Saga of the Swamp Thing, Book 2

Before WATCHMEN, Alan Moore made his debut in the U.S. comic book industry with the revitalization of the horror comic book THE SWAMP THING. His deconstruction of the classic monster stretched the creative boundaries of the medium and became one of the most spectacular series in comic book history.In this second collection of the Swamp Thing hardcover featuring SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING #28-34 and SWAMP THING ANNUAL #2, the Earth Elemental says goodbye to the illusion of his own humanity after learning that he is 100 percent plant, meets a crew of benevolent alien invaders inspired by the classic swamp-based comic strip Pogo, and consummates his relationship with Abigail Arcane as only he could."Perhaps the brainiest and scariest horror narrative of the '80s." — ROLLING STONE"The series offers another fine option for the adult horror-comic fan."—THE WASHINGTON TIMES"The best muck-encrusted monster in the best comics."—Neil Gaiman in ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

From School Library Journal

Grade 11 Up Swamp Thing, a sentient mass of vegetation with the memories of a dead scientist, dwells peacefully in the Louisiana bayou, but he must come to the aid of his human friend Abby when they find out that her alcoholic husband has been possessed by the spirit of Arcane, an evil magician. Unfortunately, Swamp Thing is too late to stop Arcane from consigning Abby's soul to the underworld, forcing him to enter the afterlife in order to rescue her. With the help of Etrigan, a sympathetic demon, Swamp Thing is able to recover his friend from a squiggling, Boschlike version of hell. The accompanying stories in this volume cover Swamp Thing's origins, a visit from a band of Walt Kelly-like aliens, and the main characters' burgeoning relationship. They're all fine in their own way, but not nearly as good as the main story line. An early work of noted comic writer Moore, Saga of the Swamp Thing is an eerie, imaginative, and unique work that blends classic horror-comic themes with dense, nearly Shakespearean dialogue and a macabre version of Orpheus's trip to underworld. Although the art is a bit dated, it's still quite expressive especially its excellent use of color. The sinister and violent story line makes it appropriate for older teens and adults. This fine work is sure to appeal to fans of Moore, Neil Gaiman, etc., and deserves to be a first purchase. Dave Inabnitt, Brooklyn Public Library, NY Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Neil Gaiman in Entertainment Weekly

"The best muck-encrusted monster in the best comics."

About the Author

Alan Moore is perhaps the most acclaimed writer in the graphic story medium, having garnered countless awards for works such as WATCHMEN, V FOR VENDETTA, SWAMP THING and MIRACLEMAN. He is also the mastermind behind the America's Best Comics line, through which he has created (along with many talented illustrators) THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, PROMETHEA, TOM STRONG, TOMORROW STORIES and TOP TEN. As one of the medium's most important innovators since the early 1980s, Moore has influenced an entire generation of comics creators, and his work continues to inspire an ever-growing audience.

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