SWAMP THING 1989 #4 (DC COMICS)
The long strange trip has reached its’ end
After an abrupt cancellation of the series in 1988, Rick Veitch’s run on Swamp Thing is given a proper farewell.
Abby and Alec’s child is about to be born. Anton Arcane has crawled out of Hell to ruin the festivities. It’s the ultimate fight of good and evil. Here. We. Go!
SWAMP THING 1989 #4 by Rick Veitch, Tom Mandrake ,Trish Mulvihill, & Todd Klein (DC COMICS) concludes its’ long awaited story.
Let’s take a closer look at how things play out here.
SWAMP THING 1989 #4 by Rick Veitch, Tom Mandrake ,Trish Mulvihill, & Todd Klein (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Veitch gives Alec Holland’s journey a proper farewell filled with hope and darkness. His time away has given him some newfound perspective when it comes to life. The conversation with Abby is honest and genuine. It is a far cry from the current timeline chaos. As Arcane comes to their doorstep, the mood sinks fast out of their hands. Dialogue is sharp has Constantine tries remedying the problem. His methods fall short when they are needed the most.
This allows for a more dramatic return to form for Swamp Thing to crash events. Readers watch as the clever delivery sets up the long delayed showdown. The writing goes into a chess battle of wits where Swamp Thing pulls off a crafty move. It results in a faster defeat than expected. The remainder of the issue is a softer landing with a retrospective feel for gaining peace. Readers watch as some favors turn into new paths of calmness with Alec and Abby finding safe ground to grow from. A solid finish to a very complicated tale.
read last issue’s review!
Mandrake and Mulvihill open with a visiusally catching 5 panel set-up. Weaving in the roots as panel boarders connects readers to this newfound haven. A strong two page spread recaps the journey while ushering in the waiting conflict. Arcane’s insanity never strays from readers as he goes on the offensive.
The face-off with Constantine is challenging but allows the main star to make a huge entrance. A half page panel welcomes Alec back into the timeline. Once here, the conflict with Arcane is brief but direct. The half page panel delivers the crushing blow to Arcane while moving events back to Abby’s situation. The art moves into a more reflective state as it ties up loose ends with the ensemble cast. One notable member makes a huge entrance to move events into close. The Spectre’s full page debut pushes events to a full circle place as Abby, JC and Alec head to their paradise. A lasting image sends this story into the finish, ending a wild ride indeed.
FINAL GRADE: 8.4
Comics history has been made with a solid finish to this controversial tale of yesteryear. Veitch’s writing delivers on huge moments while grounding the guardian of the Green into reflection. The art takes the fight head on, capping off emotional moments with grace and calm. A great finish to an ever-challenging journey.
Let me know your thoughts on SWAMP THING 1989 #4 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
