Customer Reviews

Saga of the Swamp Thing, Book 2

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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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 I understand this could be from some limitation from the era these comics were originally made, but I cannot yet understand why they could give Sandman a brand new recoloring (which looks great) and not to this book; most of the comments about this from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

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.

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.

I was buying some old books to fill up by book shelves when I came across this book in paperback in 1994. I had read the swampthing before and found it uninteresting, lacking depth. This book was completely the other way, inquisite depth and terrific story line. It is not abook to be read for anyone under 18. In just narrative form I believe it would be a classic but with the use of artwork it is propelled even higher. This is musch better that Watchman, must read for any adult who enjoys inteligent comic books. I never bought the book because I was looking for hardcover books. I was glad of the opportunity to purchase this one.