Swamp Thing: Green Hell #1 Review

Writer: Jeff Lemire

Art: Doug Mahnke, David Baron, Steve Wands

Publisher: DC Comics

Price:$6.99

Release Date: December 28th, 2021

The last surpluses of human society stick to a mountaintop island that has been lost in relentless flooding. However, the Parliaments of the Green, the Red, and the Rot are all in agreement. It’s time to start the cycle of life over again. And if they are going to succeed, they’ll need to join forces and summon an avatar the likes that have never been seen before. One of the most terrible fiends to ever roam the veneer of this miserable planet. Does the remnant of humanity stand a chance? And, are the Parliament who we really think they are? Let’s dive into SWAMP THING: GREEN HELL #1 by Jeff Lemire and Doug Mahnke as this DC COMIC BLACK LABEL series kick of its stunningly ominous onslaught.

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THE DISPATCH

Jeff Lemire blends the perfect mix of horror and suspense as he kicks off SWAMP THING: GREEN HELL #1. For fans interested in trying out SWAMP THING for the first time, be forewarned. This story appears to be set in a post-apocalyptic future with some rather dire consequences for what’s left of the human race. Moreover, Lemire takes a wildly intriguing look at different aspects surrounding the three Parliaments that certainly piqued this reviewer’s interest.

Additionally, new readers to SWAMP THING should be expected to get thrown into the deep end as this story kicks off. However, so should longtime SWAMP THING fans. The only advantage seasoned vets of SWAMP THING may have is a better foundation involving the Parliaments as well as some surprise characters. But, Lemire throws everyone equally into the deep end of this new tale. Please just keep in mind that the story does take a good chunk of time to pick up. Nevertheless, hang in there because it really starts to get good after the halfway mark.

The final aspect of the issue I’d like to touch on is the Green. Lemire takes an approach that’s at least new to this reviewer. Now, without spoiling too much, readers will see a brand new SWAMP THING as well as a bit more for the hardcore fans. So, stay tuned until the end of this week’s SWAMP THING: GREEN HELL #1 as the last few pages alone make this story worth the price tag.

ART

Throughout this tale, Doug Mahnke adds the dark, twisted components that made SWAMP THING: GREEN HELL #1 truly feel like a horror comic. It’s hauntingly frightening and at key junctures illustrates the perfect suspenseful moments that shake you to the core completely encapsulating the reader. Moreover, his authentic style always perpetuates detailed facial expressions that convey the fear at the essence of the character. Mahnke delivers the dark, eerie power that creates the menacing tone of the issue readers would expect from a SWAMP THING title. It’s almost as if he was always meant to draw the character.

FINAL THOUGHTS

SWAMP THING: GREEN HELL #1 is a sensationally fitting title for this DC BLACK LABEL tale. It’s extremely vivid, cluttered with powerful illustrations, and feels like a solid horror comic. It’s dark, fierce, and shows the deep-seated evil that’s infused within the human soul. And in the center of it all, readers get that same perfect blend of heroism and horror that’s stuck within the epicenter of SWAMP THING. Lemire and Mahnke get the character and this type of story extremely well. SWAMP THING: GREEN HELL #1 represents the essential aspects that signify SWAMP THING and the ultimate loss of humanity that the character and story parallel. I highly recommend picking this issue up and adding the series to your pull list. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!