Saga of the Swamp Thing, Book 2 [Hardcover]

Alan Moore (Author), Stephen Bissette (Illustrator), John Totleben (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2009

Before WATCHMEN, Alan Moore made his debut in the U.S. comic book industry with the revitalization of the horror comic book THE SWAMP THING. His deconstruction of the classic monster stretched the creative boundaries of the medium and became one of the most spectacular series in comic book history.

In this second collection of the Swamp Thing hardcover featuring SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING #28-34 and SWAMP THING ANNUAL #2, the Earth Elemental says goodbye to the illusion of his own humanity after learning that he is 100 percent plant, meets a crew of benevolent alien invaders inspired by the classic swamp-based comic strip Pogo, and consummates his relationship with Abigail Arcane as only he could.

"Perhaps the brainiest and scariest horror narrative of the '80s." — ROLLING STONE

"The series offers another fine option for the adult horror-comic fan."
—THE WASHINGTON TIMES

"The best muck-encrusted monster in the best comics."
—Neil Gaiman in ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 11 Up Swamp Thing, a sentient mass of vegetation with the memories of a dead scientist, dwells peacefully in the Louisiana bayou, but he must come to the aid of his human friend Abby when they find out that her alcoholic husband has been possessed by the spirit of Arcane, an evil magician. Unfortunately, Swamp Thing is too late to stop Arcane from consigning Abby's soul to the underworld, forcing him to enter the afterlife in order to rescue her. With the help of Etrigan, a sympathetic demon, Swamp Thing is able to recover his friend from a squiggling, Boschlike version of hell. The accompanying stories in this volume cover Swamp Thing's origins, a visit from a band of Walt Kelly-like aliens, and the main characters' burgeoning relationship. They're all fine in their own way, but not nearly as good as the main story line. An early work of noted comic writer Moore, Saga of the Swamp Thing is an eerie, imaginative, and unique work that blends classic horror-comic themes with dense, nearly Shakespearean dialogue and a macabre version of Orpheus's trip to underworld. Although the art is a bit dated, it's still quite expressive especially its excellent use of color. The sinister and violent story line makes it appropriate for older teens and adults. This fine work is sure to appeal to fans of Moore, Neil Gaiman, etc., and deserves to be a first purchase. Dave Inabnitt, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
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About the Author

Alan Moore is perhaps the most acclaimed writer in the graphic story medium, having garnered countless awards for works such as WATCHMEN, V FOR VENDETTA, SWAMP THING and MIRACLEMAN. He is also the mastermind behind the America's Best Comics line, through which he has created (along with many talented illustrators) THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, PROMETHEA, TOM STRONG, TOMORROW STORIES and TOP TEN. As one of the medium's most important innovators since the early 1980s, Moore has influenced an entire generation of comics creators, and his work continues to inspire an ever-growing audience. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Vertigo (December 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401225322
• ISBN-13: 978-1401225322
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.7 x 10.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,606 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nothing like another dip in the swamp, December 4, 2009

By 

Carla G. Dávalos Rdz "Chuckymonster" (Mexico, DF Mexico) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Saga of the Swamp Thing, Book 2 (Hardcover)

Im guessing that anybody interested in this hardcover and reading this is:

A) A fan of Alan Moore

B) A fan of Swamp Thing

C) An extremely fortunate soul who's about to read one of the best runs in comic nook history

This volume covers SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING #28-34 and SWAMP THING ANNUAL #2, in my opinion Moore's best arch. Liberated from the Comics Code, this title really turned on the heat with some of the most beautifull frightening images that Stephen Bissette and John Totleben could provide, like the Arcane three parter (that continues the plot thread from the last volume) or the unforgettable images of Hell. Moore wasn't just content with changing the whole mythos of the series, he also challenged the concept of the "fill in artists" by embracing diferent takes on the usual style of the series, like the charming "Pogo" story. While the stories and artwork are still some of the best, the sad part of this Hardcover is that this could have been an excellent chance to give an overhaul to the coloring which wasn't so bad the last volume, but reflect not so great on Tanya Wood's work. For some reason instead of the lush green tones of the Swamp Thing from the last volume she decided to him it a decidely greyish and darker tone, without much variety. I understand this could be from some limitation from the era these comics were originally made, but I cannot yet understand why they could give Sandman a brand new recoloring (which looks great) and not to this book; most of the comments about this from buyers imply that we wouldnt have minded paying a bit more for a "definitive" version of Swamp Thing. Its still a great collection and I always prefer my favorites to be in hardcover but it's still a missed chance for true fans

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mo[o]re of the best Swamp Thing stories, August 8, 2010

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Darren Shea (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Saga of the Swamp Thing, Book 2 (Hardcover)

Alan Moore continues his amazing run on Swamp Things here, and it's wilder than the first volume. The writing manages to get darker and more uplifting at the same time, and the art is stunning. Even the wrapper around the reprint of the very first Swamp Thing story (by Wein and Wrightson) is finely crafted and better than that sort of thing should be.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Moore's landmark run changed comics forever!, April 7, 2010

By 

misterfurioso (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Saga of the Swamp Thing, Book 2 (Hardcover)

I was a longtime comics fan when i read this in my early teens. i was also big into S King and Clive Barker. Moore brought a literate, dark sensibility to horror comics with SWAMP THING. This eventually lead to DC's immortally cool VERTIGO imprint, home to SANDMAN, INVISIBLES, PREACHER and Y: THE LAST MAN. The regular art team of Steven Bisette and John Totleben is just as cutting edge and astonishing as the complex, nuanaced, evocative writing. if you love horror, this is a MUST. if you already know Moore's brilliance, this is similarly a Must Read. SANDMAN fans will also find loads to admire and love. The title "Swamp Thing" may be off-putting to some potential readers, but TRUST ME, this is as good as King and Barker at their BEST.