THE SWAMP THING #4 REVIEW

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Alec Holland, DC Comics, Horror, Mike Perkins, Mike Spicer, Poison Ivy, Ram V, Suicide Squad, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing #4, Swamp Thing #4 Review, The Swamp Thing, The Swamp Thing #4

The Swamp Thing #4

Review by Paul Bowler.

Finding themselves still trapped in the realm of the Green, Levi’s and Jennifer’s psychedelic voyage continues in The Swamp Thing #4 as DC Comics ten-part maxi-series from writer Ram V and artist Mike Perkins delves further into Levi Kamei’s origins as the new Swamp Thing.

It is with Swamp Thing #4 that writer Ram V finally begins to hint at the events surrounding Levi’s  transformation into Swamp Thing and what happened on his trip to India to visit his dying father. Separated after the MRI scan Levi underwent to better understand his mysterious transformations into the Swamp Thing, Jenifer’s journey through the darker depths of the Green with the Floronic Man begin to take a sinister turn, while as Swamp Thing, Levi receives some unexpected help from a former avatar of the Green, Alec Holland. After the bizarre interactions with the dual aspects of Poison Ivy last issue, Levi gains far greater insight into the Green with Holland’s guidance, with his role as the new Swamp Thing, along with the cause of the contagion ravaging the Green, and the uncanny schism in which it entwines Levi’s origin as the new avatar of the Green all beginning to fall into place. Ram V cultivates an intricate balance of plot and dialogue throughout the issue. The meeting between Levi and Alec Holland is a masterclass in writing, and the revelations it brings will have you hanging on every word.

Likewise, the gorgeous artwork by Mike Perkins and luscious colors by Mike Spicer are every bit as enchanting as the narrative. We are treated to some truly spectacular vistas as Levi and Jenifer explore the Green, encountering denizens that prove to be both friend and foe, along with startling depictions of the magical and terrifying power which Swamp Thing must learn to embrace lest this seed of contagion spread to our world. This veritable tour de force of wonder and horror Perkins and Spicer craft is absolutely spellbinding, its peppered with memories from across the ages, glimmers of Levi’s past become juxtaposed with the pollination of life and consciousness, and there’s even an epic face-off with the proto-myth of first avatar which Swamp Thing has to confront as well to obtain his evergreen Nirvana. 

My Green Amaranthine Part 2 sows seeds of knowledge and foresight as Levi’s quest of self discovery comes full circle. Not everything in this issue is quite as it seems either as reality, memory and myth collide as one. Poison Ivy’s role this issue, though fleeting, is still crucial to the plot. There’s a reckoning with an old foe as well, and Jennifer’s frightening first encounter with Alex as Swamp Thing leaves Levi pondering over the terrible cost it might have on their friendship. There’s also an atmospheric coda to round off the issue that sets the stage for the two-part crossover event between Swamp Thing and Suicide Squad in August. This maxi-seres continues to go from strength to strength. With the brilliant writing and scripting from Ram V and the incredible art by Mike Perkins, Swamp Thing #4 is another enthralling chapter in this new era of Swamp Thing!

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Ram V / Artist Mike Perkins

Colorist Mike Spicer / Letterer Aditya Bidikar

Cover Mike Perkins and Mike Spicer

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

Publisher Image Comics

Writer Tod McFarlane

Art Carlo Barber / Colors Jay David Ramos & Andrew Dalhouse

Lettering Tom Orzechowski

Cover Artists Tod McFarlane, Bjorn Barends, Tonton Revolver

The Swamp Thing #2 Review

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DC Comcis, Horror, Mike Perkins, Mike Spicer, Ram V, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing #2 review, The Swamp Thing #2, The Swamp Thing #2 Review

The Swamp Thing #2

Review by Paul Bowler

Levi Kamei’s nightmarish becoming as the new avatar of the green continues in The Swamp Thing #2, from writer Ram V and artist Mike Perkins. Confronted with terrifying transformations he cannot control, Levi turns to his friend Jenifer Reece in NYC to help him contend with the trauma of his past, and the horror of the Pale Wanderer’s bloody rampage of death across the Sonoran desert in Arizona.

Ram V’s new DC Comics 10 part Swamp Thing maxi-series expands the trials of Levi Kamei’s frightening transition into the realms and reality of the green, casting further light on Levi’s haunting origins as the new Swamp Thing back in India, and the murderous designs of the ghostly Pale Wanderer. Following their initial encounter this second issue charts the recurring nightmares Levi begins to suffer, where each of his fateful encounters with this wraith-like desert legend ends the same, and another victims perishes as the Swamp Thing is torn asunder. Writer Ram V skilfully  blends the mystery and horror of Levi’s plight. Levi’s long-term friend, Jennifer, proves key to helping him get closer to the truth, while the lone Sherif investigating the murders in the Sonoran desert resolves to seek out that which has become his own private quietus in the dwindling twilight of his career.

Mike Perkins art and Mike Spicer’s colors gloriously cultivates and infuses the rich narrative of Ram V’s script with a blend of dynamic page layouts, sumptuous detail, chilling undercurrents of horror and a subtle palette of delicate hues that flow seamlessly across every page. From the grotesque imagery of Levi’s dreamscape “lessons” as Swamp Thing with the Pale Wanderer, to more frightening revelations about what transpired during his trip India, and the shocking realisation of what he is becoming are all rendered in startling clarity. The Sherif’s discussion with his deputy in the run-down bar in Aztec Town Arizona is another highpoint, one brooding with atmosphere, dread and macabre insight into his fixation with finding the spirit of this long dead Cilvil War soldier that cast off its humanity after wandering into the desert. 

Ram V masterfully brings all these tangled plot threads together in The Swamp Thing #2, as this unholy trinity of Swamp Thing, the Pale Wanderer and the Sherif finally seek each other out. The spectacular evergreen fallout from this showdown is a sight to behold, one rooted firmly in Levi’s homeland, and bringing revelations that none of the participants could’ve ever expected or truly believed possible. A surprise, if brief, cameo from a prominent DC hero, and a knowing reference to Alec Holland are all just some of the tantalising narrative seeds sown into the plot to make this another hauntingly enthralling issue of this new Swamp Thing maxi-series!

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Ram V / Artist Mike Perkins

Colorist Mike Spicer / Letterer Aditya Bidikar

Cover Perkins & Spicer

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

The Swamp Thing #1 Review

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DC Comics, Mike Perkins, Mike Spicer, Ram V, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing #1, Swamp Thing #1 review, The Pale Wanderer, The Swamp Thing #1, The Swamp Thing #1 review

The Swamp Thing #1

Review by Paul Bowler.

A new era of horror blossoms in The Swamp Thing #1, DC Comics brand new 10 part maxi-series from the creative team of writer Ram V and artist Mike Perkins. The Guardian of the Green has a new host, Levi Kamei, who cannot control his nightmarish metamorphosis into the Swamp Thing. Finding himself caught up in a terrifying mystery surrounding the ghastly murders committed by an ancient desert legend, Levi must revisit events from the past in his homeland of India, and confront a fearsome new villain if he is to ever understand the horrifying reality of what is happening to him…

Ram V is no stranger to Swamp Thing having written for Justice League Dark and Future State Swamp Thing for DC Comics. Now as part of DC Comics Infinite Frontier initiative in the aftermath of the Death Metal and Future State events, Ram V’s new Swamp Thing mini-series introduces us to Levi Kamei (DC’s first lead character heralding from India), an everyday guy with a deep rooted fear of flying, who now faces an inner-struggle to understand and control his dream fuelled transformations into Swamp Thing.

Exactly how Levi initially became Swamp Thing is opaquely mapped out by Ram V over a series of flashbacks to Levi’s trip to India to visit his dying father. Burning terror, violence and a dark bargain made by his brother all played some role in Levi’s origin as Swamp Thing. Previously, once a character had been transformed into Swamp Thing it was permanent, and there was no turning back. Ram V masterfully sows an uncanny twist into the narrative that seems to indicate that Levi is some kine of vessel or conduit for the Green, especially if Levi’s petrifying trans Atlantic flight back from India to the USA is anything to by, and its a change that respectfully builds on the enduring legacy of Swamp Thing whilst also branching out in a completely fresh direction for the character.

Swamp Thing #1: Becoming Part 1 broodingly establishes this new set-up as the action divides between a Sherif and his deputies investigation of a gruesome murder in the Sonoran Desert, the haunting legend of the Pale Wanderer, and Levi Kamei’s recollections about his trip to India after he returns to New York where he is welcomed home by his long-term friend-with-benefits – Jennifer Reece. It is only really at this issues mid-way point that this series’ premise becomes more clear as we begin to see the wider picture of Levi’s plight, one that’s steeped in the history of India, along with powerful real-world and environmental issues, raw emotion and dark creeping horror. 

Gloriously illustrated throughout by artist Mike Perkins, every page blooms with intricate detail, vivid horror, and unsettling atmosphere. The scene setting opening in the desert offers a curious mix of isolation and dread, where the forensic examination of a corpse and the lifecycle of a blowfly provides a stark contrast with the symbiosis of Levi’s metamorphic relationship with  both Swamp Thing and natures inexorable cycle of life and death. The grim story of the Pale Wanderer, a former Civil War soldier who abandoned his humanity after he wandered into the desert, and subsequent manifestation as some ghostly ghoul is also rendered with eerie clarity by Perkins. Levi Kamei’s journey is filled with compelling mystery and drama throughout, with Perkins art and colourist Mike Spicer’s exquisite use of rich tones and shadows bringing Levi’s mesmerising mind-trip down the green rabbit hole of Swamp Thing’s domain to life as dark fantasy melds with the frightening real-world  horror of his transformations.

Ram V is clearly going for a less esoteric approach here than some writers have previously taken with Swamp Thing, and on the whole this makes the series feel extremely accessible to all. Fans might be disappointed there’s no mention or acknowledgment of the current Swamp Thing, Alec Holland, or recent events in Justice League Dark, and the battle with the Upside-Down Man. However, Ram V does such a great job introducing Levi Kamei as a new kind of Swamp Thing with this issue that it all serves to further the mysterious tone of the story anyway. This issue is a little bit of a slow burn, but its rich with characterisation, and everything builds to a nerve jangling face-off between Swamp Thing and the Pale Wanderer.

Swamp Thing #1 sets Levi Kamei on a hauntingly macabre path, one  fraught with emotional turmoil and grim revelations. I’ve been eagerly anticipating the arrival of this 10 part maxi-series, I’m a big horror and Swamp Thing fan, and I’m pleased to say that I was highly impressed with this issue. If Ram V’s Future State Swamp Thing wetted your appetite for more, then The Swamp Thing #1 is sure to satisfy your horror craving with its deep and enchanting take on the character, and a killer creative team firing on all cylinders.  

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Ram V / Artist Mike Perkins

Colorist  Mike Spicer  / Letterer Aditya Bidikar

Cover Mike Perkins & Mike Spicer

Variant Cover Francesco Mattina 

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

Future State Swamp Thing #2 Review

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DC Comics, Future State, Future State Swamp Thing, Future State Swamp Thing #2, Future State Swamp Thing #2 review, June Chung, Mike Perkins, NCBD, Ram V, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing #2

Future State Swamp Thing #2

Review by Paul Bowler

Humanity strikes back in Future State Swamp Thing #2 to reclaim the world the new Swamp Thing avatar has nurtured and forged in his own image. Duped by Woodrue Wilson’s quest for power and revenge, a lone group of survivors have hatched a terrible plan that will plunge the world into darkness. Yet for all his enemies insidious deceptions Swamp Thing also harbours a terrible secret of his own, one that will call for the ultimate sacrifice lest the green be lost from the world forever…

As we move into the second month of DC Comics Future State comic book event, one depicting a possible future for the DCU in the aftermath of Death Metal, few have embraced this opportunity for such creative free licence like writer Ram V and artist Mike Perkins with their dark, apocalyptic Future State Swamp Thing. 

In Future State, Swamp Thing is now the Green Father overseer of the world, sheer loneliness led to him creating offshoots of his own species blessed with his memories of humanity, and though he believed mankind was lost Swamp Thing’s encounter with a human survivor has finally led him to a desolate S.T.A.R labs facility in the frozen north. Now in this second, concluding issue writer Ram V explores the dark visions of the mysterious Undying Man, the gnarled Jason Woodrue: the Floronic Man! He has captured the hero who was once known as Obsidian and convinced the  leader of this last bastion of humanity that by harnessing his powers they can save the world. Swamp Thing must lead his own kind and the last ragtag band of human resistance against Woodrue, but will humanities last sapling of hope survive to see the dawn of a new world?

Mike Perkins artwork renders every nuance of Swamp Thing’s determination to reach his goal in striking, almost visceral detail. Swamp Thing is quite literally prepared to walk through the fires of Hell to reach his goal. The depiction of the horrifically disfigured Woodrue is also vividly realised, with his seething ambition and desire for revenge at being rejected by the green fuelling his deranged scheme. The juxtaposition between Swamp Thing and Woodrue’s motivations are the backbone to this story. Neither have been all that honest with those who follow and trust them either. The dramatic line Ram V establishes between saviour and destroyer is masterfully blurred, with Perkin’s art sumptuously cultivating a lush spectacle of apocalypse and rebirth, while the intricate use of color by June Chung beautifully seeds the narratives rich emotional undercurrents as they flourish and bloom.

The powerful closing scenes are deeply heartrending as Swamp Thing confronts the enormity of what he has wrought upon the world, himself, and the constructs he’s crafted from his inner self and feelings. Future State Swamp Thing #2 is a magical, visceral and emotional addition to the legacy of Swamp Thing. When this event started I must admit I dismissed it, believing Future State would be just a rehash of DC’s abortive 5G event, instead Future State  has proven a great showcase for new talent and creative teams, and I couldn’t be more pleased to have been proven wrong about my misgivings. Future State Swamp Thing has been the evergreen jewel in the crown of DC’s Future State event, like all good stories it leaves you wanting more, and more we shall have when the new 10 issue maxi-series by Ram V and Mike Perkins, with colors by Mike Spicer, debuts in March!

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Ram V / Artist Mike Perkins

Colors June Chung

Letters Aditya Bidikar

Cover Mike Perkins and June Chung 

Future State Swamp Thing #1 Review

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DC Comcis, Future State, Future State Swamp Thing #1, Future State Swamp Thing #1 review, Mike Perkins, NCBD, New Swamp Thing series, Ram V, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing #1

Future State Swamp Thing #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Future State Swamp Thing #1 proves a most welcome addition to DC Comics Future State event. In the aftermath of a terrible war life has been reborn in Swamp Thing’s image. Humanity  hides in the shadow of this new avatar of the green who now rules the Earth. The last survivors of the human race are on the brink of rebellion, but Swamp Thing is no stranger to violence, and if its war they want its war they will get! 

The regular DC Comics line is currently taking a two-month break to make way for DC’s line-wide Future State event, which has been touted as a showcase for new creative teams on many of its core titles and characters that will offer readers a glimpse into a potential future for the DC universe. Fans of Justice League Dark will undoubtably be pleased that writer Ram V is on board here for Future State Swamp Thing #1 to retain the most recent take on the character through into Future State, and together with artist Mike Perkins this new chapter in the Swamp Thing saga flourishes in the creatively fertile soil of this compelling issues grim apocalyptic storyline.

Ram V quickly establishes how in this future the world has succumbed to both the failings of humanity and heroes alike, weaving a dark analogy of the present, with climate change, war and disease ultimately providing civilisations downfall despite all the heroes efforts during Death Metal – or perhaps because of it? Most of the human race is now missing or dead, and of the few remnants of humanity Swamp Thing has managed to retain, sheer loneliness has led him to create offshoots of his own species imbued with the personalities and memories of his various recollections of humanity. Swamp Thing has become the Green Father, but his attempts to recreate humanity in his own image has also given rise to all the best and the worst aspects  of which that lies therein as well.

Mike Perkins artwork is at times gorgeously haunting and beautifully serine. From the strikingly expansive vista recapping the demise of the world though to Swamp Thing’s poetic storytelling to Calla, which in turn contrasts sublimely with conflict proved by the tenacious Indigo, and the warm kindness this Green Father still holds for humanity are all superbly illustrated by Perkins. The subtle use of color by June Chung is also excellent — accentuating the tone and  fine detail of Perkins artwork perfectly.

The inmate weirdness of Swamp Thing’s world and philosophical magical undercurrents are masterfully woven into the narrative by Ram V, which, together with Mike Perkin’s spellbinding art, almost makes it feel like we’re observing a vivisection of the very essence of what makes Swamp Thing the indomitable character that he is as the layers of his being and psyche are slowly peeled away layer by layer before our eyes.

Future State Swamp Thing #1 certainly gets this opening week of Future State off to a good start. With the discovery of a mysterious fortress in the North and the surprise appearance of another prominent DC Comics character, there’s plenty of intrigue on offer to entice us  back for the next issue. If anything, Future State Swamp Thing #1 wets our appetite even more for the 10 issue maxi-series, also by the creative team of Ram V and Mike Perkins, with colors by Mike Spicer, arriving in March.

I wasn’t going to bother with Future State much, apart from Swamp Thing really, but sadly as I write this first review of 2021 the UK is also going back into lockdown. Its a necessary measure, but I won’t lie, I am finding it a little depressing. Hopefully things will get back on track soon once the vaccine gets rolled out. I’m not looking forward to spending more weeks being apart from family and friends either. Fortunately I can do everything from home, and I’ve got my writing to keep me occupied. So, no doubt I’ll end up doing some more box-set binging, I might check out some of the other Future State books as well now I’ll have a bit more time on my hands. Fingers crossed the end of this COVID 19 pandemic isn’t too far off now, so take care, and stay safe everyone. 

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Ram V / Artist Mike Perkins

Colors June Chung / Letters Aditya Bidikar

Cover Mike Perkins and June Chung 

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

Swamp Thing #5 Review

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Alec Holland, Chris Sotomayor, comics, DC Comics, Deadman, Horror, Kelly Jones, Len Wein, Matt Cable, Michelle Madsen, Nanda Parbat, Phantom Stranger, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing #5, Swamp Thing #5 review, The Hand of Fatima, The New 52, the Parliament of the Trees, The Spectre

Swamp Thing #5

Review by Paul Bowler

Tricked into giving up the power of the Swamp Thing by his friend turned foe, Matt Cable, Alec Holland must now embark on a perilous journey to Nanda Parbat to undo the horror unleashed after reclaiming his humanity. Now that Matt Cable is the Swamp Thing, the emerald apocalypse will soon be unleashed. Alec Holland must undo this dark magic, and a surprise appearance from Deadman might help him do just that…

Swamp Thing #5 continues the all new 6 part mini-series written by co-creator and legendary writer Len Wein and featuring the stunning artwork of Kelly Jones, Swamp Thing has been a gloriously dark and mesmerising horror adventure. The sinister brooding tone of the early issues has now become a frenetic supernatural race against time, with the power mad Matt Cable now transformed by The Hand of Fatima into Swamp Thing, and sending the tendrils of his influence out across the world from his throne of thorns in Houma, Louisiana. Having consigned the former Swamp Thing Alec Holland to his doom in the very depths of the earth itself, it seems that nothing can now prevent this dark Swamp Thing’s heinous scheme to rule the world.

Len Wein weaves an intricate series of spellbinding developments into this fantastic issue. The full scope the new Swamp Thing’s warped designs are truly chilling, Len Wein elevates this new slant on the body-swap scenario to a whole new level with this issue, and sprinkles it with magic and powerful supernatural cameos with every twist and turn of the plot. This is brilliant stuff, Alec Holland’s mission is set out before him in a way that ultimately leads to a potential solution to prevent the apocalypse, and we get a plethora of horror tropes, all skilfully intermingled within the wider context of the DC Universe itself, supernatural shanghais punctuate the narrative, there’s a welcome guest appearance from Deadman, together with one or two other acquaintances of Swamp Thing along the way too, and there’s even a fun Scooby-Doo reference as well.

I’m a huge fan of Kelly Jones’ artwork, and this issue looks every bit as incredible as the previous issues in this mini-series. The evil Matt Cable / Swamp Thing looks suitably hideous and menacing, and the way his powers reach out across the globe are well realized. It is Alec Holland’s quest where Kelly Jones really excels in this issue: from the audience with the Parliament of the Trees, to the uncanny transportation from cornfield to the mountainous frozen heights of Nanda Parbat, every scene flows seamless into the next, and we are treated to a wonderful interlude with Deadman as well that turns out to be just one of the many highlights in this issue. Colorist Michelle Madsen’s distinctive blend of tone and shades are absolutely captivating, the dark gothic atmosphere of this mini-series has been beautifully heightened by Madsen’s colors, Deadman in particular looks awesome, and the scenes in the Himalayas are vivid and gloriously realized.

Swamp Thing #5 delivers one further surprise before the closing moments, with a detour to a very familiar city… I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this mini-series, Len Wein, Kelly Jones, and Michelle Madsen are a dream team for this book as far as I’m concerned, every issue has been a ghoulish delight, oozing atmosphere, horror, and the macabre with sumptuous ease, and the covers by Kelly Jones and Chris Sotomayor have been stunning. With its brilliant story by Len Wein and incredible art by Kelly Jones Swamp Thing #5 now sets everything up for a thrilling showdown as the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

Publisher: DC Comics / Writer: Len Wein / Artist: Kelly Jones

Colorist: Michelle Madsen / Letterer: Rob Leigh

Cover: Kelly Jones & Chris Sotomayor

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