"The Swamp Thing #1" Comic Review

A new Guardian of the Green has been chosen, whether he likes it or not. Levi Kamei is plagued by horrifying visions of hideous transformations. He sees green roots sprouting from his body as he's pulled to a desolate desert halfway around the world, where he meets a a supernatural being far more powerful than him in his current state. Levi is going to have to figure this out fast if he hopes to survive.

There's something so cool and gruesome about Swamp Thing and this new rendition is no different. It's not clear how Levi picked up the mantle just yet, but writer Ram V takes us on a frightening journey, as this poor man can't trust his own mind or body.

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The scares in Swamp Thing #1 are staggered. There's the body horror of Levi's transformation. Take a moment to look at your face in the mirror. Now imagine small branches springing forth from your eyes, nose, and mouth. You look down and more are popping out of your hands. That's the kind of stuff artist Mike Perkins delivers in this issue. That's not even half of the scary stuff!

The other aspect comes with what's lurking in the desert. If Levi is the new Guardian of the Green, it stands to reason that the Rot will have a new Guardian too. This is the entity of death and decay. Although that hasn't been made totally clear, we can connect some dots and make some assumptions. This creature is shown like a rotting corpse. Letterer Aditya Bidikar gives it a hoarse and frightening voice with words captured in balloons that seem to be melting.

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The blacks and greys within this being contrast with the bright green of the Swamp Thing. One represents death while the other represents life. Colorist Mike Spicer handles this well, shown with a pink backdrop that creates an alarming tone for this confrontation.

More Swamp Thing is always a good thing. Some top notch creators like Alan Moore and Scott Snyder have lent their voices to the character over the years and this new iteration comes out swinging, earning its spot among such a great pedigree. It's bold, new, and absolutely terrifying. You can have your capes and tights, leaping buildings in a single bound. Give me the Green and the body horror that comes with it any day.