Swamp Thing #37 Introduced One of DC’s Best-Ever Characters (But It’s Still a Hotly Debated Debut)

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Collecting is a major part of being a comic book fan. While many collect trade paperbacks and larger omnibuses, single issues are the most prized possessions. These original comics often introduce us to beloved characters and stories for the first time. Though reprints, facsimiles, and digital versions are readily available, there’s something uniquely special about owning the original issue. Holding a first edition of a comic with personal meaning is a truly special experience – it feels like holding a piece of history. That feeling is even stronger when the comic marks the very first appearance of a memorable character or storyline.

The comic Swamp Thing #37 (1982) is widely known as the first appearance of John Constantine, though there’s some discussion about whether it’s truly his debut. Regardless, this issue marks the first time readers meet him as a character, and it’s a fantastic introduction. Recently, ComicBook acquired a highly-rated 9.6 copy of this iconic comic from Rick’s Comic City in Clarksville, Tennessee – a store famous for its huge selection of both current and older comics. We were fortunate enough to obtain this piece of comic book history from them, and now, thanks to our new Vending Machine, you have a chance to own it too! You can watch ComicBook’s Chris Killian purchasing the comic in the video below.

A Spellbinding Introduction to the DC’s Number One Spellslinger, Kinda

John Constantine is a well-known figure, representing the more occult side of DC Comics for many years. He’s a charming and quick-witted magical detective who often works to save both himself and the world, frequently blurring the lines between good and evil to get the job done. He typically appears to be one step ahead of everyone else, subtly guiding and manipulating those around him to achieve his goals. While not all-knowing, he always possesses enough information to hint at a larger, more dangerous reality.

There’s still some discussion among collectors about whether this is actually the first time the occult detective Constantine appeared. The character’s look was originally based on the musician Sting. Alan Moore asked artists Steve Bissette and John Totleben what kind of character they’d like to draw, and they all agreed on someone who resembled Sting. This Sting-inspired character first showed up as a minor figure in Swamp Thing #25 (1982). Adding to the confusion, another character with a similar appearance to Sting also appeared in DC Sampler #3, which offered a glimpse into Swamp Thing’s future.

The similar look of the character in issue #25 happened by chance – the artist just liked the design. However, the character in DC Sampler clearly seems to be an early version of Constantine. While both issues could be considered his first appearance, I still believe issue #37 is the true debut. That’s where his look became definitive, and more importantly, where we really get to know who John Constantine is – a unique occult detective whose arrival fundamentally alters the story of Swamp Thing.

The Start of a Magical Journey

I’ll never forget reading Swamp Thing #37. It was the first really long, involved comic book story I ever got into, and honestly, it completely changed how I thought about the medium. Before that, I was just picking up issues here and there, but Alan Moore’s run on Swamp Thing felt different – it was so mature and really elevated the character and his whole world. He built this incredible, dark undercurrent of monsters and magic lurking beneath the surface of the DC universe, and the introduction of Constantine was a huge part of that. Meeting him felt like a doorway for both Swamp Thing and me, the reader, into this vast, terrifying world Moore was building. It really was something special.

This series brilliantly blends horror and superhero themes while delving into the complexities of the human condition. It presents both terrifying villains, like those Swamp Thing faces, and flawed heroes, such as Constantine, who strives to do good. Constantine, in particular, feels like a guide, revealing hidden depths and possibilities within the story. This run, and this specific issue, demonstrated to me the power of comics to craft a sweeping, meaningful story about darkness while still maintaining a crucial sense of hope – something vital to the DC universe. It completely changed my perception of what comics could achieve, and I’ve been captivated ever since. I suspect many others feel the same way, making this issue a truly special collectible.

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2026-05-24 18:40