Swamp Thing #1
Recap
Swamp Thing returns in a new 10-issue series that stars Levi Kamei as the next Guardian of the Green. Unable to control his transformation into the monstrous Swamp Thing, Levi is thrust into the harsh, unforgiving mystery of grisly murders committed by a supernatural desert legend. Levi must revisit past events in his homeland of India and face the deadly reality of a ravenous new villain in order to comprehend what he is truly, and horrifyingly, becoming. A new era of global action and horror blossoms here, and Swamp Thing will be at the root of it!
Review
Say hello to our new Swamp Thing!
Levi Kamei who into the role of the next Guardian of the Green in Swamp Thing #1, introducing a new murder mystery, dangerous memories of the Eldritch Green and a desert roaming wraith that will certainly be showing up in my own nightmares.
Following Alec Holland’s rather treacherous time in Death Metal and a mystically tragic ending in the DC Future State series, we see Swamp Thing return but with someone new tapping into the Green. Ram V and Mike Perkins have hit the ground running with a brand new lead who is being described as DC’s first Indian lead, a likely truth however unfortunate for taking so long, but an exciting step forward for representation nonetheless! And if there is one thing this creative team understands, it’s the legacy of Swamp Thing and what makes the character so special.
The murder mystery with a spiritually dark twist sets up a very strong premise to delve into the struggles and complexities of Levi Kamei’s descent into the Green. It unfolds as a character study on the relationship between the Green and a host like Levi set against the backdrop of a desert wraith wreaking havoc on authorities and locals. The dichotomy that is presented in Swamp thing #1 is visually contrasting as much as narratively as well, with Perkins and Spicer capturing solemn moods of dark supernatural elements mixed with nature’s dynamic range, punctuated by Bidikar’s impressive lettering. This interplay creates a familiar story of a reluctant hero faced with the terrifying forces of darkness, told through a lens that feels remarkably fresh and dare I say, immensely welcome.
Ram V has shown a clear love of the character with his work no just on the DC Future State series but on Justice League Dark as well, telling some of the most engaging Swamp Thing stories around woven into a much greater narrative. Here, he is able to show his exciting potential to tell a more comprehensive story without the restraints that connective tissue to the DC Universe often impose but with all the creative powers of a property we all love as fans. While we may not know much about Levi Kamei, it’s easy to see this is a character with depth, through his interpersonal relationships as well as the mysterious connection to the Green. Set up against a new villain that defines the very reason Swamp Thing should exist with a clear influences from the history of horror with the character, the story uses a string of murders to put readers right into the action in the best way possible.
Ultimately, the new Swamp Thing #1 is exactly the type of comic I was hoping would spin out of the events of DC Future State. It was an initiative that showed the potential behind opening up the freedoms for creators to simply tell a good story and it seems to be a guiding force behind this series. The creative team has luckily taken full advantage of the opportunity by introducing a much needed character like Levi Kamei who brings something new to not only Swamp Thing but DC as well. It feels determined to explore a deadly and scary mystery while using Kamei’s history in India as a catalyst for more intrigue to come.
How did Levi Kamei become the new Swamp Thing and why can’t he control it? What happened to his Father and what is this wraith of a long dead soldier trying to communicate? These are just some of the incredibly engaging questions this issue will leave you with, helping to get you invested for the full 10-issue run with just the first entry. It’s just that good.
Our new Swamp Thing is here, danger is afoot and I can’t wait for more.
Final Thoughts
Swamp Thing #1 feels like a familiar mystery of dark forces told through a refreshing and immensely welcome new lens. Our new Swamp Thing is here, danger is afoot and I can't wait for more.
Swamp Thing #1: Ideas Cannot Die!
- Writing - 9.5/109.5/10
- Storyline - 9.5/109.5/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 8.5/108.5/10