Swamp Thing Annual #1

Years ago, Alec Holland met Anton Arcane--and the seeds of that encounter created the nightmare that is Rotworld. Explore one of the greatest rivalries in the DCU!

THE TEAM

Written by Scott Snyder (Batman, American Vampire) and Scott tuft (Severed). Illustrated by Becky Cloonan (Fringe: Beyond the fringe, Northlander) and Andy Belanger (Fringe: Beyond the fringe, Kill shakespeare).

THE PROS & CONS

Having only recently gotten into the Swamp Thing series, I have really enjoyed getting into the more human aspects of the character. While it may have taken a while to get to Rotworld, the journey along the way was unbelievably fun. Scott Snyder has such a knack for cute dialogue in crazy situations and it shows in this issue. The interactions between young Alec Holland and Abigail Arcane are well done and the “Love at first sight” mechanic isn’t gag worthy like many writers have made it out to be. Their interaction is taken over by the dark implications of what happens when Anton comes into the picture but the contrast is powerful enough to shock the reader (As much as they can be shocked in Rotworld).  The art is not as strong as it usually is but Becky Cloonans art maybe just isn’t my style. It’s still good but it has a sort of anime feel to it and it doesn’t exactly vibe with me. There always seems to be one panel or face that takes me out of the story and that pattern is still around. I felt weird about it in Batman #12 and I feel weird about it now.

THE OUTCOME

While it doesn’t push the story much, (We all know Swampy is going to go after Arcane) this issue helps create an emotional connection to these characters and set up the story for Swamp Thing #14. Also the cover is absolutely gorgeous.