Images © DC Comics, Inc.

I have to admit I wasn’t too impressed with the writing of Scott Snyder on AMERICAN VAMPIRE, but here in SWAMP THING I think he’s doing a terrific job. The title works best for me when it deals with moral dilemmas and iconic/mythic power. Both elements are played strongly in this storyline. This issue, Alec Holland has retaken the role of Swamp Thing, champion of The Green, and goes to war with The Rot, the embodiment of death and decay. Holland also hopes to rescue his once-love Abby, who has been taken into The Rot, even though he’s been told repeatedly it’s a lost cause. But then, lost causes are one of the things Swamp Thing is all about.

I’m also so impressed with the art of Yanick Paquette on this title (and also the work of Marco Rudy on the first nine pages). I worked with Yanick in the past, and his work, which was good then, has improved greatly. Not only are his characters and images striking, but his layouts are creative, not only a delight to look at, but helping to tell the story through mood and an epic sweep that brings gravitas to the struggle of this war. And wait until you see what he and Snyder have in store for Abby…! Great coloring by Nathan Fairbairn and lettering by Travis Lanham enhance the book, too, as can be seen on this page.

Highly recommended.