reboot I was excited to see how the big green monster would change in a new DC Universe. Then the talented writer behind American Vampire was tapped to write the story and – if that wasn’t enough – Yanick Paquette is handling the artwork making Swamp Thing #1 the best thing to happen to our favorite swamp hero.
The DC Universe as we know it has gone through a dramatic change that started out with a major event where the heroes we once knew became something different. Now the ripples of said event changed the universe as familiar characters’ lives have taken a alternate turn into new territory. One of these heroes is Superman who, as Clark Kent, witnesses a freak occurrence as thousands of dead birds simply fall from the sky. This phenomenon isn’t just happening in Metropolis as we witness the same thing happening to the aquatic life and, in Gotham City, Batman is witness to the gruesome demise of bats.
Meanwhile, in Louisiana, a man is overlooking a construction site as foreman when a worker thanks him for his advice using cabbage for therapeutic purposes. It’s clear that this man isn’t your average construction worker since he waxes philosophically to himself about plant life seeing as he was a botanist. This man, it turns out, is Doctor Alec Holland. Yes, the same Doctor Holland who was transformed into the monster we know as the Swamp Thing. Yet here he stands as a human with fragmented memories of having once been the creature.
Suddenly, Superman appears before the good Doctor and Holland knows exactly why he’s here looking for him. It’s clear that the Man of Steel is worried about the unusual phenomenon and there’s no other man more qualified to give his opinion about the occurrence. Holland has a very interesting theory that speaks volumes of the warning signs we are experiencing in real life as well as how violent plant life can really be within the ecosystem.
Doctor Holland is also quick to point out that he’s obviously not in tune with nature since he’s no longer tied to the monster. Superman, on the other hand, still thinks Alec Holland can still play a big role in helping since he is the man who conceived the very formula that transformed him and – in a surprising twist – we learn that the Doctor has not completely left the formula alone either.
Meanwhile, in a paleontology dig site in northwestern Arizona where the exposed remains of what looked like a wooly mammoth is suddenly ripped out of the earth. When the men in charge of the dig site return and find the remains gone, they quickly come to the conclusion that their rivals have swiped their find. Unfortunately for them, this would have been a better alternative since a strange force of nature involving bees turns ugly really fast as the men start dying in horrific ways that introduce us to a terrifying earth-bound entity.
Speaking of earth-bound entities, another one shows up in the end that will pretty much leave you wishing the second issue were already available. It’s clear that the world of the Swamp Thing has changed and things are even more interesting now that the mystery has yet to be unraveled. Best yet is that the memory of the past haunts Alex Holland and Superman himself makes a comment about the disoriented feeling of “coming back.”
Scott Snyder definitely has us intrigued as he pens a story still so full of mystery that you can’t help but want to keep following it. Alec’s thoughts on the violent world of plants are actually fascinating and the threat introduced shows a lot of promise. Then there’s Yanick Paquette whose artwork has always been stellar just makes this series look really good.
Swamp Thing #1 is a compelling and fascinating first step in a direction that is already starting to look even better than the original series. If that sounds like too bold a statement then all you have to do is pick this one up and see just how good this story begins. Whether you’re new to the series or a fan from way back, this is a new beginning that you seriously should not miss. Once again, Scott Snyder proves that he’s one of the best things to happen to comics in a long time.
COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN
STORY: A+
An unusual phenomenon is occurring throughout the world and the Man of Steel himself is worried what it might mean to the planet. He turns to the only man capable of truly understanding nature – Doctor Alec Holland. However, just as the universe of superheroes has changed so has the good Doctor as Superman finds out. Meanwhile, an unusual force attacks a group of paleontologists at a dig site.
ART: A
The art in this issue is simply spectacular but if you know Yanick Paquette’s art then you probably already know that from his impressive body of work. Also, Paquette makes Superman – in his new suit, no less – look really good.
OVERALL: A+
Without a doubt one of the strongest entries in the “The New 52” lineup, Swamp Thing #1 is a deeply absorbing and meaningful first issue that will not fail to grab your attention from beginning to shocking end. Scott Snyder and Yanick Paquette will not only wow you but also make you a fan of the Swamp Thing all over again. This is definite a Must Have comic book.
Review copy provided by DC Comics
