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Swamp Thing, Vol. 2: Love and Death by Alan Moore, Stephen R. Bissette, John Totleben, Shawn McManus
bwluvs2read's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
chloekg's review against another edition
4.0
Riprollicking tales of Love and Death, this volume is a delightful mix of horror-entertainment and profound repurposing.
trilbynorton's review against another edition
5.0
Now, this is more like it!
If the first collected volume of Alan Moore's legendary run on Swamp Thing was just an introduction to what he had planned for the moss-encrusted mockery of a man, then this is Moore's plans in full swing. There's proper, gets-under-your-skin horror, a trip to hell redolent of Gaiman's later sojourns in his own Sandman, and an homage to a 1950s comic strip that is by turns delightful and heart-breaking. Consider me converted.
If the first collected volume of Alan Moore's legendary run on Swamp Thing was just an introduction to what he had planned for the moss-encrusted mockery of a man, then this is Moore's plans in full swing. There's proper, gets-under-your-skin horror, a trip to hell redolent of Gaiman's later sojourns in his own Sandman, and an homage to a 1950s comic strip that is by turns delightful and heart-breaking. Consider me converted.
unladylike's review against another edition
5.0
This particular trade paperback ranks in my top 3 favourite Alan Moore story sets, along with [b: Promethea|821800|Promethea, Vol. 1|Alan Moore|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1436628635l/821800._SY75_.jpg|3735636] and [b: From Hell|11381643|Playing for Keeps (Neighbor from Hell, #1)|R.L. Mathewson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1406585295l/11381643._SX50_.jpg|16313158].
I remember admiring my childhood mentor's collection of Swamp Thing art in the early '90s. I expected it was a corny old story that should have ended with the 1950s' notion of horror. Now, as an adult, I have learned well the literary and philosophical beauty and goodness found in some comics.
In Swamp Thing Vol. 2, Moore preserves the qualities of calmness, sensitivity, and sanctity characteristic of the title's great, loving lead monster. Found herein are theological dialogues that escape cliches common to religion critics and one of the most touching romances I've come across anywhere, on paper or in the world.
I remember admiring my childhood mentor's collection of Swamp Thing art in the early '90s. I expected it was a corny old story that should have ended with the 1950s' notion of horror. Now, as an adult, I have learned well the literary and philosophical beauty and goodness found in some comics.
In Swamp Thing Vol. 2, Moore preserves the qualities of calmness, sensitivity, and sanctity characteristic of the title's great, loving lead monster. Found herein are theological dialogues that escape cliches common to religion critics and one of the most touching romances I've come across anywhere, on paper or in the world.
wam93's review against another edition
5.0
Alan Moore continues to write beautiful stories. Can’t wait to read volume 3
librarimans's review against another edition
4.0
More solid work from Alan Moore. Despite all his oddness, Moore is an amazing writer when he wants/wanted to be. His Swamp Thing run is a prime example of that.
the8th's review against another edition
4.0
I try to keep in mind that this was written in 1985, but it is still difficult not to constantly have objections about everything back then. Abbie barely says anything most of the time, is victimized in a whole bunch of this and the first TPB. The God as he or she thing was annoying, "you mean God is a WOMAN?" "oh sorry, so God actually isn't a woman?! COOL"�. the "pale as a beautiful flower" thing made me roll my eyes a million times over ( I really don't get the beauty standards set up around whiteness at all, but I guess I kinda do get the imperialism/colonial superiority thing behind it).
I did really like the ending and I do really love the creature that is Swamp Thing. I love how broken he seems, his cracked voice, his hesitation but determination to do the right thing. I love Abbie's hair, haha. Partially because it's curly like mine but has cool white & black streaks in it. Umm. I want to hug the Swamp Thing, and some of the art made me happy, and some of Moore's poetic prose is nice. The end!
I did really like the ending and I do really love the creature that is Swamp Thing. I love how broken he seems, his cracked voice, his hesitation but determination to do the right thing. I love Abbie's hair, haha. Partially because it's curly like mine but has cool white & black streaks in it. Umm. I want to hug the Swamp Thing, and some of the art made me happy, and some of Moore's poetic prose is nice. The end!
michellewords's review against another edition
4.0
Volume 2 in the Saga of the Swamp Thing is a bit more experimental. Moore embraces different ways to explore Alec Moore/The Swamp Thing. One story journeys through the after life, another a dream for Abby Crane.
I absolutely adore the art work, the story, and the characters. I can't get enough swamp Thing in my life. His sweet, violent defense of the things and people he loves while battling with his identity and his changing form; I just love it.
Can't wait to keep going. I'm going to feel so bummed when it's over.
I absolutely adore the art work, the story, and the characters. I can't get enough swamp Thing in my life. His sweet, violent defense of the things and people he loves while battling with his identity and his changing form; I just love it.
Can't wait to keep going. I'm going to feel so bummed when it's over.
dantastic's review against another edition
4.0
Saga of the Swamp Thing: Book Two contains Saga of the Swamp Thing 28-34 and Annual 2.
Alan Moore's redefinition of Swamp Thing and comics in general continues in this volume. Swamp Thing buries Alec Holland forever, goes up against an old enemy, takes a trip to hell, and consummates his relationship with Abbie Cable.
Stephen Bissette and John Tottleben handle the bulk of the art, though Alfredo Alcala, Rick Veitch, and Shawn McManus are there to pick up the slack.
Alan Moore continued blazing new trails on Swamp Thing in this volume. I really like how the original Swamp Thing story from House of Secrets was included with a new framing sequence to explain how it fits into the Swamp Thing mythos. Swampy going to hell for Abbie's soul was one of my favorite parts of the book, although setting Arcane's hash was very satisfying. Abbie eating Swamp Thing's sweet potato probably raised a few eyebrows back in the day.
One thing I don't hear mentioned that often is how heavily Neil Gaimain was drawing on Alan Moore's Swamp Thing run in the early issues of Sandman. Sandman is normally the first thing I think of when I think of Vertigo but Swamp Thing was doing the same things years earlier.
It's interesting that the book was still set in the DC Universe at this time, with guest appearances by Phantom Stranger, Deadman, Etrigan, The Spectre, the Monitor, and Harbinger. Did Swamp Thing actually take part in Crisis? I guess I'll find out in future volumes.
Saga of the Swamp Thing: Book Two is another great adventure into the swamp of Alan Moore's mind. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Alan Moore's redefinition of Swamp Thing and comics in general continues in this volume. Swamp Thing buries Alec Holland forever, goes up against an old enemy, takes a trip to hell, and consummates his relationship with Abbie Cable.
Stephen Bissette and John Tottleben handle the bulk of the art, though Alfredo Alcala, Rick Veitch, and Shawn McManus are there to pick up the slack.
Alan Moore continued blazing new trails on Swamp Thing in this volume. I really like how the original Swamp Thing story from House of Secrets was included with a new framing sequence to explain how it fits into the Swamp Thing mythos. Swampy going to hell for Abbie's soul was one of my favorite parts of the book, although setting Arcane's hash was very satisfying. Abbie eating Swamp Thing's sweet potato probably raised a few eyebrows back in the day.
One thing I don't hear mentioned that often is how heavily Neil Gaimain was drawing on Alan Moore's Swamp Thing run in the early issues of Sandman. Sandman is normally the first thing I think of when I think of Vertigo but Swamp Thing was doing the same things years earlier.
It's interesting that the book was still set in the DC Universe at this time, with guest appearances by Phantom Stranger, Deadman, Etrigan, The Spectre, the Monitor, and Harbinger. Did Swamp Thing actually take part in Crisis? I guess I'll find out in future volumes.
Saga of the Swamp Thing: Book Two is another great adventure into the swamp of Alan Moore's mind. 4.5 out of 5 stars.