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449 reviews for:
Swamp Thing, Vol. 1: Saga of the Swamp Thing
Alan Moore, Stephen R. Bissette, John Totleben
4.2 AVERAGE
449 reviews for:
Swamp Thing, Vol. 1: Saga of the Swamp Thing
Alan Moore, Stephen R. Bissette, John Totleben
4.2 AVERAGE
I like the philosophical aspect of it, as well as the dialogues.
So far the Swamp Thing hasn't really seemed like the protagonist (in the sense that the story is often told from the perspective of other characters, like Woodrue and Abby). I don't feel a strong connection to Alec, but maybe that will come in later issues. I do want to read more.
So far the Swamp Thing hasn't really seemed like the protagonist (in the sense that the story is often told from the perspective of other characters, like Woodrue and Abby). I don't feel a strong connection to Alec, but maybe that will come in later issues. I do want to read more.
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Alan Moore, eccentric comic book genius who wrote Watchmen and V for Vendetta, wrote this in the early eighties, the height of the Reagan era. His pro-environment, sweeping reboot of the Swamp Thing comic is legendary for its originality, but it stands up as a strong story. Highly recommended.
Moore's reinterpretation of Swamp Thing is nothing short of revolutionary, delving deep into the swampy ambiguity of consciousness, morality, and identity. There is an estranged ambivalence and yet deep mournful soul to Swamp Thing that makes him deeply alien and yet still human-like. Not just a man turned into a monster, but a monster that came to believe that it had once been a man.
The artwork by Stephen Bissette and John Totleben is jaw-dropping. Every close-up of Swamp Thing is so richly textured, visceral and crawling with life.
The artwork by Stephen Bissette and John Totleben is jaw-dropping. Every close-up of Swamp Thing is so richly textured, visceral and crawling with life.
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’ve been reading comics for years, but Swamp Thing was one I always stayed away from. Mostly because I was afraid Alan Moore’s legendary run wouldn’t live up to the hype. Turns out, I was wrong—Saga of the Swamp Thing Book One totally delivers.
I love when a comic just drops you into the story without a ton of setup, and Moore does exactly that. I didn’t need to know much going in; everything made sense as it unfolded. His portrayal of the Justice League—especially their struggle to deal with nature—was surprisingly thought-provoking. And somehow, he even made Etrigan the Demon enjoyable to read. Usually I skip his dialogue because of the forced rhyming, but here it actually flowed.
The art is killer. Issue #20, with its symmetrical layouts, really stood out. Swamp Thing himself looks incredible, and Tatjana Wood’s colors bring a ton of depth and mood. Sure, older comic art sometimes gets overlooked, but this team proves why it shouldn’t be.
I want to put in a disclaimer that this series was originally published in 1984. In issues 25-27, the portrayal of autism and how it's treated is an outdated apporach.
I want to put in a disclaimer that this series was originally published in 1984. In issues 25-27, the portrayal of autism and how it's treated is an outdated apporach.
I’m all in now—I can’t wait to read the next volume.
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes