Swamp Thing #18 Review

Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Yanick Paquette

This has been one of my favourite series out at this moment, and my second favourite from DC. I have been following this series since the start of Rotworld (also picking up Vol. 1, and planing on getting Vol. 2 of the TPB) and have really enjoyed it. Unfortunately the last issue was catastrophically poor, and I was dreading that Scott Snyder's fantastic run on this series would end badly, but fortunately it hasn't.

Plot

The Parliament of Decay has sent Swamp Thing back in time, and gives him the chance to stop Anton Arcane once and for all, but it means sacrificing Abby.

Review

WARNING: THERE MAY BE THE ODD SPOILER IN MY REVIEW!

What a fabulous ending to a phenomenal run. Although I haven't read the entire run from Scott Snyder I have loved nearly every issue I have, and have heard good things about the others, so it was nice to see his run end this way. This wasn't just a brilliant issue, but in my opinion it's the best in the series so far (at least from what I've read), and a fitting end to Snyder's story. It was nice to see Snyder give us a very emotional story for his final issue, as the thing I loved the most about the first volume of this series was the emotion shown between Alec, and Abby. I also liked that this story kind of reflected the fact that Snyder, and Yanick Paquette were leaving the series, as the story ended showing that this is the end of his story, but still open for someone to take over. I also like that like Snyder leaving the series, that someone was leaving Swamp Thing.

I was ecstatic that Yanick Paquette was working on the art for this issue, and even more considering the atrocious art in the last issue. Anyway taking that fact aside, Paquette was the artist that started this series with Snyder, so if anyone's going to finish his run at the same time, it's fitting that it's Paquette. Besides that Paquette's art on this series has been the best Swamp Thing art that I have ever seen, and Kano will have to do something extremely phenomenal to beat it. Paquette's art is nothing short of beautiful, and I love the detail, and emotion that he puts into it. The design, and layout in Paquette's artwork is also brilliant, as it shows more of the emotion. Nathan Fairbairn's colours were also fantastic, and made Paquette's artwork look even more beautiful.

I loved that we got to see Swamp Thing fight Anton Arcane. To be honest this issue in general was everything that the last issue should have been, as to have a poor ending to a story, followed by a killer epilogue issue isn't what I want as a reader. Don't get me wrong, I'll, take what I can get, and would rather this issue be brilliant, then both be poor, but it doesn't feel right knowing that the epilogue was better than the finale. Anyway back to the fight. The fight was fantastic, and Snyder, and Paquette really just gave it their all to show the conviction in Alec, and the twisted thoughts in Arcane.

My favourite part in this issue had to be the sequence between Alec, and Abby. As I said earlier one of the things I love about this series has been the development of their relationship, and how Alec has been willing to die to save Abby. This however had to be the most emotional, as Abby had to sacrifice herself to stop Arcane, and save the world. Just the way Alec reacted to having to kill Abby lit a huge fire under him, and made his rage against Arcane even grater. It was however nice to see Abby as the avatar of the Rot was brilliant, and she looked awesome.

It was also nice to see the Parliament of Trees in this issue. The Parliament has been the main backing for Alec in this series, and although he's mainly been doing it to stop Arcane, and save Abby, he's had a lot of support so it was nice to see them. The way they supported Alec in his hour of grief was nice, and it was also nice that they didn't push him into staying as Swamp Thing.

The future for Alec, and Abby? The way this issue ended it doesn't look like Alec, and Abby will be seeing each other anytime soon, maybe not ever, which is a shame. The story between the two characters has been really touching, and a brilliant read, but it's probably fitting that the story's ended for a while, with the departure of Snyder, and Paquette. Also the future of Alec as Swamp Thing should be interesting, as before he's had his love for Abby driving him, whereas now that he's not likely to see her anytime soon will we see a change in big green? All this has me hooked on the series, as I was actually considering dropping the series when Snyder, and Paquette left, but I'll probably give the new creative team of Charles Soule, and Kano a chance, even if it's just to see what happens.

Snyder, and Paquette were a brilliant creative team, and it will be sad to see them leave, but I'm looking forward to seeing what Soule, and Kano can do with the series.

Final Verdict

A brilliant ending, to a fabulous run. This was probably the most emotional issue in the series so far, and in my opinion the best. I would highly recommend both this issue, and the entire series, and am looking forward to seeing what Soule, and Kano do with the series.

Rating: 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 #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

Swamp Thing Volume 1: Raise Them Bones

Writer: Scott Snyder
Artists: Yanick Paquette & Marco Rudy

I have never really been a Swamp Thing fan and his role in the Brightest Day story arc and the Brightest Day Aftermath: The Search for Swamp Thing put me off him even more so didn't get the series when The New 52 started. Since then I have heard nothing but good news about the series and read tones of great reviews praising it, and after finding out just how good a writer Scott Snyder could be whilst reading Batman considered getting this book. It was however when I had a flip through it in a local shop I decided to buy it after being reminded of how beautiful Yanick Paquette's art was.

Plot

This story sees how Dr. Alec Holland is copping with life after being back from the dead and how he is dealing with the constant presence of the Green hanging over him. Superman visits Holland to tell him that the different groups of animals like birds, cattle and fish are dying spontaneously and thinks Swamp Thing could help, but Holland says he won't become Swamp Thing again. A former Swamp Thing who now resides at the Parliament of Trees comes to tell Holland that there is a danger coming and that Holland is the only one who can stop it. Holland still refuses to become Swamp Thing and the former Swamp Thing leaves him with a final warning, to stay away from the blond haired woman in his dreams. Unfortunately Holland runs in to the blond haired woman named Abby Arcane who tells him of her brother William who hold the power of the the Rot. Holland decides to help Abby and the two go of in search of William before he causes proper damage.

Review

I really enjoyed this book and it was a brilliant start to the Swamp Thing story. Snyder has really done some magic on this book and in my opinion it is the best thing he has written. I just love how you can feel the emotions running through Holland as this is a man who has had everything taken from him by the Green and has every right to want nothing to do with it but at the same time wanting to do what is right.

The art throughout this book was fantastic whether from Paquette or Marco Rudy, although Paquette's was by far better. I just loved all the detail throughout this book as with all the different things in the background it would be easy to be lazy and only put detail on the focus points but both artists don't do that and you can really feel the life throughout this book when we see the Green and the decay when we see the Rot. Nathan Fairbairn along with David Baron, and Val Staples added tones of colour and Fairbairn's in particular made Paquette's art look more beautiful, whilst adding mood to the darker sequences. Another thing I liked about this book which is a thing I like about a lot of the DC series' especially since the New 52 is the layout as it is brilliant and adds uniqueness to the series.

This book started off a little slow but I expected that from a new series, although near the end of the first issue it picked up a lot of pace and the rest of the book was very exciting. Superman's appearance, along with the glimpse of Batman and Aquaman during the first issue was also a nice touch and really added a warming feel to a new reader. I also liked the conversation between the two and loved how Superman tells Holland that he knows how hard it is to come back from the dead.

The chemistry between Holland and Abby throughout this book was amazing and one of the main things I liked. At certain points I didn't know whether to feel sorry for Abby or not as she clearly has good intentions but due to the Rot running through her family it is hard to tell if Holland should really trust her. It was also nice to see similarities between Abby and Holland and that even though they are connected to two different forces they are are both good at heart. The emotional chemistry between the two also built up very nicely through this book turning it into a love story which was nice, and gave more hope and purpose to their goals.

William Arcane was a brilliant villain in this book and I loved how he was just a child. I liked how he looked so innocent to start off, being bullied by the other children for being in a bubble and I thought it was brilliant the way he suddenly he turned into this evil boy filled with tones of rage. He had a brilliant evil felling throughout the book and he produced the kind of atmosphere I expected from the child version of the Hellfire Club in Wolverine and the X-Men and Schism. I also like how William doesn't care what happens and only cares about himself and the rising of the Rot.

I also enjoyed the involvement of the former Swamp Things, and residents of the Parliament of Trees and how they interact with Holland realising that he is their best hope of stopping the Rot. I also like how this book since the start has been setting up the current Rotworld story between the three forces and how the events in this book appear are just a prelude to something much bigger. The only thing that slightly upset me about this book was how it ended with a cliffhanger. Don't get me wrong this is a brilliant thing for the story and end the book with tones of suspense, it does however leave me wanting to read more of this brilliant series and the fact that I don't know when I'll be able to read the continuation of this series.

Final Verdict

A great book and I really wish I had gotten the series since the start. It is full with tones of action, suspense, emotion along with some of the best story telling I've ever read. I would defiantly recommend getting this book as it's one of the best out of the New 52 and I for one will be getting the series from now on, whilst trying to get back issue, and am looking forward to reading the Rotworld story.

Rating: 5/5