Swamp Thing #17 Review

Writers: Scott Snyder & Jeff Lemire
Artist: Andy Belanger

WARNING: MAY SPOIL ANIMAL MAN #17!
(Will still try to avoid SPOILING, but just in case you've been warned)

I have been following this series since the start of Rotworld, and have also read the first volume, Swamp Thing: Raise Them Bones. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series and am sad to see the story end, and Scott Snyder depart the series.

Plot

This issue sees the continuation of Swamp Thing, and Animal Man's fight against the Rot, and following Anton Arcane actions at the end of Animal Man #17, Animal Man, and Swamp Thing aren't going to hold back.

Review

This issue was actually a bit disappointing, and the worst Swamp Thing issue I have read so far. I was expecting so much in this issue, especially after the Animal Man #17 being brilliant.Despite this Scott Snyder and Jeff Lemire did a decent job of ending this story, and they did it in a way that leaves the reader asking questions, and wanting more, which I always like. Although I liked the questions and the fact the doors been left open, I still think that the issue went a long a little too quickly, and that the end came a bit too sudden.

Although the art in this issue wasn't as bad, it wasn't to my taste, and I personally didn't like it. It's bad enough that Yanick Paquette isn't drawing this issue, but I'd have still hoped that DC would have put a decent artist on it, as I'd have been more than happy to see Marco Rudy who's done most of the art in Paquette's absence do the art for this issue, especially considering it's the finale. At the same time it could have been much worse, and I have to thank Andy Belanger for stepping in as he did make a very good effort, and there will be some people that like his art. I however thought that his cartoon style didn't suit either Swamp Thing or Animal Man, and that some of the art looked too stiff, making the more elaborate things created by the Rot, and Green look unrealistic. It was also a let down as the art from Steve Pugh, and Timothy Green II in Animal Man #17 was outstanding.

The issue started very dramatically, with both Swamp Thing, and Animal Man in the thick of battle. Although it's still possible to read this issue without reading Animal Man #17, the introduction makes it hard, and can easily confuse people who haven't read Animal Man #17. It also has both Swamp Thing and Animal Man reeling from the shocking end of Animal Man #17. I really liked this as it gave Arcane a chance, as after Swamp Thing and Animal Man coming close to success at the end of Animal Man #17, continuing the fight otherwise would make the story drag. This also showed more of Swamp Thing, and Animal Man's feelings, and if anything gave them more drive to stop Arcane, even if slightly hindered.

I liked that everyone was evenly involved in this issue, and that despite Swamp Thing, Animal Man, and Arcane taking center stage, they still played a vital part. I especially liked seeing Barbara Gordon involved in this issue, as she's played a vital role in helping Swamp Thing throughout the last few issues. It was also interesting seeing both Swamp Thing and Animal Man's armies come together, as although they've encountered each other previously not all of the others will have.

The thing I've found most interesting about this story is that despite being converted by the Rot, Batman still behind the master plan. There will be some people that will think that the story should have just been left to have Swamp Thing and Animal Man come up with a plan, but considering all they've been through it'd be hard. Also Batman lives to make contingency plans for any given scenario, so it was natural for Batman to start something that Swamp Thing could finish. It is however also nice that the design is based on Swamp Things old work.

WARNING: NEXT PARAGRAPH CONTAINS A SMALL SPOILER!

I also enjoyed seeing the Parliament of the Rot in this issue, as I personally haven't seen them, and have only seen the Parliament of the Green. They may have appeared in previous Swamp Thing, or Animal Man issues, but I don't know, and it was new to me. What was interesting about their appearance was that it showed that their objectives and goals weren't the same as Arcane's, and that they wanted to help Swamp Thing, and Animal Man. They could easily have been setting a trap for Swamp Thing, and Animal Man, but I hope not, as I like the idea of a rogue agent, not following his chosen path, something which suits Arcane's character perfectly. It will however be interesting to see how this pans out, and where it leaves the future of both this series, and Animal Man.

Final Verdict

This was a decent end to the Rotworld crossover, but was still disappointing. I wouldn't recommend it to newer readers, as it would give you a bad image of the series, which is brilliant, so I'd recommend them waiting till the next issue, or even the issue after that when there's a new writer meaning a fresh start. I'd still however recommend the series overall to newer readers, and would also recommend this issue to anyone who's been following the series, or Rotworld already.

Rating: 3.5/5

Animal Man #17 Review

Writers: Jeff Lemire & Scott Snyder
Artists: Steve Pugh & Timothy Green II

I haven't been following this series, but after joining Swamp Thing since the start of Rotworld, I thought that I'd get this which ties-in with Swamp Thing as a finale to Rotworld.

Plot

This issue sees the beginning of the final battle against the Rot, and both Animal Man, and Swamp Thing have gathered followers to help in their battle.

Review

This was a very good issue and Jeff Lemire and Scott Snyder did a brilliant job of writing it. It cant be easy collaborating during a crossover, as both writers need to create something that fits with both series, and the overall story, whilst keeping their series the way they want them. This crossover only has two issues mainly involved in it, so it's not quite as hard, but I still have to admire what both writers have done, as this crossover has been very good, and I've liked this part so much that I'm considering going back and getting the remaining Animal Man Rotworld issues.

The art in this issue was amazing, and both Steve Pugh, and Timothy Green II did a fantastic job, although I personally preferred Pugh's art. The detail in both artists artwork is phenomenal, and although there are a few minor imperfections, it can easily be forgiven. Pugh does an amazing job of drawing the main part of the story, and he makes Animal Man, and the Red, as well as other characters like Swamp Thing, and Frankenstein look amazing, and his art in this issue is making me want to read the other Animal Man issues even more. I've seen some of Green II's art in the past, and although I've liked it, I've not loved it. I did however nearly love his art in this issue, as I didn't expect him to draw Swamp Thing as good as he did, but he proved me wrong, and although I still prefer both Pugh's drawing of Swamp Thing, as well as his art overall, I will gladly read a comic with Green II's art in it in the future.

The battle itself was epic, and really showed the desperation on all the people involved. I liked that most of the DC superheroes have been effected by the Rot, and although previous issues of Swamp Thing (and I'm sure Animal Man also showed the same) has shown some of earths heroes gruesomely fighting against former friends it was nice to see the exact scale of it.

It was really interesting seeing Animal Man's reaction once he knows that Swamp Thing is also involved in this fight, as they both started this story together, so it's only fitting that they finish it together. What I really liked though was that being a new reader I could still see character development which is probably nothing special to regular readers, as the issue really shows the emotions that Animal Man feels. I especially loved that like Swamp Thing, Animal Man has someone that Anton Arcane has captured, and desperately wants back, in his case his daughter. It's nice that it's his daughter cause if it was his wife or girlfriend it would be too similar too Swamp Thing, and the overall common interest wouldn't feel quite as strong.

I also liked seeing Frankenstein in this issue. I've been considering getting Justice League Dark lately, which is also written by Lemire, so seeing one of their members in this issue was nice. Although I've never read him in the past I liked the look of him since the New 52, and have also been considering getting his own ongoing series, and will now probably get the Rotworld tie-ins (even though they'll probably have a minor effect to the overall crossover). I think he was used brilliantly in this issue, and like Swamp Thing's had Barbara Gordon as a good companion as of late, Frankenstein is a good companion for Animal Man. He really showed a lot of fight in this issue, and I am more interested in the character now than I was before this issue.

It was also nice to see Steel in this issue, and especially considering he's in a more recognizable costume. I hope that he gets this sometime soon in the present, as the suit he's worn in Action Comics makes him look a bit amateurish. He had an interesting role in this issue, but I didn't understand why he was there. He maybe was in previous Animal Man Rotworld issues, but having not read them I don't know. His lack of interaction with any other characters also doesn't help answer this question. If you know please tell me in the comments section.

Final Verdict

This was a very good issue, and starts the Rotworld finale off brilliantly. I would recommend this issue to any reader, new or old, and would defiantly recommend it to anyone that's been following Rotworld, even if like me you just follow Swamp Thing.

Rating: 4.5/5

Swamp Thing #16 Review

Writer: Scott Snyder

Artist: Yanick Paquette

I have loved what I've read of this series so far, and Scott Snyder has done an excellent job, and made me love Swamp Thing as a character, something I found it hard to do prior to this. Although the Rotworld storyline hasn't been as brilliant as the first storyline, it has still been fantastic, and I will be sad when Snyder leaves the series.

Plot

This issue sees Barbara Gordon take Swamp Thing to Arkham Asylum, where all the survivors of Gotham City are. She shows him something that Batman was working on, based on Alec's work. The fate of Abby Arcane is also revealed, and The Green finally fights back.

Review

This was a brilliant issue, and my favourite of the storyline so far. Although the story's been good so far, I did think it was going a bit slow, and the last issue was a big disappointment. This issue however makes up for that, as it shows the final build up before the big finally, and Snyder couldn't have done it any better. What I've also liked about Snyder's writing throughout this storyline is that he's not left Abby out of the picture, and also shows that Alec is still thinking about her. I've also liked how we get to see Arkham Asylum in this issue, as my main complain for the last issue wasn't seeing Gotham City affected by The Rot. I hope that Snyder can conclude this brilliantly in the two part finally alongside Animal Man #16, and that he concludes his run even better, and hopefully in a similar manner as he started it.

The art on this issue was terrific, and Yanick Paquette did a fantastic job. Although Marco Rudy did a brilliant job, in my opinion there isn't anyone that can draw Swamp Thing better than Paquette (he was one of the main reasons I tried this series). The detail in Paquette's art is phenomenal, and it shows the gore, and decay brilliantly. I also loved how Paquette drew all the supporting characters in this issue, as you can easily tell who the character is, even if they've been infected by the Rot. Rotworld itself continues to look amazing, as it kind of looks like the desert leading up to the Dark Tower in Stephen King's Dark Tower novels, but looks more gory. The cover was also brilliant, and I loved how it was laid out, with Barbara as Man-Bat behind Swamp Thing, and the giant penny showing that they're in the Batcave.

The issue stars just before Swamp Things final battle with the Rot, and quickly goes back to the end of the previous issue. During the first part it shows Superman affected by the Rot. This is the only thing I found questionable about this issue, as I find it hard to believe that Superman could be affected by the Rot unless Kryptonite was involved. I may have missed something in a previous issue, or it might be as simple as Kryptonite was involved, but it did make me question it. Besides that this is a big blow as although it was stated that all the major superhero's had been turned into Rot monsters, the stipulations that causes isn't totally apparent until you see it. I would have however liked to have seen a bit more of Superman as he didn't do anything besides make an appearance, but I hope that he will next issues.

It was also revealed by Barbara that some of Gotham's villains that wither had a connection to one of the elements (Green or Red), and the ones who had a resistance to death (i.e. Mr. Freeze) were recruited to help the citizens of Gotham, with a bogus threat that they had an explosive that would go off if the population dropped bellow a certain number. Although they haven't done anything yet this is still an interesting addition, as I'd never have thought that the villains would help Batman's cause, although given the situations it makes total sense, even if they didn't think they had explosives in them.

Villains Recruited to the Green

As I said earlier in my review I've enjoyed that Abby has continued to play a vital supporting role in this story, and have loved her interactions with Anton Arcane. Her appearance in this issue was also probably the best, and most shocking yet, as Abby decides to take action. Due to Abby's good nature it's easy to forget that like Anton, and William Arcane, she's got a connection to the Rot, and that she was initially meant to be they're equivalent to Swamp Thing. There was also a shocking end to this part of the story, and although I won't spoil it, it added ton's of suspense, and is making me look forward to the next issue even more than I already was.

Abby's Fate

Final Verdict

A tremendously good issue, and the best in the Green Kingdom part of Rotworld so far. I would highly recommend it, as it is full of suspense, and drama, and I am really looking forward to the two part conclusion next month.

Rating: 5/5

Swamp Thing #15 Review

Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Marco Rudy

This series has been one of the best New 52 series I've found of late. After reading tremendous things about this series and after having it recommended I got the first volume of the series in trade paperback and loved it. I have recently caught up on the current Rotworld and although it's not quite as good as the first story it's still been an amazing read.

Plot

This issue sees Swamp Thing and Deadman confronted by William Arcane whilst travelling to Gotham City. This issue also reveals the fate of Abby Arcane, as well as featuring Anton Arcane and a weird Rot Batman like character.

Review

A great issue and I've been thoroughly enjoying this story so far. Although not as good as the last issue this was still a brilliant issue and Scott Snyder continues to work his magic on this series. I love how he's managed to keep Abby involved in the story whilst progressing Swamp Thing's journey. I also enjoyed how Snyder brought the Arcane's, especially William into this story, and look forward to seeing they bring to the story. I will talk more about the return of the Arcane's further on in my review. I've also loved how Snyder's managed to continue showing Swamp Thing's emotions towards Abby in this story whilst keeping him on his journey to defeat the Rot. I've also liked how Snyder's managed to keep Deadman as a key character in this series whilst keeping the focus mainly on Swamp Thing, Abby, and the Arcanes.

The art from Marco Rudy in this issue was good but I'm always a little disappointed when Yanick Paquette isn't doing the art on this series. Nothing against Rudy, he's the next best artist to have worked on this series, and he produces amazing art. I love how he's put more detail than others into the close-ups of Swamp Thing but also dislike the lack of detail in the panels with characters in the distance. I also like how he's drawn both Abby and William Arcane as well as the Rot creatures. It's also nice to see that Rudy incorporates ton's of great facial expressions in the characters which I like as I always love when an artist can show the character's emotions.

The way this issue started with William coming out of the water on a Rot version of Starro. I also loved that William was wielding Aquaman's Trident which was very cool. The return of William in this issue was a nice as I enjoyed him as a villain during the first volume and was a slightly disappointed not to have seen him in this story until now. Having not read issues 8-12 I don't know how he left the series but I'm happy to see him back, as he was there since the start and I love how this child villain is as evil as some of the well known villains and much better than the child versions of the Hellfire Club should have been let alone are.

The thing I enjoyed the most about this issue was that we got to see a little more about what's happened to Abby as well as the return of Anton Arcane. I've not known much about Anton as a villain having not read any issues featuring him, but have heard that he's a good villain and a worthy foe for Swamp Thing. I have however loved the Abby character, and her relationship with Holland has been what I've enjoyed most throughout this series. I don't usually care for romantic relationships in comics, neither liking or disliking them, but Snyder has done an amazing job of bringing these two characters together who should oppose each other (as Holland is an wielder of The Green, and Abby of the Rot). It was also interesting seeing Abby and Anton interact with each other as besides being family they both have a huge connection to the Rot.

SMALL SPOILER AHEAD!

Near the end of the issue it's revealed that Batman has been infected by the Rot. Another Bat like creature, similar to Man-Bat also appears and it was interesting, and learning the identity of the creature was even more interesting. I won't spoil who the creature is and apologise in advance if the picture to the right spoils the identity of the character. I was slightly disappointed not to have seen a bit more of Gotham in this issue as I was looking forward to seeing Gotham after the Rot's infected it.

Deadman's involvement in this issue was also brilliant and I've loved how Snyder's managed to keep him involved in the story so far. The drastic decision made by Deadman in this issue was also interesting and I'm looking forward to seeing what the repercussions of this decision affect the future of Deadman and this story.

Final Verdict

Although slightly poorer than the last issue this was still a very good issue and the story has been brilliant. I would recommend this to anyone who's a fan of Swamp Thing or the series so far. I would also recommend this issue to newer readers but not on it's own. You'd need to buy issues 13 and 14 to appreciate the story.

Rating: 4/5

Swamp Thing #14

Writer: Scott Snyder

Artist: Yanick Paquette

After reading Scott Snyder brilliant work on Swamp Thing Vol. 1: Raise Them Bones as well as his Batman series I decided to continue getting the Swamp Thing series starting last issue which began Swamp Things part in the Rotworld crossover (if you discount the Prelude).

Plot

The fight between Swamp Thing (Alec Holland), Poison Ivy and Deadman against the zombie Teen Titans continues but due to being so close to the Parliament of Trees Swamp Thing has the power of the Green on his side like never before turning into a giant Swamp Thing. After the battle Swamp Thing along with Deadman decides to defeat the Rot once and for all whilst Ivy protects the Parliament.

Review

This was a brilliant issue and I am loving both Swamp Thing more and more with each issue. Snyder also continues his amazingly high standard of writing and I love how he eases the reader into the issue by having the fight from the last issue continuing on page two, with the first page having Holland talking about a recurring nightmare. This means that people who have missed part one should be able to understand this issue easily. Snyder has also done a brilliant job at continuing to develop the character of Swamp Thing and his newish relationship with Ivy and Deadman. I also love that Holland is still thinking about Abby realising that his life isn't worth living without her.

Yanick Paquette continues to produce some of the best artwork I have ever seen on this issue and is brilliant at drawing all the different characters and scenery beautifully whilst keeping characteristics and uniqueness to the setting. I also enjoyed all the different styles of Swamp Thing throughout this issue and loved how on the first page and later in the issue we got to see a younger Swamp Thing in the Boy of Leaves. My favourite picture throughout the entire issue had to be the Giant Swamp Thing (pictured right) which was simply astonishing as due to his size there is a lot more room to show off even more detail than Paquette has previously shown on the character. I also loved the reaction on the Rot minions faces when they see this giant foot coming to squash them. Nathan Fairbairn has also continued to produce brilliant colours on this series and I still think they are the best colours to go with Paquette's art.

I loved seeing Swamp Thing getting help from the Parliament of Trees in this issue as it shows how much it means to rid the Rots influence from the world and that Swamp Thing is their last hope so they will help him anyway they can. I was happy to see that the Parliament have great faith in Holland, were other groups of higher beings like Guardians of the Universe for example would have no faith in their warrior and without them giving faith why should anyone else.

I was happy to see the continuation of Swamp Thing, Ivy and Deadman's fight against the zombie Teen Titans which I'd been looking forward to since the end of last issue. I did however feel that it was a bit short and would have liked to have seen it play out for a bit longer. I was happy to see that there was purpose in making the fight appear to be in the Titans favour because Swamp Thing to start of was weak and hoping to get through to any good that is left in the Titans to see if he can prevent killing them. I also loved when Swamp Thing realises he's at a lost cause trying to save the Titans and when the Parliament offer him more power he uses it wisely to defeat the Titans and the Rot minions.

 

I also loved the added side story showing a nightmare that is shared between a younger Holland as Boy of Leaves and Abby who both dream about going to the giant doors of of a castle before waking up. I liked this because it shows that Holland's feeling that Abby may still be alive might be true as they appear to have a huge spiritual connection to one another.

It was also nice to see some of the things that Swamp Thing created using his powers like turning himself big, having wings in a previous issue and creating a boat to cross a river in this issue. I also liked how Swamp Thing noted the drain this caused on his powers and that he would need to keep the remainder of his strength in case they needed to fight.

I was also very happy to see the return of not just Anton Arcane but William Arcane also. With their return this crossover should be even more interesting and I'm looking forward to seeing exactly what they have in store for Swamp Thing and anyone else who steps in their way.

Final Verdict

A brilliant continuation to the Rotworld story with great art, great story telling and great imagination. I would highly recommend both this and the previous issue in this crossover as it's shaping up to be one of the best crossovers of the year and I for one am really looking forward to see what happens next issue.

Rating: 5/5

Swamp Thing #13

Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Yanick Paquette

I was never a Swamp Thing fan and the Brightest Day story arc along with the Brightest Day Aftermath: The Search for Swamp Thing put me off him even more so I didn't get the series when The New 52 started. After hearing brilliant things about the series and seeing how good a writer Scott Snyder is after reading the current Batman series I decided to get Swamp Thing Vol. 1: Raise Them Bones which I thoroughly and have since decided to get the series since this issue.

Plot

This issue starts with Swamp Thing (Alec Holland) getting a hostile greeting form Poison Ivy and Deadman after returning from the Rot a year after entering (not realising that a year has passed). Once he eventually proves who he is he is taken to the Parliament of Trees the only place the Green still resides where he speaks to the former Swamp Things about the events that have transpired in his absence, whilst also asking about what has happened to Abby Arcane.

Review

A brilliant issue and Snyder is continuing to prove just how good a writer he is. He has put so much character development into the issues I've read and he continues it in this issue with Holland, now back from the Rot having not realised that a year has passed, still only caring about what has happened to Abby since he's been away. I do however feel that this issue isn't very user friendly as it drops you in at the start with Ivy and Deadman giving Holland a hostile welcome home (not believing he's who he says he is) and although it explains he's been away a year and that I worked out what has happened not necessarily every read will and could easily get confused reading this issue, having not read the series before. Besides that this was still a very good issue and Snyder has yet again done a brilliant job on with this character.

The art in this issue was amazing and Yanick Paquette has once again done a superb job of bringing Snyder's story to life. The detail in Paquette's art is simply astonishing whether he's drawing Ivy, Deadman, the Parliament of Trees (picture left) or Swamp Thing himself. Nathan Fairbairn also added great colour to this issue and his colours go very well with Paquette's art making it look even more beautiful than it already is whilst making it stand out at the same time. I also like the contrasts in colour between the Green areas (the Parliament) and the Rot areas (the rest of the world) as you can tell what effect Holland's absence along with the Rot's increase in power has done to the world.

I was in two minds about Holland's meeting with the former Swamp Thing's at the Parliament of Trees as although it gave insight into what has happened in Holland's absence, I did think that it was a bit boring and dragged out the end of this amazing issue.

I was happy to see Ivy and Deadman in this issue and think Ivy especially is a brilliant addition to this story line due to her connection to the plants. I love Ivy's suit in this issue but question about what happened to the suit she was wearing in Birds of Prey and Detective Comics which was also nice. I think however the change in suit is to reflect her connection to the Green more and that the one year difference will probably be after the events of Birds of Prey and Detective Comics. Deadman's involvement in this story line was also a nice addition and I am happy to see him in a comic once again as I haven't seen him since Brightest Day (he featured in DC Universe Presents but I never read that). I also think he will add a cooler head towards their group as Holland is probably still trying to get to grips with the fact he's been gone for a year and Ivy will be angry about the reduction of plants since the Green's influence over the world has dramatically dropped.

The start of the battle between Holland, Ivy and Deadman against the Teen Titans was brilliant and I am looking forward to seeing it progress in issue 14. The zombie look to the Teen Titans was also brilliant and the bloating in Red Robin's face and Wonder Girl's evil face was very detailed and looked very cool. There were a couple of small things like the size of Kid Flash's legs didn't look right but besides that I loved the zombie Titans.

I am also looking forward to seeing if previous Swamp Thing villains like William Arcane or Anton Arcane will make an appearance in this story as their connection to the Rot is too strong for them not to. I am also looking forward to seeing if the fate of Abby that was revealed in this issue is true and if so how that will effect the series.

Final Verdict

A brilliant issue and a great start to the Rotworld story. The only thing that lets drops the rating of this issue is that it isn't totally new reader friendly (although you can work out what has happened), and Holland's conversation with the former Swamp Things dragged on a bit. Besides that this was still a very good issue and I would highly recommend it.

Rating: 4.5/5