SWAMP THING 1989 #1 (DC COMICS)
Comic history is about to be made.
Back in 1988, Swamp Thing was in the midst of a two-year run written by by Rick Veitch. Heading into issue #88, the story was dealing with controversial topics for that time period. It was cancelled last minute and the issues were thought to be lost forever. This was so much of a story that it was covered by mainstream media!
Fast forward to 2025 at New York Comic Con & news broke fans never thought they would hear. At the “DC Vertigo” panel, It was announced that Veitch’s missing four issues were finally going to be published under DC Black Label! This week, the wait is officially over.
SWAMP THING 1989 #1 by Rick Veitch, the late Michael Zulli, Vincent Locke,Trish Mulvihill, John Costanza & Todd Klein (DC COMICS) finally debuts in comic shops!
Let’s take a closer look at the return of Swamp Thing’s time-travel odyssey.
SWAMP THING 1989 #1 by Rick Veitch, the late Michael Zulli, Vincent Locke,Trish Mulvihill, John Costanza & Todd Klein (DC COMICS)
EDITOR’S NOTE: the subject matter deals with Jesus Christ & religious beliefs - some pictures & STORY might be too intense for some. Reader discretion is advised.
That said and if still good to go, let’s get into the review:
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Veitch opens up with Swamp Thing floating in between timelines. The writing tips off the fact of infinite earths and Swamp’s hesitations. This leads him into chasing a light. Where it results is back in the times of Jesus and the apostles. It also brings readers into a darker aspect elsewhere as sacrifices are being made towards a demon. These are unapologetic in presentation. The dialogue dances around the sinister being that is being offered severed eyes. As said in the warning, this issue is extremely intense in certain areas.
Readers also see some liberties being taken involving other characters. This sets up the gold demon taking out an unsuspecting roman soldier. What the aftermath results in turns out to be a golden solider with a gift of rhyme. The story snaps back to Swamp Thing floating further into the time lines. His use of the Green allows him to witness various moments during this era. One of which is observing Jesus at work. This spirals into a conflict with said solider as Swamp Thing defends Jesus from his attacks. Events lead Swamp Thing to disappear but not before another huge event transpires. The origin of a DC character is on full display. This all leads into the Crucifixion of Jesus before showing the impact Jesus has had on not only Swamp Thing but the world forever.
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The art team opens with a trippy trek of Swamp through the timestream. This leads to a bold two-page spread, pushing him into a huge era of time. The images reflect the Last Supper before switching gears to a more devilish take. Seeing demon worshippers cut out their own eyes as sacrifice makes a bold statement. The dark worships keeps escalating with each panel. This is overshadowed by another aspect of the story with the Roman soldier. Both plots come into contact as a disturbing panel violent shows the demon taking the upper hand.
Before going back into the story, another space break shows Swamp Thing trying to expand his view. It results in panels covering more ground as he uses his powers of the Green. Seeing Swamp as an acorn is a very creative measure. This leads to him being entranced by what Jesus is doing. The near full page image becomes a catalyst for a larger combat to be had. As the possessed soldier advances, a series of panels brings Swamp Thing into the fight. Readers watch as this goes into tricky territory. It results in a brief exorcism, giving birth to a new player in the DCU. From here, the art tastefully does some intense religious moments leading to the full page Crucifixion of Jesus. The final panel leaves a note of inspiration for Swamp and others to follow.
FINAL GRADE: 8.8
The long wait is over as Swamp Thing renews his trek to time’s beginnings in a very intense chapter. Veitch pens a unique look at Jesus’ impact thought superhero eyes with strong writing. The art captures the effect of the encounter with superb art. This issue is a testament to the levels of storytelling that can only be achieved by comics.
Let me know your thoughts on SWAMP THING 1989 #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
