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Swamp Thing (2016) #1-6
Swamp Thing: The Dead Don't Sleep
In the Swamp, Nothing Stays Buried.
Once he was Alec Holland, loving husband and brilliant scientist. Then, betrayed by the greed of evil men, his humanity was burned away and in its place a new consciousness took root. On that day, everything he thought he knew about life, death and the powers of the world was overturned, and Alec Holland was reborn as the immortal avatar of all things green and growing the Swamp Thing.
In the years since, his endless battle against the Green s myriad enemies has cost the Swamp Thing everyone and everything he ever loved. Through it all, his dearest desire has been to live again as the man he once was a dream that has always proven to be impossible.
Until now.
Swamp Thing co-creator Len Wein returns to the bayou with master of graphic horror Kelley Jones for a brand-new chapter in the strange and supernatural saga of the Guardian of the Green.
Collects all six issues of the mini-series.
Once he was Alec Holland, loving husband and brilliant scientist. Then, betrayed by the greed of evil men, his humanity was burned away and in its place a new consciousness took root. On that day, everything he thought he knew about life, death and the powers of the world was overturned, and Alec Holland was reborn as the immortal avatar of all things green and growing the Swamp Thing.
In the years since, his endless battle against the Green s myriad enemies has cost the Swamp Thing everyone and everything he ever loved. Through it all, his dearest desire has been to live again as the man he once was a dream that has always proven to be impossible.
Until now.
Swamp Thing co-creator Len Wein returns to the bayou with master of graphic horror Kelley Jones for a brand-new chapter in the strange and supernatural saga of the Guardian of the Green.
Collects all six issues of the mini-series.
135 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2016
5 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Len Wein
944 books154 followersLen Wein was an American comic book writer and editor best known for co-creating DC Comics' Swamp Thing and Marvel Comics' Wolverine, and for helping revive the Marvel superhero team the X-Men (including the co-creation of Nightcrawler, Storm, and Colossus). Additionally, he was the editor for writer Alan Moore and illustrator Dave Gibbons' influential DC miniseries Watchmen.
Wein was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2008.
Wein was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2008.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 19, 2018
The dead may not sleep but you will if you read this booooorinnnnggg Swamp Thing book!
I’m sorry to speak ill of the recently deceased but Len Wein (RIP) was not a good writer. He wrote in this clunky, corny (oh lordy, SO CORNY!) ‘70s style which was heavy on the exposition, none of which added anything to the already piss-poor narrative. He’s hopeless at dialogue too - all the characters here sound like moustache-twirling pantomime villains.
He didn’t have any good stories to tell in this one. Some zombie fights Swamp Thing for, somehow, two entire issues, then Anton Arcane takes Swampy’s powers to try to take over the world or something crap like that. It’s sad to read, honestly, because it feels like DC gave Wein this gig out of pity.
Couple Wein’s ‘70s writing with Kelley Jones’ ‘90s-style art that’s going for horror but comes off as laughably silly as Wein’s dumbass script and you’ve got one helluva anachronistic read for this 2016 comic.
I could go on but it isn’t worth it. Nor is reading it! Do literally anything else but read this utter garbagefest of a comic. DC should be embarrassed they published something this bad. Then again, they’re DC = (Colour Hair) Don’t Care. And neither should you!
I’m sorry to speak ill of the recently deceased but Len Wein (RIP) was not a good writer. He wrote in this clunky, corny (oh lordy, SO CORNY!) ‘70s style which was heavy on the exposition, none of which added anything to the already piss-poor narrative. He’s hopeless at dialogue too - all the characters here sound like moustache-twirling pantomime villains.
He didn’t have any good stories to tell in this one. Some zombie fights Swamp Thing for, somehow, two entire issues, then Anton Arcane takes Swampy’s powers to try to take over the world or something crap like that. It’s sad to read, honestly, because it feels like DC gave Wein this gig out of pity.
Couple Wein’s ‘70s writing with Kelley Jones’ ‘90s-style art that’s going for horror but comes off as laughably silly as Wein’s dumbass script and you’ve got one helluva anachronistic read for this 2016 comic.
I could go on but it isn’t worth it. Nor is reading it! Do literally anything else but read this utter garbagefest of a comic. DC should be embarrassed they published something this bad. Then again, they’re DC = (Colour Hair) Don’t Care. And neither should you!
July 15, 2020
Swamp Thing creator Len Wein returns with this dated tale that retreads old ground. I don't know if Wein has ever read a Swamp Thing comic since he quit writing it in the 70's. He completely ignores continuity bringing Matt Cable into the book as if he hadn't died and then resurrected as a raven in Sandman. He revisits a lot of monster tropes while finding flimsy excuses to bring in most of the supernatural DC characters. I will say Kelley Jones was a good choice of artist for the book. I don't typically like Jones's drooping pencils but here they work well.
December 7, 2016
Len Wein is back to write a new Swamp Thing story, and Kelley Jones is around to offer artwork that's appropriately horrific. So, we might be expecting some good old-fashioned horror. And that's pretty much what we get in the first two issues, which are a zombie fight that could have appeared in v1 of Swamp Thing.
Unfortunately, the first problems with Wein's writing also appear in those first two issues. It's pretty obvious that he's either not familiar with or doesn't care about the decades of evolution this character has enjoyed since he wrote him. Oh, there are sops to Swampy's long continuity, suggesting he's still the avatar of the Green, just not returning their calls. But Swamp Thing's powers and psyche are just far enough off, that he doesn't feel right.
Then we get the final four issue arc which is just horrible. It starts off with Matt Cable wandering in as if he hadn't been killed, turned into a raven, and then killed again. Then we get some pretty horrible character assassination of Cable, one of the most interesting characters in Swamp Thing lore.
Along the way Swampy loses his powers, which happened in Swamp Thing v1 and even happened at the very end of Swamp Thing v2 via an extremely similar mechanism: wishing matches (versus a wishing hand here). So, no points for originality.
How do you complete the ruination of this comic? Bury it with a who's who of mystical heroes wandering in for whatever reason. And don't make them interesting or evocative at all. Then add in Arcane, because how can you have a Swamp Thing comic without Arcane. But don't include any of the nuance of the Arcane and the Rot from v5.
In the end, you just have to pray that this volume is forgotten, considered out of continuity, or something, because it's disrespects every single volume of Swamp Thing from Moore through Snyder, and probably a few others as well. If this has been a historic comic, set amidst v1 or early v2 of Swamp Thing, it could have been good, but allowing Wein to write a post-v5 Swamp Thing, when he clearly doesn't care about the last 30 years of development was ... disastrous.
Unfortunately, the first problems with Wein's writing also appear in those first two issues. It's pretty obvious that he's either not familiar with or doesn't care about the decades of evolution this character has enjoyed since he wrote him. Oh, there are sops to Swampy's long continuity, suggesting he's still the avatar of the Green, just not returning their calls. But Swamp Thing's powers and psyche are just far enough off, that he doesn't feel right.
Then we get the final four issue arc which is just horrible. It starts off with Matt Cable wandering in as if he hadn't been killed, turned into a raven, and then killed again. Then we get some pretty horrible character assassination of Cable, one of the most interesting characters in Swamp Thing lore.
Along the way Swampy loses his powers, which happened in Swamp Thing v1 and even happened at the very end of Swamp Thing v2 via an extremely similar mechanism: wishing matches (versus a wishing hand here). So, no points for originality.
How do you complete the ruination of this comic? Bury it with a who's who of mystical heroes wandering in for whatever reason. And don't make them interesting or evocative at all. Then add in Arcane, because how can you have a Swamp Thing comic without Arcane. But don't include any of the nuance of the Arcane and the Rot from v5.
In the end, you just have to pray that this volume is forgotten, considered out of continuity, or something, because it's disrespects every single volume of Swamp Thing from Moore through Snyder, and probably a few others as well. If this has been a historic comic, set amidst v1 or early v2 of Swamp Thing, it could have been good, but allowing Wein to write a post-v5 Swamp Thing, when he clearly doesn't care about the last 30 years of development was ... disastrous.
February 15, 2017
Len Wein returns to the pages of Swamp Thing with a story all too familiar but entertaining nonetheless. I have to admit I have never read any of the Len Wein Swamp thing books but being he is one of the co-creators of the character I did not want to miss this opportunity to experience his vision of the character. The artwork by Kelley Jones & Michelle Madsen works well with Wein's writing. The art has a eerie and gloomy look and the covers have a old school horror comic flare. The pacing and dialogue are handled nicely. I also enjoyed Wein's inclusion of other DC Comics characters from the supernatural corners of the DC universe. The characters work sort of like a who's who of the dark side of DC Comics. We get the Phantom Stranger, Deadman, Zatanna, and The Spectre. The book is a great mini story for those who have never read a Swamp thing book. My only gripe was that the plot to this story has been covered in the New 52 run with the character. Basically Holland grows weary of being Swamp Thing and unknowingly gives up the power irresponsibility to the wrong candidate. Both Scott Snyder and Charles Soule have done stories like this during their runs with the character of Swamp Thing. Some may even feel that those runs are largely better that this mini series. However I would still caution readers to give this book a read if you just want a quick read for the character. Then I would definitely go and read Swamp Thing By Scott Snyder Deluxe Edition & Swamp Thing, Volume 4: Seeder.
October 1, 2016
Len Wein returns to Swamp Thing in this six issue mini-series, bringing horror artist extraordinaire Kelley Jones along with him.
The first two issues of this series seem almost like a disconnected story, as Alec battles a zombie. It serves to introduce a supporting character who's kind of important in the back half of the story, but this is mostly just a decent little story, nothing much else.
The second four issues have Alec giving up his Swamp Thing powers, but the new recipient isn't quite as kind-hearted as Alec is, and threatens to destroy the world. I'd be all for this kind of story, if it hadn't already been done (and done better) in the recent Charles Soule run. The Justice League Dark get involved, and things go south, but of course it's all wrapped up in a neat bow at the end. The one thing I do really like is Wein's melodramatic narration boxes, which are either an intentional throwback, or a leftover plot device from Wein's earlier days plotting comics, but either way they enhance the ambience really well.
Speaking of ambience, Kelley Jones is great. His hulking Swamp Thing is creepy as hell, and Michelle Madsen's colours are realistic, making the flesh of the monsters and the roots of our hero look perfect. The visuals can rarely be faulted.
I've read worse Swamp Thing stories. This one's alright, but there are a lot better out there.
The first two issues of this series seem almost like a disconnected story, as Alec battles a zombie. It serves to introduce a supporting character who's kind of important in the back half of the story, but this is mostly just a decent little story, nothing much else.
The second four issues have Alec giving up his Swamp Thing powers, but the new recipient isn't quite as kind-hearted as Alec is, and threatens to destroy the world. I'd be all for this kind of story, if it hadn't already been done (and done better) in the recent Charles Soule run. The Justice League Dark get involved, and things go south, but of course it's all wrapped up in a neat bow at the end. The one thing I do really like is Wein's melodramatic narration boxes, which are either an intentional throwback, or a leftover plot device from Wein's earlier days plotting comics, but either way they enhance the ambience really well.
Speaking of ambience, Kelley Jones is great. His hulking Swamp Thing is creepy as hell, and Michelle Madsen's colours are realistic, making the flesh of the monsters and the roots of our hero look perfect. The visuals can rarely be faulted.
I've read worse Swamp Thing stories. This one's alright, but there are a lot better out there.
May 18, 2017
Very old school, both good and not so much.
World: The art feels very old school, Swamp Thing looks very old school, just a muscle man with a root for a head (unlike the current take which has been much more plant like and awesome). The world building is very old school and pretty much feels independent from what's happened with the New52, sure it does acknowledges it, but it doesn't really and just feels like the old silver age comic book and the world.
Story: As I said, it's old school. The dialog, the framing, the story, the tone it's so old school and it feels very familiar, this is what Wein Swamp Thing was when it started. That being said, it's 2017 and things are a bit different now, dialog is not as literal as it is in the book and some things you can't say about women and make jokes about (Zatanna) that is not seen as somewhat sexist. It's an okay story but it's dated and the villain is evil for the of evil as per silver age comics. If you want one last Swamp Thing story from Wein this is it, if you want a continuation of the excellent New52 and seeing how Wein would play on that this is not it.
Characters: Swamp Thing is back to his origins and talks like a monster that has not internal dialog, which there is still a lot of. He's not the same from New52 and certainly his idea of wanting to be human again is not in line with what came before. This is Wein's classic take and it's fun and also dated at once. The villain is just evil for the sake of evil, which I don't like, but it was the staple in Silver Age comics so oh well.
It was okay, a walk down memory lane but wow comics have changed so much.
Onward to the next book!
World: The art feels very old school, Swamp Thing looks very old school, just a muscle man with a root for a head (unlike the current take which has been much more plant like and awesome). The world building is very old school and pretty much feels independent from what's happened with the New52, sure it does acknowledges it, but it doesn't really and just feels like the old silver age comic book and the world.
Story: As I said, it's old school. The dialog, the framing, the story, the tone it's so old school and it feels very familiar, this is what Wein Swamp Thing was when it started. That being said, it's 2017 and things are a bit different now, dialog is not as literal as it is in the book and some things you can't say about women and make jokes about (Zatanna) that is not seen as somewhat sexist. It's an okay story but it's dated and the villain is evil for the of evil as per silver age comics. If you want one last Swamp Thing story from Wein this is it, if you want a continuation of the excellent New52 and seeing how Wein would play on that this is not it.
Characters: Swamp Thing is back to his origins and talks like a monster that has not internal dialog, which there is still a lot of. He's not the same from New52 and certainly his idea of wanting to be human again is not in line with what came before. This is Wein's classic take and it's fun and also dated at once. The villain is just evil for the sake of evil, which I don't like, but it was the staple in Silver Age comics so oh well.
It was okay, a walk down memory lane but wow comics have changed so much.
Onward to the next book!
December 3, 2019
After the massive events that have run through the main New 52 run, this return to its roots by Len Wein is a bit of a disappointment. It's a more intimate story that leans on a lot of cameos and crossovers to cover up a story that is very simple and focused on a friend's betrayal (and a 'shocking' twist late in the series) that is supposedly world-endangering, but never earns its stakes. Len Wein's style hasn't kept up with the times and this book really reflects that. So many characters do so many stupid things just to move the plot forward (and the treatment of Zatanna is so backwards it's almost like it's trying to cast its own spell), and the climax makes almost no use of Swamp Thing himself. It's a really disappointing series that we're probably lucky it was limited to only six issues.
October 23, 2018
I've never told this story before (it just never came up) but to understand my review you have to hear this one: I was an avid comic book collector from the age of eight. There used to be a chain of convenience stores here locally and every Friday I got to go and buy three comics on the way home from school. In the fabulous seventies when everything was less expensive you could actually support yourself this way, apparently-one regular employee was AnnaBelle. I loved seeing her and she loved seeing me. She worked in the same spot for years so we knew each other reasonably well. One Friday she told me she had something for me (I think I was fourteen at this time.) And she presented me with a cardboard box. Turns out whenever a comic book crossed her field of view that AnnaBelle thought was interesting she got a copy of it and put it aside. All the incredible things inside that box! Everything was in absolutely pristine condition. Lots of seventies Jack Kirby (Kamandi. OMAC, The Demon) a lot of Neal Adams Batman, and (you knew I was gong somewhere with this, didn't you Constant Reader) the first seven original issues of Swamp Thing by Len Wein and the (now late) Berni Wrightson. Beautiful beautiful books. So now I find Len Wein (I met him once at a comic convention such a nice man) has returned to this character with Swamp Thing: The Dead Don't Sleep. Sadly this book did not work for me. Kelley Jones is the artist and I know art is subjective but I don't care for his work-people's facial features seem to slide around on their skulls, characters are poorly proportioned, and Zatanna has thunder thighs. Plus Wein ignores the wonderful Alan Moore run on this same book, but borrows a plot device Moore used without even a tip of the hat. This is a very Old School story so it has charm but charm is not enough-plus if you've read the series enough you just KNOW who the villain is so the Big Reveal is a Big Bust. Meh.
February 26, 2024
Setelah di era New 52 konsep Swamp Thing besutan Scott Snyder lebih kental dengan tema superhero meski secara kualitas tetap bagus. Era DC Rebirth dibuka dengan miniseries Swamp Thing yang ditulis oleh kreatornya sendiri yaitu Len Wein. Len Wein menulis Swamp Thing seperti medio awal karakter ini diciptakan, unsur horor begitu kuat ditunjang dengan gambar dan pewarnaan yang lebih gelap dibandingkan dengan series Swamp Thing sebelumnya. Premis cerita yang menarik bisa dinikmati di 2 chapter awal buku ini, sayangnya chapter selanjutnya terus menurun hingga pada konklusi yang kurang memuaskan. Nilai bintang 4 yang saya berikan sebagai tribut atas Almarhum Len Wein yang saat menulis buku ini kabarnya sudah dalam keadaan sakit.
November 18, 2025
An incredibly deep and high octane fueled continuation of the Horror/Sci-Fi story, SWAMP THING.
Len Wein's immersive continuation of the heavy and harrowing plight of not only Alec Holland, but of Matt Cable. Kelley Jones' bold and exciting artwork, Madsen's fantastic vibrant / garish coloring, and Rob Leigh's creative lettering all vibed wonderfully together.
Angry. Intense. Grotesquely surreal.
Len Wein's immersive continuation of the heavy and harrowing plight of not only Alec Holland, but of Matt Cable. Kelley Jones' bold and exciting artwork, Madsen's fantastic vibrant / garish coloring, and Rob Leigh's creative lettering all vibed wonderfully together.
Angry. Intense. Grotesquely surreal.
January 24, 2017
After dealing with a threat of a student-turned-zombie, Swamp Thing receives an opportunity to become a man again. His friend, Matt Cable, has returned from a world-wide search for a cure to Swamp Thing's condition and it proves to be the perfect solution.
Sure, but no solution is perfect, and neither is this collection of the six-issue miniseries. I really had high hopes for this story and was looking forward to reading it. Being such a big fan of the Lemire and Soule run on the title over the past few years, I thought reading a story by one of Swamp Things creators would be fantastic. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed.
This book is really two stories that happen back-to-back and really aren't related in a structural way, but are somewhat related thematically. The first part of the book focuses on Swamp Thing confronting a young man who has been turned into a Zombie by the machinations of those around him. He is a man turned monster, seeking revenge for his circumstances. This short story is fine, but just doesn't really resonate, but it sets up the idea of the corruptive influence of becoming a monster. Which Swamp Thing Alec Holland fights against himself every day.
The second story is kicked off by Matt Cable showing up and offering Alec the opportunity to become human again. With the help of a powerful artifact and the magician Zatanna, he does just that. The only catch was that now Cable has taken on the curse of becoming the Swamp Thing. And of course, things go south from there.
We've seen this story before, and it was done better and more powerfully during Soule's run on the series. We get lip service to the Green, but its not used effectively and lacks many of the elements and the mystcial feel given to it previously. Even the Parliament of Trees are reduced to a colloquialism-spouting miasma that is thankfully reduced to a mere cameo.
This story plays out like a TV reunion movie where we get a lot of references and appearances that really don't amount to anything. Aside from Zatanna, we also get to see the Phantom Stranger, Deadman, and the Spectre, but most are reduced to simply having a chat with Alec Holland and looking great due to Kelley Jones' artwork! There are other characters from Swamp Thing's past and the greater DC universe in tiny roles, but nothing of any note. All of these characters provide little value to the greater story, but to be there to grab some attention on covers or solicitation blurbs.
I honestly can't say enough about Kelley Jones! I know you either love or hate him, and I happen to be on the "love" side. I first encountered his stuff years ago on some Batman work and was fascinated by his stylized, but creepy figures and his haunting use of light, darkness and shape to convey a mood. While I'm not super-thrilled with his Swamp Thing, it was really nice to see the Spectre here! Spectre is one of my favorite subjects for Jones to draw, so that mollified me a bit with this series.
Overall, there is nothing spectacular here. If you see this in a local library, take a few moments to page through and enjoy the artwork, but flip over the story. You've probably read it before.
Sure, but no solution is perfect, and neither is this collection of the six-issue miniseries. I really had high hopes for this story and was looking forward to reading it. Being such a big fan of the Lemire and Soule run on the title over the past few years, I thought reading a story by one of Swamp Things creators would be fantastic. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed.
This book is really two stories that happen back-to-back and really aren't related in a structural way, but are somewhat related thematically. The first part of the book focuses on Swamp Thing confronting a young man who has been turned into a Zombie by the machinations of those around him. He is a man turned monster, seeking revenge for his circumstances. This short story is fine, but just doesn't really resonate, but it sets up the idea of the corruptive influence of becoming a monster. Which Swamp Thing Alec Holland fights against himself every day.
The second story is kicked off by Matt Cable showing up and offering Alec the opportunity to become human again. With the help of a powerful artifact and the magician Zatanna, he does just that. The only catch was that now Cable has taken on the curse of becoming the Swamp Thing. And of course, things go south from there.
We've seen this story before, and it was done better and more powerfully during Soule's run on the series. We get lip service to the Green, but its not used effectively and lacks many of the elements and the mystcial feel given to it previously. Even the Parliament of Trees are reduced to a colloquialism-spouting miasma that is thankfully reduced to a mere cameo.
This story plays out like a TV reunion movie where we get a lot of references and appearances that really don't amount to anything. Aside from Zatanna, we also get to see the Phantom Stranger, Deadman, and the Spectre, but most are reduced to simply having a chat with Alec Holland and looking great due to Kelley Jones' artwork! There are other characters from Swamp Thing's past and the greater DC universe in tiny roles, but nothing of any note. All of these characters provide little value to the greater story, but to be there to grab some attention on covers or solicitation blurbs.
I honestly can't say enough about Kelley Jones! I know you either love or hate him, and I happen to be on the "love" side. I first encountered his stuff years ago on some Batman work and was fascinated by his stylized, but creepy figures and his haunting use of light, darkness and shape to convey a mood. While I'm not super-thrilled with his Swamp Thing, it was really nice to see the Spectre here! Spectre is one of my favorite subjects for Jones to draw, so that mollified me a bit with this series.
Overall, there is nothing spectacular here. If you see this in a local library, take a few moments to page through and enjoy the artwork, but flip over the story. You've probably read it before.
October 30, 2017
Perhaps Len Wein's last comics work (?) featuring one of his more enduring creations. Good, solid tale, and although there is a plot hole that is never straightened out, this was still an enjoyable read. Kelley Jones's art work certainly suits ol' Swampy, adding to the moodiness of the book.
February 12, 2017
Algunos personajes de cómic menores tienen la suerte y la desgracia de haber tenido épocas puntuales especialmente brillantes. Eso es justo lo que le ocurre a la Cosa del Pantano. A mediados de los 80 Alan Moore la llevó a unas cotas de genialidad difíciles de repetir con auténticas maravillas como aquella lección de anatomía. En esta ocasión el guionista original que creó a la Cosa del Pantano escribe una pequeña serie de seis números entretenida y muy pulp, pero lejos, lejísimos, de las posibilidades del personaje.
February 19, 2018
Alec Holland gets a new lease on life as an old friend appears with a strange offer in this graphic novel that has most of the supernatural DC universe guest star. Overall, a fun read with a familiar story by Len Wein and Wrightson-esque art by Kelley Jones.
The story feels like a continuation of the Swamp Thing series that debuted in 1972 because it ignores huge chunks of continuity created by Alan Moore and other talented creators. A solid read if the reader can put that aspect aside and appreciate a story free of so much continuity.
The story feels like a continuation of the Swamp Thing series that debuted in 1972 because it ignores huge chunks of continuity created by Alan Moore and other talented creators. A solid read if the reader can put that aspect aside and appreciate a story free of so much continuity.
May 10, 2022
This is the first book of Swamp Thing that I have read and I think I've found a new series. Alec Holland, scientist, has a terrible accident and becomes the guardian of the green, Swamp Thing. This character reminds me a bit of Frankenstein's Creature which is one of my favorites. It has a smart back story and an interesting premise.
I saw the first couple episodes of the television series and enjoyed them with there creepy premise and awesome sets. Too bad it got cancelled.
Hopefully, I'll find better stories in the comics.
I saw the first couple episodes of the television series and enjoyed them with there creepy premise and awesome sets. Too bad it got cancelled.
Hopefully, I'll find better stories in the comics.
February 6, 2025
Len Wein's return to the character and Kelly Jones art were a great idea to do a retro Swamp Thing story. This story feels like it takes place during 1st series, but Alec has powers/responsibilities from the later serieses.
Regardless, if you go in with mindset that it is a swan-song story from the original creator that picks and chooses characters/events from Swamp Thing's long history, then you will enjoy.
If you get hung up on continuity, then just remember there is the DC multiverse and this is one where things are just a little different.
Regardless, if you go in with mindset that it is a swan-song story from the original creator that picks and chooses characters/events from Swamp Thing's long history, then you will enjoy.
If you get hung up on continuity, then just remember there is the DC multiverse and this is one where things are just a little different.
May 23, 2019
Having not read much of Wein’s Swamp Thing (but knowing he created the character) I’m still not used to a Swamp Thing that speaks so “normally” for lack of a better word, in my head I’m used to him having breaks in his sentences. So it took a while to get used to but thankfully come issue 3 in the story I got used to it.
Also loved the supporting cast of characters this story includes, a few surprises involved so don’t want to spoil that. Read it and find out.
Also loved the supporting cast of characters this story includes, a few surprises involved so don’t want to spoil that. Read it and find out.
February 16, 2020
Valued as Len Wein's goodbye of sorts to Swamp Thing, and a pretty decent story overall, but it feels like they're working too hard to get the extra characters (Phantom Stranger et al.) involved when they don't all really need to be there. Oh, and Arcane comes back... again... who would have thought? Enjoyable venues with plenty of bayou goodness, classic Swampy horror vibe, and a neat Abby cameo at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2020
Swamp Thing: The Dead Don't Sleep is a poor companion to his excellent New 52 series. The story can't decide what it wants to be about. Its about this zombie guy, no wait, its about Swamp Thing's friend becoming Swamp Thing, no wait, Swamp Thing's friend is possessed. You get the idea...
Its pretty clear Wein is just falling back on his old writing style, but making no attempts to improve it. What editor thought this was a good idea?
The only saving grace is Kelley Jones's art.
Its pretty clear Wein is just falling back on his old writing style, but making no attempts to improve it. What editor thought this was a good idea?
The only saving grace is Kelley Jones's art.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 7, 2023People hate on this one but as a fan of Bronze Age Swampy I had a good time with it! It was nice to see him team up with all of his pre-Constantine friends and fight Arcane and fully identify as Alec Holland again as if Alan Moore never happened to him.
The modern inks and colors don't jive with the art and writing though
The modern inks and colors don't jive with the art and writing though
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2018
I’ll always read anything Swamp Thing, no matter the writer or artist involved. This one’s a classic story written by Swamp Thing’s original co-creator with a throwback style of art that was in the spirit of the title’s early stories. All in all, worth the read.
November 3, 2019
Only made it through the first issue because the writing and art were both so bad. It was kind of offensive how bad it was. Swamp Thing's dialogue was like 1960's Batman but reeeeeeallyyyy... slooooooooww... because... Swamp Thing... talks sloooooowwwww.
October 15, 2020
TBH, there aren't very many comics that Kelley Jones's art is suited to these days, but this was one of them. The writing is VERY old-school and kinda hokey, but it's all okay if you treat it as a silly little romp with zero consequences.
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April 5, 2024Back To Its Origins
Len Wein with Kelley Jones go back to re-establish Swamp Thing's origins and is very much successful. Jones' dark artistic style almost harkens back to the days of Berni Wrightson, something which in my opinion Swamp Thing sorely needed.
Len Wein with Kelley Jones go back to re-establish Swamp Thing's origins and is very much successful. Jones' dark artistic style almost harkens back to the days of Berni Wrightson, something which in my opinion Swamp Thing sorely needed.
June 11, 2025
first two to two and a half issues I enjoyed, then the switch happens between Alec and the helper, and I lost interest.
a bit of a tour of dc supernatural Realms with deadman, Phantom Stranger, and zatanna. no John c disappointingly
I didn't like the story and art and colours were fine.
a bit of a tour of dc supernatural Realms with deadman, Phantom Stranger, and zatanna. no John c disappointingly
I didn't like the story and art and colours were fine.
June 24, 2020
If you are looking for all pictures with sparse words than don't read this.
Luckily it contained enough fun narration to keep me intrigued.
Luckily it contained enough fun narration to keep me intrigued.
November 3, 2020
Bad art and a weak story from Swamp Thing co-creater Len Wein whpo should know better.
June 10, 2021
Only 3/5 because I love Kelley Jones’s art.
November 18, 2021
I liked the insight into Swamp Thing, Alec Holland. Also really dug the other characters that were included for the end half of the story. (The Spectre especially).
April 1, 2022
It was okay. Definitely not as good as New 52
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