The origin
Scientist Alec Holland is working on a bio-restorative formula in a Louisiana swamp when a bomb planted by criminals engulfs him in burning chemicals. He staggers into the water and rises as a shambling thing made of plant matter, believing himself to be Alec Holland transformed, spending years trying to become human again. He is wrong. Alan Moore's revelation in 1984 is that Holland died in that swamp, and the creature is a plant that absorbed a dead man's memories and thinks it used to be him.
What makes Swamp Thing different
That single twist, delivered in one issue, is arguably the most influential reinvention in comics. It turned a monster comic into a meditation on consciousness, ecology and what it means to be a person. Swamp Thing is also the character that proved mainstream comics could be genuinely literary, and the direct ancestor of the entire Vertigo line that followed.
Where to start reading
The full reading order
Wein & Wrightson originaldeep cut
The gorgeous gothic original by Len Wein & Bernie Wrightson. Not essential to Moore's run, but beautiful, and #1 is a real key.
'The Anatomy Lesson'essential
Alan Moore's second issue, and the single most important reinvention in the character's history, it rewrites what Swamp Thing fundamentally IS. One of the most influential single issues ever published. (Start at #20, but #21 is the earthquake.)
Moore's run continuesessential
Horror, romance, ecology, and ideas no mainstream comic had touched. The love story between Abby and the Swamp Thing is unlike anything else.
'Rite of Spring'essential
A psychedelic love story that remains one of the most beautiful single issues in comics. Astonishing.
American Gothicessential
A sprawling horror road-trip across America, and the first appearance of John Constantine in #37, one of the most valuable modern keys there is.
Rucka / Snyder erarecommended
Later creators have returned to the character with real craft. Once you've done Moore, these are worth exploring, but Moore first, always.
Chasing any of these Swamp Thing issues?
Whether you are hunting a key, thinking about selling a collection, or just want to talk comics, I am always happy to hear from you.