And Then I Read: SWAMP THING 20

Image © DC Comics, Inc.

I was prepared to dislike this storyline pitting Swamp Thing against Superman, but new writer Charles Soule came up with an idea that intrigued me, and carried it through well. Alec has come to Metropolis to confront The Scarecrow about some bad things he’s doing to the plant world. Scarecrow doses him with his fear toxin, which sets Alec on a hallucinogenic trip down memory lane through a series of nightmarish mental visions. Meanwhile, in the physical world, Swamp Thing continues to attack Metropolis, which is where Superman comes in. It’s a good setup because we get into Alec’s mind and personal nightmares while at the same time see Superman trying to deal with the power of the Green in his city. The final confrontation is handled well, too. The art by Kano and Alvaro Lopez is effective and at times scary, something I couldn’t always say about this book in the past. This issue has turned me around and made me want to read more, always a good thing for the creative team (and the publisher).

Recommended.