Swamp Thing 1989 #1 Was Well Worth the Decades Long Wait (Review)

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Swamp Thing is a well-known comic book character with a fascinating history. Originally conceived as a man transformed into a monster, the character took a revolutionary turn when writer Alan Moore reimagined him as a plant-based creature believing he was human. This innovative approach dramatically changed the comic book world and paved the way for modern comics. After Moore’s acclaimed run, writer Rick Veitch continued the story, sending Swamp Thing on a time-traveling adventure where he encountered famous historical figures. One planned issue featured a meeting with Jesus, but the publisher, DC Comics, hesitated due to a merger with Time Warner. That issue, Swamp Thing #88, remained unpublished for years until recently, when DC finally released it to the public, showcasing the work of Veitch and artist Michael Zulli.

After a long wait of decades, Swamp Thing #1 from 1989 is finally here, and it lives up to the hype. Originally put on hold and causing a bit of a stir, this issue is exactly what fans have been hoping for – a truly perfect comic book.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Pros Cons
Veitch’s script is amazing, pitch perfect Swamp Thing that mixes the sacred and the profane beautifully
Zulli’s art looks amazing with the modern coloring and presentation, taking amazing art to another level
The issue is bookended with commentary from Swamp Thing legend Stephen Bissette that gives readers the history of the story

Veitch Gives Readers a Perfect Comic Story

The comic was likely put on hold due to concerns it would be considered disrespectful – after all, it features a collaboration between Swamp Thing and Jesus against a demon. However, a closer look reveals that the writer wasn’t attempting to make a theological point. It’s essentially a standard team-up comic, but with a unique pairing of biblical figures and DC’s darker characters. This issue perfectly represents the experimental nature of DC comics in the 1980s.

If you’re a fan of classic 1980s Swamp Thing comics, you’ll find everything to love in this book. Roger Veitch is considered one of the best writers to ever tackle the character – ranking among the top three, with Alan Moore generally considered number one and Len Wein close behind – and his talent shines through. The story, involving the summoning of the demon Belial to kill Christ with the help of DC’s Golden Gladiator, is brilliantly constructed, and includes a truly shocking moment that any horror comic fan will appreciate. It’s a comic that showcases a different, and delightful, approach to the craft.

Zulli’s Art Is the Perfect Accompaniment to the Script

Michael Zulli is a truly remarkable comic book artist. His stunning work on titles like The Puma Blues and The Sandman is widely celebrated – particularly his exceptional work on The Wake, where he sent uninked pencils to the colorist, creating a dreamlike quality perfectly suited to the story. This issue showcases his beautiful artistry, enhanced by Vince Locke’s expert inking, which adds depth and shadow.

What really works for me with this artwork is the blend of old and new. DC often struggles when updating older art, but this book successfully combines classic style with four decades of improvements in printing technology. It feels like reading a high-definition comic, which makes the impact of the visuals much stronger. Simply put, the art in this book is fantastic.

After decades of anticipation, Swamp Thing 1989 #1 has finally arrived, and it doesn’t disappoint. It’s a bit unusual that this issue turned out to be a team-up between Swamp Thing and Jesus, but the story isn’t disrespectful to religion at all. It’s a surprisingly heartwarming and well-crafted tale that thoughtfully explores religious themes. Comics like this are a rare find these days.

Swamp Thing 1989 #1 is on sale now.

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2026-04-29 16:12