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r/swampthing
r/swampthing

A subreddit to discuss the DC character Swamp Thing.

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Gold_Cover2256

Casual Swampy Fan Here

Hi, everyone,

So, my favorite "mid-tier" comic character is Swamp Thing. I got into him growing up and seeing the two live action films from the 80's and the very short-lived 90's cartoon series. That's about it. I don't know too much about his actual lore and status in the comics. I would like to remedy this.

I recently read the original "House of Horrors" debut story online, and purchased the Alan Moore omnibus collection from my local store and plan to start reading it tonight. My questions going forward are:

  1. What should I read/be aware of?

  2. What is his status in the DC-verse? What does he do? Who are his allies/enemies?

Thank you all very much!

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originalface1
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I've only read Moore's run so far, the 'first' issue (#20) is him tying up the story of the previous writer that wrote #1-19.

So if you feel confused reading the first issue don't worry because Moore's story really starts on the next.

There's a lot of users on here who'd have more knowledge than I about the greater context of him in the DC universe, but other than that I think you can jump write in. Oh, and enjoy it, I only read it last year and wish I could go back and read it again for the first time!

u/Kontarek avatar
Kontarek
• • Edited

  1. You might consider going back and reading some of the Len Wein/Bernie Wrightson Swamp Thing issues from the 70s—Moore has some big callbacks to those. Most crucial issues I’d say are #1-3 and #10. After reading Moore, I’d recommend continuing on through Veitch, Wheeler (at least until Tefé is born a couple issues in), Collins, and Morrison & Millar. Post-90s, my favorite runs are Vaughn (2000-01) and Ram V (2021-22). New 52 Swamp Thing by Snyder and Soule (2011-2015) isn’t really my cup of tea, but a lot of people seem to like it so maybe give that a look if you want.

  2. Swamp Thing interacts with Batman a lot, especially in the old comics. Though really, he was always more at home in the Vertigo-verse alongside Constantine, Black Orchid, etc. Swamp Thing is a nature elemental, so mostly his concerns are with fighting against disruptions to nature. His main allies: Abby Arcane, Tefé, Constantine (begrudgingly), the Phantom Stranger, Batman, Poison Ivy (New 52). Enemies: Anton Arcane, Jason Woodrue, Sunderland Corporation

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