You Can Finally Buy DC’s Most Controversial Comic 37 Years Later

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Swamp Thing has always been a bit of an unconventional character, with stories deeply connected to the supernatural and religious themes that could be unsettling for some readers. He’s uniquely used to examine our beliefs and how those beliefs might evolve. His main enemy, Anton Arcane, frequently returned from Hell in older storylines. While Swamp Thing has journeyed to Heaven, Hell, and other dimensions, one particular story pushed the boundaries too far.

Rick Veitch’s work on Swamp Thing in 1982 was interrupted when he wrote a story where the character traveled through time and encountered Jesus Christ. DC Comics considered the story too controversial and refused to publish it. Now, after 37 years, this unreleased comic is finally available. Veitch’s original idea is now a reality, and it turns out the comic isn’t nearly as shocking as DC originally thought. Swamp Thing 1989 #1, the first of a four-issue series, has officially been released.

Swamp Thing on a Journey Into Metaphysics and Mythology

In the story “The Morning of the Magician,” Swamp Thing unexpectedly traveled back in time to the morning of Good Friday, right before Jesus’s arrest and crucifixion. The story showed Swamp Thing watching Jesus while also depicting a dark twist on the Three Wise Men – reimagined as evil sorcerers – attempting to destroy Jesus by summoning the demon Belial. Belial possessed the Golden Centurion, a hero from another era, and used him to arrest Jesus. However, Jesus was able to free the Golden Centurion from the demon’s control, which resulted in the birth of the heroic demon Etrigan. Jesus then sent Swamp Thing back to his own time.

This comic stands out as remarkably respectful for a DC publication, particularly from the 1980s. It doesn’t promote or criticize Christianity, but instead portrays Jesus as a positive figure and offers explanations for established elements within the DC Universe, like the Holy Grail. It’s actually less controversial than other storylines, such as “The Killer of Saints,” which is far more problematic. Overall, Swamp Thing 1989 is an enjoyable read that handles its sensitive themes with respect and remains entertaining throughout.

This comic isn’t flawless, but it’s a worthwhile read that fans will be thrilled to finally have. More importantly, Rick Veitch gets to finish the story he started, which is something that doesn’t happen often with great comics. The fact that this story is finally complete is a victory in itself, and worth celebrating. It’s rare to see a project decades in the making gain new momentum, so it deserves our attention.

Swamp Thing 1989 #1 is on sale now!

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2026-04-29 18:12