Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Swamp Thing #4
DC Comics
Snyder, Rudy, Lacombe & Parsons
One of the smash hits of the reboot of the DC universe is the horror book, Swamp Thing. Snyder is building this series around the separation of Alec Holland and the Swamp Thing and the notion that forces, such as The Green and The Rot, are fighting over his destiny. The book is well written and provides some level of horror to it but I have been unable to embrace this series as so many others seem to have done. Once again, I find myself liking the issue, but unsure how long I will stick with it despite my love of the character and the writing of Scott Snyder.
This particular issue begins to really grow the relationship between Alec and Abigail Arcane. While lovers in previous incarnations of the characters, in this one, they seem to have memories about their connection but are basically on opposite sides of the coin now. Abby seems to be fully ensconced in The Rot as Snyder is setting up her as the villain that will eventually tear at the heart of Alec's moral being. However, the setup is simply not working.
At this point it isn't clear what, if any, contact the two characters have had previously to this series. In that regard, and with the memory gaps that Alec points out, then how can the reader possibly see the horror in the couple being enemies? Additionally, if the destiny of the Arcane family is to be part of The Rot then why is Abby even hanging around Alec? Even if she has good intentions, ultimately it must be asked why she isn't trying to kill him as well.
The part of the book that works the best is with the villain, William. The creepy kid with the mask on (that provides an excellent cover) is clearly a reason to pick up this book. The book and the ideas behind this character and his means to kill are outstanding.
The artwork is quite good. It's obviously patched together based on the credits, but I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. The book flows nicely and has terrific elements of characterizations and the book's gore is fantastic and shocking.
This book uses a lot of the rich history of the Swamp Thing going all the way back to Len Wein. However, I wonder if it's too much. Is Snyder trying too hard to include too much too soon? Snyder has a good story going but I am just not understanding the Alec and Abby connection yet. And as a result I am finding Alec to be an unlikeable or boring character. Once again, I debate whether I should continue with this book. Hopefully everything will lock into place for me sooner rather than later.
3.5 out of 5 Geek Goggles
