Swamp Thing Ep.#9 Review The Anatomy Lesson

Swamp Thing
DC Universe
Season 1, Episode 9
“The Anatomy Lesson”



After finishing the penultimate episode of Swamp Thing, I was filled with mixed emotions. On one hand, it has great visual effects and much to my surprise, Swamp Thing gets plenty of screen time. On the other, The Anatomy Lesson is a time tested classic, and when it came to adapting the source material, it appears the writers arrived at class claiming the dog ate their homework.

When translating a story of this magnitude to film, the original content must be treated with respect. Not so say changes can't be made, it's inevitable, but one must tread carefully. Much like the skeleton of Alec Holland that Swamp Thing delivers from the bayou, this take on The Anatomy Lesson merely picks at the bones of the tale that inspired it.

Before the series started, I had concerns about the inclusion of Blue Devil and Xanadu to the cast. There are so many layers to explore within Swamp Thing and Abby's relationship alone, establishing the key players for a potential Justice League Dark spinoff would be too distracting. Until now, the pacing involved in regards to integrating these characters has been pretty good. Even the Phantom Stranger whom I don't believe received a fitting debut has subtly proven to be an effective ringmaster.

 

I did mention "until now" because Blue Devil is given an integral part to play in this version of The Anatomy Lesson which is completely unnecessary. Sure, I understand the big transformation from Dan Cassidy to Blue Devil also occurred, but it really should've happened three episodes ago. Saving it for such an authoritative chapter is downright annoying.

The resolution of the Avery/Maria rift appears to have been affected by the episode order being cut from thirteen to ten. Avery's revenge is far too convenient. With Maria growing to be such a formidable presence on the show, it's difficult to accept the outcome. Could there be more to come during the finale? Of course, but should this be the conclusion, going out with a whimper wasn't a wise choice. Unlike Blue Devil, the Sunderland's saga is worth watching.

 

The original Anatomy Lesson was told 35 years ago in the pages of Swamp Thing Vol.2 #21, courtesy of writer Alan Moore. It contained a shocking twist that altered the continuity of Swamp Thing and cemented the issue as one of the greatest stories to ever see print. That's a lot to live up to. Thankfully, the television series kept that element intact. They certainly took a different path to get there, yet the reveal is so good, it's nearly impossible to screw up. A new generation of fans will be scraping their jaws off the floor and that's amazing.

While I have my grievances with how everything played out, there are some really nice touches here. The autopsy scenes are quite horrific. Not only visually, but psychologically as well. The majority of the acting performances were strong per usual, and we finally have a Swamp Thing centric installment to sink our teeth into. The overall quality we've come to expect from the series remains, making it extremely watchable, warts and all.

Did The Anatomy Lesson meet my expectations? Heck no, nor was it the best episode of Swamp Thing to date, which should have been a slam dunk. Next time we see Swamp Thing and company may be the last for a long while. I sincerely hope an epic finale is put on the table.

7 Tubers out of 10

-David Schultz

Originally published on: https://thegww.com/swamp-thing-01x09-review/ ‎

Swamp Thing Episode 8 Review

Swamp Thing
DC Universe
Season 1, Episode 8

“Long Walk Home”



Let me get this out of the way right off the bat. Swamp Thing doesn’t fully appear in this episode until the 21-minute mark. I usually save his bits for last as he’s barely on the show that bears his name. A complaint that’s common on social media and many reviews, including my own.

It’s a fair gripe to have. In my case, I’ve been wowed so much by the supporting cast’s acting performance that I decided to overlook the glaring absence of Swamp Thing and instead, focus on the story unfolding onscreen. Overall it’s been very good, but not without a few bumps in the road; sadly Long Walk Home makes residence in the scrap heap.

The primary reason I was disappointed in this episode was it felt so uneven. The first half just drags along. I’ll give it credit for providing a fair amount of backstory, especially with Avery Sunderland (Will Patton). Struggling for survival, Avery takes a miserable trip down memory lane in the form of visions. He’s stated previously, along with his daughter, the swamp killed his father. Here we see just how that happened and as much as Avery hates the swamp, it may actually despise him even more. It’s hard to dislike any moment where Will Patton is the main focus because he’s exceptional in this role. Unfortunately, during all this, we are subjected to a scene that may have the worst visual effects of the series thus far. That turned out to be a big turn off.

Abby (Crystal Reed) has returned to the CDC in Atlanta where we get a nice guest appearance from Adrienne Barbeau who plays her boss Dr. Palomer. She proves to be a difficult woman to work for, as it’s later revealed she serves Nathan Ellery (Michael Beach) of the Conclave. Despite being a small part, it’s great to see a nod to the original Wes Craven film by casting Barbeau, who was the first person to portray Abby Arcane.
The problem here seems to be, while the acting is good, the pace is slow. For the most part, just toggling between Avery and Abby. There are other threads interjected into the show, namely Matt Cable’s own daddy issues, but it was shallow, not enough there to make it interesting. With the titular monster MIA and no jump scares waiting around the corner, the minutiae begins to wear you down. The back end, however, has the goodies we’ve been waiting for.

 

Swamp Thing steps in to save Avery and with that, falls victim to false promises. Or are they? Just when you think being double-crossed has made Avery soft, Jason Woodrue (Kevin Durand) plays devil’s advocate, returning Avery to his villainous ways. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, especially when you wave a fortune in front of his face.

Swamp Thing’s action sequence isn’t long but allows for his powers to be on display. Great to get a taste of that albeit only in a little dose. The hardcore fan base will be happy with the show’s ending, as it signals an adaptation of a comic book classic The Anatomy Lesson. Originally told by Alan Moore, Stephen Bissette, and John Totleben in Swamp Thing Volume 2 #21, the story is one, if not the most, important chapters of Swamp Thing lore. This is exciting news, just be prepared for Swampy spending the majority of the next episode on ice.

So while this installment started out dull, it set the table and ended with a bang. As it’s been with my experience, whenever Swamp Thing sinks, he rises once again to tear my heart out. Next week is the perfect opportunity to do just that.

6.5 Tubers out of 10

-David Schultz

Originally published on: https://thegww.com/swamp-thing-01x08-review/

Swamp Thing Episode 7 Review

Swamp Thing
DC Universe
Season 1, Episode 7

“Brilliant Disguise”


 

Continuing from the previous episode, Swamp Thing has produced a spore that allows Abby (Crystal Reed) to hallucinate and view him as Alec Holland (Andy Bean). For the uninitiated, this ia a trick used in the comics through the use of tubers he grows from his body, albeit in the case of Swampy and Abby, for ahem… lovemaking. While the results appeared uneven at times, seeing the concept translated onscreen is quite enjoyable. I’m glad they decided to use that as a storytelling tactic prior to the series conclusion.
The reunion leads Alec and Abby to the Rot, a force that’s been addressed previously on the show. The Rot is in constant battle with the source of Swamp Thing’s powers, the Green. Yet another cool nod to the source material (there will be more), but Abby has danced with darkness one too many times and during their trip visiting the Rot’s domain in the swamp, she becomes infected by it.
The true meat to be had here has nothing to do with the stars, but rather the supporting cast. There are some outstanding acting performances and subplots that consistently bring the goods. The trio of Avery Sunderland (Will Patton), his wife Maria (Virginia Madsen) and Lucilia Cable (Jennifer Beals) are an absolute tour de force that could crack your television screen.

 

Beals and Patton are paired up after she throws a serious wrinkle into Avery’s plans to host his benefactor, Nathan Ellery of the Conclave (told you more comic connections were coming). Avery’s goal is to secure the funds Jason Woodrue (Kevin Durand) needs to finish his research. Rather than arriving at dinner on time, Avery ends up in a serious quagmire. The acting supplants the somewhat predictable outcome to his troubles and accentuates the suspense. Waiter, can I get more of that onscreen chemistry, please? Thank you.
Speaking of interesting wrinkles, the script is fully stocked. It starts with Avery, Lucilia and even her son Matt Cable (Henderson Wade) joins the fun, but doesn’t stop there. For example, it’s been established that Woodrue wants to cure his wife of her Alzheimer’s disease, due to his odd demeanor suspicions are bound to be raised. Namely, what does Woodrue truly love the most, his spouse or science?

 
While the episode title Brilliant Disguise obviously is a reference to Alec and Abby’s adventure, it may actually, and appropriately, be a metaphor for Maria’s character arc. We’ve seen her emotional status take many forms. There have been flashes of strength, but overall she’s been suffering from grief. To the point, it made her delusional, nearly following the ghost of her daughter Shawna (Given Sharp) to early death in the murky depths. Not…any…more.

Maria flexes her muscles and we witness how she’s not someone to be reckoned with. Empowerment is one heck of a drug, which makes you wonder. Was she always waiting in the weeds ready to strike, or was losing Shawna for good the straw that broke her back? Either way, it’s a powerful performance to watch. Madsen knocks the role out of the park and into oncoming traffic. Which coincidentally, is where one may end up should they cross Maria Sunderland.

Yet again, there isn’t much Swamp Thing physically to be seen. Understandably frustrating for some I’m sure, except there’s poetry at play and it shouldn’t be dismissed. While Abby saw him as Alec again for a brief time, he remained in the body of a monster. No matter what transformations or trials lie ahead Alec accepts his fate, but he’s unwilling to let go of at least one human characteristic, his heart.

 

Lastly, still in the source material and speculative vein, I must also note this installment ends with a severely wounded Avery letting out blood-curdling scream. What terrifies him so? Could be pain I suppose. My inner fan, however, cried out Anton Arcane! I know, with three episodes left, this isn’t the time to have such hopes. But think about it for a second, how perfect would it be that Brilliant Disguise gave birth to the greatest charlatan Swamp Thing has ever faced? Hmm…

8.5 Tubers out of 10

-David Schultz

Originally published at: https://thegww.com/swamp-thing-01x07-review/

Swamp Thing Episode 6 REVIEW

 Originally Published at:
https://thegww.com/swamp-thing-01x0…iew-spoiler-free/

Swamp Thing
DC Universe
Season 1, Episode 6
“The Price You Pay”




This installment of Swamp Thing has a lot going for it. Fans should enjoy the pacing, which effortlessly weaves together plot points and provides a pleasant amount of answers. With only four episodes left (including this one) and the show being cut down from 13 episodes to 10, I started to worry the cramming would begin. While there is a fair amount to digest, the storytelling remains smooth.

 

Overall the acting continues to be very good. There are some cracks in the armor that I'll get to momentarily, but the majority of the cast has the ability to steal the show. Crystal Reed as Abby is an absolute star in the making, Kevin Durand turns the creepy up to eleven as Jason Woodrue, and Will Patton's portrayal of Avery Sunderland is absolutely brilliant. Maria Sten's performance as Liz Tremayne has been given room to grow, and the results are positive. Liz was a key character in the comics, and while this is a far different take, much like everything else, Sten has been highly entertaining. Speaking of which, Jennifer Beals is killing it as Lucilla Cable. She's provided with depth and delivers each and every time. Standout material that I can't get enough of.

That's all well and good, but what's wrong with this episode? The other shoe had to drop sometime, and I have some complaints. Let's start with Blue Devil.

If you're anything like me, you consider superhero fare on the CW mostly poor. Yeah, I'm spoiled. We all are. The genre has been dominating our screens steadily for over a decade. So a show that would have blown my mind before the boom, can't quite stack up now. Not that I'm damning a product simply because it's on network television. You see, slapping a cape on a daytime soap caliber product is the CW's bread and butter. No offense to any of the actors on those programs, we all have to make a living. I just don't have to watch it.

 

Ian Ziering thus far has been decent playing the cursed Dan Cassidy. Here, however, it felt as if I was thrust into one of those aforementioned CW cut-rate creations. I did like the involvement of the Phantom Stranger in flashbacks and the clue drops, but other than that...oh  boy, it was tough to watch. The visuals that are normally strong also looked better suited for a lower tier of television. There isn't much time left before the show's conclusion, hopefully they turn that story arc around.

We've finally reached the point in the review where we talk, well, about Swamp Thing. This is not a case of saving the best for last, but rather the least gets saved for later. I recently read a critique on social media where someone stated this Swamp Thing show shares similarities with the 90's series because he's firmly placed in the peripheral. I can't argue with that, nor could anyone else, and it's been an ongoing gripe of mine.

 

Much like a bait and switch, it feels like we are given crazy-good Swampy action to start the episode as compensation for his MIA status the remainder of the program. I'd be willing to guess and could be wrong as I didn't actually time it, Swamp Thing is onscreen more here than ever before. He's also used purposefully which is key, especially if he's just going to stand around.  And guess what! Swampy lets out a mighty roar...again. Looks cool enough I suppose, yet I'm curious to know who decided that needed to be his signature move.

If you couldn't tell by now, I have a love/hate relationship with this chapter. Some elements are so good that I can't take my eyes off them, deserving high marks. But alas, the standard of quality on Swamp Thing had been set, and Blue Devil dragged down The Price You Pay.

7 Tubers out of 10

-David Schultz

Swamp Thing Episode 4 REVIEW

Originally published at: 
https://thegww.com/swamp-thing-01x04-review/

Swamp Thing
DC Universe
Season 1, Episode 4
Darkness on the Edge of Town


               

Over the course of watching the first four episodes of Swamp Thing, it's become fairly obvious mirroring is a key storytelling element. Flashbacks pair with events unfolding in the present, and similar circumstances shared by characters are a nice tease while we wait for the dots to connect. This being said, I'm still fairly surprised, and quite pleased to say, "Darkness on the Edge of Town" could share roots with the original Swamp Thing television series from the 90s.

With the sick townsfolk in Marais showing significant signs of improvement, a new affliction arises within the bayou. Dark forces lay dormant for only so long, and while the effects start more subtle than the swamp flu, the results make for a hallucinogenic horror-fest. Worst nightmares realized as bad trips just might cause you to have a sleepless night.

Abby receives a key piece of data from Alec in the form of a tissue sample. While studying the cell anomaly that makes up Swamp Thing's monstrous form, an arrogant Jason Woodrue offers her assistance with the analysis. Abby agrees to an uneasy alliance with the mad scientist, which is equally frustrating and intriguing. It's one of those times you want to yell at your screen, as if you could influence her decision, but also can't wait to see what his intentions are with this breakthrough she shouldn't have handed over.

                    

The Sunderland's sights are set on the recently orphaned, and now healthy Susie Coyle. It's made clear early in the episode that they intend on taking her into their care, yet it avoids becoming a boring plot point thanks to the individual motives behind the decision. For Maria, Susie would serve as a surrogate daughter, filling a void left in her heart and home since Shawna passed away. Avery however, views her as a science experiment.
Heads up comic book fans, when it's Abby's turn to dance with her inner demons, your heart may explode with joy...or terror. Any way you decide to slice it, be prepared to speculate on what an Arcane family reunion might look like.

                   

I noted "Darkness on the Edge of Town" feels like it pays tribute to its 90s predecessor. The reason for this is, while multiple threads add depth to be discovered down the road, there's a clear resolution to the threat posed here. The story is properly bookended, and I love that. The majority of episodes from the previous series were stand-alone tales. Sometimes, it's enjoyable to have the ability to watch something without being bogged down by what came before. Nowadays we stream, binge and never miss a beat. But back when the original aired and you forgot to set your VCR for when you weren't home, better luck next week buddy.

Breaking news, Derek Mears plays one hell of a Swamp Thing. One of my gripes thus far is how little we've seen of the title character. He's still not hogging the screen by any stretch, but what we do see is fantastic. Mears emotes well through the makeup and allows the man inside the monster to shine. I found myself getting lost in the facial expressions on display, and just how amazing Swamp Thing looks.

This is my favorite episode thus far. Swamp Thing didn't get any action sequences, but they weren't required. He perfectly serves his purpose in a well-rounded script. Stunning visuals, spooky bits are spectacular, and the acting performances have an emotional edge. Think I got myself a nasty case of swamp scratch fever, and I like it!
8.5 Tubers out of 10
-David Schultz

Swamp Thing Episode Three Review

Originally published at: https://thegww.com/swamp-thing-01x03-review/

Swamp Thing
DC Universe
Season 1, Episode 3 "He Speaks"

By now we've all heard the news of Swamp Thing's premature cancellation, and as of this writing, the rumors still swirl as to what caused the axe to fall. At a time like this, a eulogy feels more appropriate than reviewing the most recent episode. So it was difficult to resist the urge of typing a "Swamp Thing, we hardly got the chance to know ya!" sendoff piece. You see, that would be terribly boring and rather than focus on what's to come, I'd rather concentrate on what we currently have.


In reality, even with the bad news, we still have the chance to finish the season and there is plenty of monster mayhem to enjoy before it's time to say goodbye. It's okay to whistle past the graveyard in this case. Although, I must admit this outing makes pulling the plug a little less painful.

Hold on now. Before you go sending some Louisiana gris gris my way, hear me out.  Episode three of Swamp Thing is good, not great.

This installment showcases the supporting cast, and it handles that responsibility from multiple angles very well.  In a scene where Jason Woodrue examines the corpse of Eddie Coyle, he comes off as a condescending, creepy jerk. A mutated heart that Woodrue uses to test Abby's abilities as a scientist serves as a metaphor for what could be his true motive. It's a nice touch considering, later on, he and his wife Caroline share a tender, and telling moment.

Maria Sunderland's role is also quite intriguing. Her backstory is built around the debilitating loss of her daughter Shawna. Abby's return to Marais has stirred up her feelings of grief, relegating her to sympathetic character status. Here she finds strength in a most unusual ally that makes you wonder if she has found her voice, or completely lost her mind.

Liz Tremayne hits up one of her sources searching for answers, Matt Cable tries to create a love connection, and more light is shed on Avery Sunderland's sordid affairs. All three are staples from the source material, and each individual plot thread is played out well. It's especially nice to see Liz and Matt fleshed out more. They felt like small pieces of the puzzle during the first two episodes.

On the other hand, while those appearances were enjoyable, a brief bit with Dan Cassidy and Xanadu nearly gets ruined by a product placement for beer.  I know, I know. Gotta pay the bills, but it was off-putting.

Notice I haven't mentioned Swamp Thing yet? While getting a good look at him right out of the gate, he still isn't given ample screen time on a show bearing his name. Andy Bean returns as Alec Holland, adding more murkiness to Swamp Thing's purpose. Still unsure of who or what he truly is, a dream sequence is used to set up yet another frustrated roar.

But hey, this episode is titled "He Speaks" right? So this is it! Finally, we get our star a turn on center stage and hear that signature speech pattern. Well, yes in a way,  but it won't illicit the ghastly goosebumps you may have dreamed of.

The action that sets up Swampy's first words is also lackluster. When Abby Arcane investigates what's left of Alec's lab, a new type of infection, independent of the swamp flu, shows it's ugly face. Swamp Thing engages in what I would describe as a shoving match with the menace, handling the situation quite easily. The combination of saving the day and connecting with Abby should have more of an impact. After witnessing the evisceration that befalls Swamp Thing's enemies, this outcome will elicit a few yawns.

All of the visual and horror components we've become accustomed to with the series are still intact. Fair warning though, if you're the kind of person who enjoys a snack before watching a show, skip it. It'll take some serious intestinal fortitude to stomach the opening sequence. Go ahead and save those nachos for when Swamp Thing is over.

Fans of the comics should be pleased with a nod to the Rot, an elemental kingdom with the ability to control decay featured during the New 52, and going much further back, a nice little Conclave namedrop. The latter will also make fans ears perk up, especially with whom it's directed at.

"He Speaks" falls just shy of meeting the standard set by the previous set of episodes. Mainly because the Swamp Thing we get didn't do enough. I can accept a slow burn, but when our hero gets his chances, make them count. The previously prominent wow factor took a wrong turn and wilted. You know what though? Everyone is allowed an off day, even if they're not fully human, so I'll give the big green guy a muck-encrusted mulligan.

⭐6.5 Tubers out of 10⭐

-David Schultz

Swamp Thing Episode 2 Review SPOILER FREE

Originally published on the GWW.


While watching Episode Two of Swamp Thing, one thing is apparent; The show is out to create a truly diverse environment for the audience to enjoy. From the dimly lit bayou implying danger at night to sets that make you feel like you’re smack dab in the middle of a remote, Louisiana lifestyle. The mood is perfectly captured scene to scene.
That being said, don’t believe it’s only about the atmosphere. There is some wonderful character building at play here. Crystal Reed continues to impress as Abby Arcane, plus the script grants deeper dives into the supporting cast from the previous installment. Susie (Elle Graham), Matt Cable (Henderson Wade), Liz Tremayne (Maria Sten) and Madame Xanadu (Jeryl Prescott) all continue to develop quite nicely and naturally. Xanadu’s emergence also proves to be quite impactful. Not only is her look enough to chill you to the core, but she is also deeply rooted in Maria Sunderland’s downward spiral of grief.

Will Patton’s portrayal of Avery Sunderland is downright excellent. Each appearance is a highlight. One scene, in particular, explores the emotional scars reopened with Abby’s return to her hometown after a 14 year, self-imposed exile, exposing what a true master manipulator he is. Not long after, we receive hints at the sinister villain he’s bound to become. Patton’s performance is so good in fact, I implore the writers not to bother with a faithful adaptation of Alan Moore’s classic Swamp Thing story, the Anatomy Lesson. More on comic continuity a little later.

Episode Two ushers in some new faces to the cast with Sheriff Cable (Jennifer Beals), Jason Woodrue (Kevin Durand) and Dan Cassidy aka the Blue Devil (Ian Ziering). To be perfectly honest,the whole idea of including Blue Devil in the series rubbed me the wrong way when it was announced. I worried the series would turn into a bloated superhero ensemble rather than focus on the most important players, Swamp Thing and Abby. While I’m not ditching my concerns entirely as we are only two episodes in, seeing how Blue Devil was implemented here and Ziering’s charming performance put me at ease.

The final act is a full immersion into a perfectly paced slasher film. Edge of your seat suspense, with the right amount of action and gore. Swamp Thing is also finally allowed his time to shine. While not given much screen time overall, I will say what we do get of Swamp Thing is nothing short of fantastic. This episode gives us a better look at our hero and doesn’t disappoint in the slightest. The design is absolutely spot on. Some may argue in this day and age going full CGI makes the most sense, but mixing an actor in a body suit (Derek Mears) with modern effects has proven to be the smart choice. All we need now is more of him.

And oh, the last bit of dialogue during the show will send tingles down your spine, provided you still have one after witnessing what happens to Swamp Thing’s enemies.

Finally, as I mentioned in my review of the pilot, fans of the source material need to adjust their expectations on what is being translated to the television show. You’ll be immediately struck by the location changing from Houma to Marais, yet they maintain that Holland has a dog per Swamp Thing volume 1 from the 70s. These examples are only scratching the surface as some alterations may seriously tempt you to pull your hair out.

First off, please don’t do that. Speaking for guys with a Kojak sheen, we can only dream about having the beautiful locks you’re about to yank on. Secondly, it opens up speculation avenues for those who are well read in Swamp Thing lore. Something that’s struck me over the course of the last two episodes is how Susie resembles Karen Clancy from the 1982 Swamp Thing relaunch. Did the writers have her in mind while scripting the series? Probably not, but I’ve ultimately decided that it’s much more fun to enhance my viewing experience with theories than trash it for lack of loyalty.
It’s safe to say, Swamp Thing officially has me hooked.  If you enjoy visually stunning, character-driven, gothic horror, feel free to grab some popcorn and pull up a stump. We’re in for one heck of a show.

7.5 Tubers out of 10

-David Schultz

Swamp Thing Pilot Review SPOILER FREE

Originally published on thegww.com

To bring up Swamp Thing in conversation is sure to dust off memories of the 1982 Wes Craven film,  the comedy tinted, pseudo-sequel  Return of  Swamp Thing, or the short-lived (yet episode packed) series that ran on the USA Network from 1990-1993. Many folks cite these works as their definitive recall of the character, while not all bad, can definitely be considered not fully loyal to the comic book canon. Originally created by Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson back in 1971, Swamp Thing has had many notable, even classic tales told since then. Alan Moore's legendary run from the mid 1980s has become required reading among fans.

Within the realm of film and television, a whole generation has grown up without any live-action Swamp Thing in their lives over the last 26 years. During that time, our opinions about how we view adaptations in superhero media has changed. Well, for most of us, as a quick scroll through Twitter could prove me wrong.

The emphasis for the audience has evolved into caring less about continuity carried out in the comics and concentrating more on good storytelling. We currently live in a golden age, where our favorite capes and creatures delight us in various forms of media on the regular. If you blink, you'll miss a new release based on a property that originally came from the pages of a comic book. This was far from the norm when Swamp Thing had his limited time in the limelight and the hardcore fan base, if they haven't already, needs to adjust their mindset accordingly prior to watching the pilot for Swamp Thing debuting on DC Universe, May 31st. 

The pilot does a fine job establishing the core of characters that will lead us through the series. They are weaved in seamlessly over the first 59 minutes of the show and each introduction feels natural. The star that shines brightest isn't the titular monster, but rather Abby Arcane. Played by actress Crystal Reed, Abby is a member of the CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service who has been called home to Marais, Louisiana where a potential outbreak is threatening the lives of the locals. Unlike the source material, Abby's depth is established quickly, thanks to good writing and Reed's excellent acting performance.

She soon meets the somewhat awkward biologist (and big on 80's television references) Alec Holland, played by Andy Bean. He's also investigating the epidemic, albeit from an unofficial channel. Alec and Abby pair up to put the pieces of the puzzle together and share a fair amount of chemistry onscreen. Most notably, when mutual confessions reveal more layers to their backstories for the series to explore over the course of the next nine episodes.

Another powerful first appearance is that of Avery Sunderland, portrayed by Will Patton. A wealthy businessman from Marais, who surprisingly, is one of the only actors to utilize a southern accent.  His introductory scene carries weight, not only proving he is a calming voice for the townsfolk, but also a major player in all of the secrets to unfold in the swamp.  Also worth noting, as told by his wife Maria (Virginia Madsen), the history Abby shares with the Sunderland family is quite substantial.

Executive producer James Wan has promised the series will be horror heavy. This episode wastes no time solidifying the fact, establishing the mood of the show from the opening sequence. With the right mix of suspense, action, and gore, they are as taking full advantage of the R rating. Those who appreciate the genre will notice the care put into giving Swamp Thing a truly spooky turn on television.  Exhibiting a hearty blend of practical and computer-generated visual effects, viewers will be terrified of the evil brewing in the bayou.

Composer Brian Tyler is a big contributor to the scares with his thick and haunting sounds. The music is the perfect accompaniment to the ambiance of the show and helps to set up the suspense for key scenes.  It's easy to find yourself lost in the moment, due to the table setting provided by Tyler's dark, melodic tones.

Not to say this episode doesn't bear some blemishes. There's a cringe-worthy moment that I interpreted as an attempt at flirting involving Google speak, and I considered Andy Bean's performance as Alec to be a little dry. While not bad, there were times I felt when given emotional cues within the script, he lacked punch. This could be due to his co-star Crystal Reed stealing the show with the same opportunities.

Also keep in mind, this is an origin story. For those who are eager to see the big green guy onscreen, temper those expectations. You will get your wish in dramatic fashion. So in the meantime, enjoy the other bumps in the night provided over the course of the Swamp Thing pilot.

As I noted during my introduction, this is a modern reinterpretation of Swamp Thing geared to attract a new audience. As a fan myself, reading anything Swamp Thing related to cross my path over the last 30 years, it's hard to dismiss the adage "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"; Yet if you measure the show on its own merits there's a lot to like. I'm very excited to see how the newest chapter in the Swamp Thing mythos unfolds. DC Universe has a potential winner here


⭐ 7 Tubers out of 10 ⭐

- David Schultz

Swamp Thing Giant #3

Swamp Thing Giant #3
DC Comics/ Walmart Exclusive
April 2019
$4.99 USD
Writer: Tim Seeley
Artist: Joëlle Jones
Colorist: John Kalisz
Letterer: Dave Sharpe

"Bog of  Blood Part Two"

Last we saw of our star Swamp Thing, he was searching for his abducted companion Briar in the junkyard lair of the mysterious Ms.Ravenmocker. This installment starts with a high octane action sequence that to be perfectly honest, surprised me a bit. The methods used to illicit mayhem are fairly unique for a Swampy tale. I really enjoyed that.

Briar may have been taken, but she uses that as an opportunity to put the puzzle pieces together. Discovering what's been done to the missing teens from last issue and who Ravenmocker truly is. The origin reveal is a little lackluster, but we are given a wider sense of what her involvement meant and what will be necessary to defeat the Barren. 

Even if like me, you found the reveal to be wonky, it's easily overlooked thanks to the jaw-dropping artwork. I was extremely pleased to see Joëlle Jones had returned to render another installment. One of the lousy things about this Walmart Giant is the vague amount of information about it. Will
Joëlle be back next month? No clue, but I'll tell you what, she could illustrate Swamp Thing preparing taxes for six issues straight and I'd still buy the hell out of it. 

Overall this was yet another well-crafted chapter. It has enough meat on the bone to make you forget it's only twelve pages long. The seeds that were planted in the Halloween Special have been tended to with care and are about to sprout into something sinister. Reprints aside, the main feature is a cool story with stunning visuals that made for a can't miss.

-David Schultz

Swamp Thing Giant #2

DC Comics/ Walmart Exclusive
$4.99 USD
Writer- Tim Seeley
Artist- Joëlle Jones
Colorist- Trish Mulvihill
Letterer- Travis Lanham
Editor- Chris Conroy


Bog of Blood Part One

This book certainly caught me by surprise! I knew it was due to drop the second half of this month, but I didn't exactly time it out to the last release. Luckily, I wandered over to the hobby section in my local Walmart and spotted a few ragged copies that remained. For more on the condition, exclusivity and reprints included in the 100 Page Giants, you can read my review of issue #1 by clicking here.

The story is really enjoyable. Keeping with the previous installments, Swamp Thing and his companion Briar dig deeper into the mystery of an elemental force known as the Barren. While investigating a pair of missing campers, they encounter a new villain named Ms. Ravenmocker. Like the Char-Man before her, she has ties to the Barren although her involvement provides a new twist. While not reinventing the wheel, this yarn is properly plotted, provided a couple chuckles, and the action was well allotted. The page count may indicate an appetizer but this puppy reads like a full meal.

My only gripe, albeit tiny, was the re-telling Swamp Thing's origin AGAIN! We just had a sampling of that last issue. I'm inclined to blame editorial, yet whatever the case may be, it was done in a cool manner. Using an urban legend as the source serves as a nifty delivery. But alas, the true seller of this repetitive root wasn't the script. Nope, it's thanks to Joëlle Jones.

 The illustrations totally knocked my socks off! A welcome addition to the marsh of artistic masters that have worked on the character, Joëlle Jones is a talent not to take lightly. Paired perfectly with the colors of Trish Mulvilhill, fans are treated to a feast for the eyes. Personally, I haven't been this jazzed over a Swamp Thing artist since the smooth stylings of Jesus Saiz from the N52 era. Stunning in every sense of the word, I would happily hand my wallet over to DC should Jones ever work on an ongoing Swampy project. 

 As for the future of the 100 Page Giant? A wee bit murky. With rumors swirling that the line was facing cancellation, Dan DiDido shut those rumors down but commented there was a shift coming. Whatever the future may hold, Swamp Thing Giant #2 is an outstanding product worth spending your hard earned dollars on. Grab a copy while you can.

-David Schultz

*All external links are intended for information purposes only*

Swamp Thing 100 Page Giant #1 (Walmart 2019)

Swamp Thing #1
100 Page Comic Giant! (Walmart Exclusive)
DC Comics
February 2019
$4.99 USD


So what's the hubbub about the Walmart 100 Page Giants from DC Comics? Well, if you spend a few minutes on Twitter you're bound to find fairly mixed reactions. Some folks like myself appreciate the nod to the past. Namely, providing nostalgia nuzzlers a product similar to the Super Spectaculars of the 1970s. Affordable reprints to get superheroes into the hands of the masses. Detractors will say, and rightfully so, they are poorly displayed in stores and easily damaged hiding in the hobby/novelty sections young kids tend to frequent. One of the issues came under fire for the adult nature of its content considering children can easily pick it up and give it a gander. There's also the fact international Walmart consumers are ignored. The specials are only available in the United States so, enjoy that nifty health care system Canada. We got comics!

I was truly excited to hear Swamp Thing got the green light for a Walmart ongoing. While there was a Halloween Horror Giant, he hasn't had a solo book since the miniseries from Len Wein and Kelley Jones in 2016. Sure, the originals are only twelve pages long, but as anyone who has picked up a 100 Page Giant can attest to, they are a really nice package for the price. Plus, you can snag a copy while you're out for milk and eggs.
As to avoid getting too far into the weeds here, I'm only giving my opinions on the original material and then the reprints as a whole. 

"Desert of Ash"
Tim Seeley- Writer
Mike Perkins- Artist
Jordan Boyd- Colors
Dave Sharpe- Letters
Chris Conroy- Editor

For those who've been following the muck-encrusted mockery of a man post Rebirth, you already know it's been a mixed bag. There's been the good, most notably in the current volume of  Justice League Dark and short stories featured in anthology titles. Then there's the downright ugly, avoid Damage and the Terrifics at all cost. The characterization is just too damn loose. I've come to grips with continuity being dead and buried, but Swampy has been handled poorly. There's just zero consistency from his motivation to back story. 
Tim Seeley was the writer of one of the aforementioned good ones. He dabbled with Swampy during his Hellblazer run and wrote a fine little ditty called "The Spread" featured in Cursed Comics Cavalcade from October 2018. A seasoned pro and Swamp Thing fan, Seeley appears to be a natural choice to handle writing chores on this project.
Here, he pairs Swamp Thing with an interesting partner named Briar we met in the previous special. Briar's a witch with a colorful past who has unique abilities perfectly suited for the partnership. She exhibits a snarky attitude that provides a nice dose of humor to the narrative as well.
The pacing exhibited in this short story is smooth. Readers are treated to a nice dose of action right off the bat, as the duo take on a villain referred to as 'The Char Man". A rather gruesome looking chap with an affinity for flames. What's his deal? Let's just say fans of elemental powers in Mark Millar's run and Avatars from the New 52 are going to be very pleased. Was that a spoiler? If so, apologies. Go ahead and unread that.
All that being said, there were a couple headscratchers that tied into some limitations Swamp Thing exhibited at the onset of the tale. All seemed to be resolved during the obligatory origin retelling, yet why was that the case at all?  Still, Seeley's version looks to be in tune with what we see in Justice League Dark and pays tribute to Alan Moore's vision of the character. Hopefully clarity is around the corner.
The art was moody and dark. Mike Perkins handled a nice balance between fine lines and chaotic fervor. As someone not overly familiar with his work going in, any concerns I may have had were put to rest.
I'm intrigued. Not only does this tie into the Halloween Horror Giant but if my theories are correct, sets the table for some hefty stuff. The entire creative team did a nice job putting this bad boy together. While it's only a small sample, it carried a big punch.

Now it's time for the reprints. They are: Animal Man Vol. 2 #1,  Swamp Thing Vol. 5 #1, and  ShadowPact Vol. 1 #1. That's all fine and dandy. I understand why DC included them and it's pretty cool they intend to continue them sequentially in ish #2. My big beef is this, if you want to showcase some more Swamp Thing, the Snyder run is wasteful.
Admittedly, it's pretty darn good and is full of homages to the past, but it's fairly recent and there's so much more material that could benefit from the spotlight. Sure, there's a bunch of classics throughout Swamp Thing history that would easily fit the bill, but I have my mind on something in particular...
In the early nineties, Nancy Collins came on the title starting with Vol. 2 #110. Her run has never been given the trade treatment. It was a deep and profound take on Swamp Thing lore. Many of the themes she tackled then carry weight today. Those stories deserve an opportunity to be discovered by a new audience. 
Want to read the works of Wein, Moore, Veitch, Brian K. Vaughan and so on? They are just a keystroke and "add to your cart" away. Collins however, requires some serious bin diving if you're interested in physical copies. There is one bubble of joy in the bayou as the Nancy Collins content is available on Comixology, but DC really dropped the ball here.
One last thing before I step off the soap box. It's impossible to find the stats on these books, no print runs nor sales numbers. Tried dancing with Google and came up empty. I also attempted reaching out to a couple of people associated with this book for answers to no avail. Other publications are easily tracked and reported on monthly, yet the Walmart exclusives are shrouded in mystery. I hope to get more information on this soon. In the meantime, I'm keeping my fingers crossed the returns are healthy on the 100 Page Giants.
Despite dining on sour grapes to close out this column, I do highly recommend picking this up. An accessible comic at an affordable price point. Serious bang for your buck. Now drop what you're doing and grab a mop. Clean up in aisle seven...I'm in love!

- David Schultz

Just A Pilgrim (2001)

It's Super Blog Team-Up season! Not familiar? It's a great community of comic book bloggers that get together annually and write about a shared topic. This year is all about: REDEMPTION.  I'll get back to that in a bit and the roll call of my fellow Super Bloggers will be listed at the end of this column but before I dig in on my subject matter, big thanks to @CharltonHero for starting the project and having me aboard.
Luckily, it wasn't difficult to select a story I wanted to discuss as part of this event. Fond memories flooded my mind of a series based around a no-good louse, looking to make good to pay for sins of the past. Plus, with the creative team of Garth Ennis and Carlos Ezquerra, this must be a sign from the heavens to clear the cobwebs and give Just A Pilgrim a long overdue re-read.
In the early 2000's, I wasn't immune to Ennis fever. He had just wrapped up one of the greatest comic runs to ever see print with Preacher and in my eyes could do no wrong. Engaging scripts filled with raunchy yet compelling ideas. Who could ask for more? After a lifetime of capes, Ennis provided a different perspective. It didn't hurt I was also in my formative years of  adulthood, so the humor was right up my alley. Give me more gore, gross gags and gobsmackery! Not sure if that last one there is really a word but damn, that era of material sure got me jazzed up.

Before I dive into the book itself, I'd like to take a moment to focus on the publisher. There's rarely a fan in my age range that doesn't have nostalgic fueled goosebumps when remembering Wizard Magazine. I specifically note "age range" as some of us old stumps collected in a time pre-internet. Way back, when one would have to look to friends or a publishers checklist to gauge what was worthy of  redistributing your lunch money for. So to have a magazine with interviews, humor, price guides and everything related to the love of comics...wowza!
There had been plenty of fanzines over the years with historical significance but for my generation Wizard was a game changer. Now, I don't want to come off as elderly. We did have message boards and such by the time this series came out, but getting that copy of Wizard with your pull was something special. Alright, alright...I'll get a room.
Wizard was so popular in fact, they broadened their horizons with other enterprises. One of which, Black Bull Entertainment, sought to bring in major talent and make some hay. There was a fair amount of hype at the onset but unlike, for example, Image Comics, it couldn't maintain the momentum and crawled into the shadows. Now, in no way would I normally compare the two publishers as sales charts would make me look foolish but for my buck, Garth Ennis was a bigger draw than the star-studded artists that created Image. New publisher, new series with Ennis at the helm, where do I sign?
It was also a great physical product. The paper stock was gloss while also being sturdy and they saved all of the ads until the end of the book. Albeit those ads were nothing more than Wizard propaganda anyway. There were also pin-ups to close the stories out along with letter pages and creator bios. Nice package for $2.99 USD.

So what was it about? To be perfectly honest, you may want to calibrate your groan sensors. Post-apocalyptic warfare people! A trope more tired than a damsel tied to train tracks. Still, Ennis has shown a strong affection for westerns and war tales, so they were bound to be intertwined here as well, perhaps providing more depth.
The narrative is told by a little boy named Billy Shepard via the pages torn from his diary. They tell of how the Earth suffered a cataclysm called "The Burn" that has destroyed most of the surface areas and led the oceans to dry up. Billy along with his family and a wandering caravan found themselves under assault by pirates when a righteous stranger arrived in time to save them. When asked who he is, surrounded by fire and death, the mystery man raises his head revealing the shape of a cross seared into his face and responds "Just A Pilgrim."

I mean, c'mon...it's obvious this dude's gonna be a serious badass. Unfortunately for anyone who's read Preacher, the Pilgrim seems like a blatant Saint of Killers knockoff.  In many aspects there's a solid argument there. One that I will make later. As for now, what you need to know is he's a reluctant hero and a zealot. All of his actions are deemed to be God's will and Pilgrim views every creature as a puzzle piece to serve that purpose. Even if that means fatal facial reconstruction.

Par the course for Ennis, all of the oddballs are on full display. The main villain, Castenado, is a blind amputee with a gift for gruesome gab. A member of Pilgrim's party named Dirk gets impregnated by a pit monster, rendering him less than a personable pustule. Nearly two decades ago I'm sure all of this gave me a good chuckle. I was 21 years old and heavily into Bukowski and booze. Now, however I kind of meh at it. Not that all of the gags aren't funny or could only be considered such, especially by an adolescent. I bet this will rib-tickle a bunch of folks but it just not as clever as I thought it was. Have I matured? Are dad jokes my new bread and butter? Probably.

I know require the most epic of drum rolls as it's...redemption time! Or maybe more appropriately, what could be vaguely considered redemption for a man such as Pilgrim. A recurring theme throughout the first two issues had been Billy's Mom getting a strange sense of generalization when  Pilgrim was around. Oh, there's definitely a reason for that. If you had a sneaking suspicion his origin had anything to do with happiness or joy, lay off the grass. The cover image should provide enough of a hint that it's about to get weird up in here.

Who was this nut job before he met the lord? A different sort of crazy. He was a special forces soldier and as he tells it, a sinner. He lived for murder, drinking and dames. After a mission went awry, Pilgrim and his men were stranded at sea on a lifeboat. With time turning to weeks and no rescue to be had, desperate men always turn to desperate measures. In this case, cannibalism. After over 100 days on that raft, he was finally found by a passing ship as the lone survivor. Barely clinging to life, his diet didn't do his demeanor any favors.

The military gave him a psych discharge, considering no other members of his regiment would work with him. The Army was the only home he had ever known. Without it, Pilgrim decided it best to drink his life away. One night, after getting sloshed at a bar, he hit a hobo with his car. Pilgrim gazed upon the man he had just killed and rather than feeling remorse, he thought of a recipe. He discovered he still had cravings for flesh and human stew was on the menu. The authorities caught wind of people disappearing and Pilgrim got himself locked up.

While in the clink, he would get frequent visits from the prison chaplain. Pilgrim had no interest in buying what he was selling. Bible verses, the Lord's guiding hand and all, wasn't very appealing to a man who believed he could never be redeemed. Still, the priest persisted. He would visit his cell each and every week, speaking of religion while Pilgrim sat unimpressed. This continued for years. When finally it appeared Pilgrim had softened to the idea of accepting a larger power, that pesky Burn happened. The sun scorched the earth, killing everyone within its reach. The priest tried to free the prisoners but much like his experience on the raft, Pilgrim was the only one still alive. In a foolhardy attempt to reach a vehicle, the clergyman got himself cooked. We've already established Pilgrim is an unbalanced fella so of course, he would take a cross, melt his damned face and finally accept God.

I'm not here to spoil the remainder of this five issue series. Wanna read the rest? Up to you my friend. But wait there's more! If you do dig it, there's also a sequel named Just A Pilgrim: Garden Of Eden. Trying new comics is never a bad thing. Right now, I'd prefer to focus on that whole "carbon copy" bit I brought up earlier. For fans of  Preacher not only does Pilgrim have a similar look. The attitude also carries over. Pilgrim is more of a talker as he spouts out scripture in the middle of a massacre yet the strong but silent, movie westerns archetype is applicable to both. They're also bad dudes who didn't want redemption and would rather rot away, accepting that to be the fate of the wicked.

Aside from those two, there are even more glaring similarities at play here. Most notably, the villains.

I can imagine Garth Ennis looking over his shoulder while cashing his checks at the bank, in fear of getting caught for draining the well. I can't blame him. His admirers, myself included, gobbled it up. Arguably, the most popular baddies he's created, Herr Starr (Preacher) and Ma Gnucci (Punisher) had something very unique in common with the antagonist featured in this series. They were all dismembered. While Starr and Gnucci were put through the wringer for shock value and laughs, a distinct difference this time out was that Castenado lacked eyes, hands, and feet from the get-go. For some reason, Ennis didn't devote the time to torture him as he did the others. Why did he decide losing limbs was a lovely way to depict the degenerates? That I can't say. His garden must look terrible though.

You may have gathered I wouldn't consider Just A Pilgrim to be Ennis's finest hour. Even with excellent pacing, this yarn provides its fair share of yawns. However, it does have some noteworthy strengths that will appeal to many readers. The art by Carlos Ezquerra is outstanding and Paul Mounts kills it on colors. There's also a TON of action to be had here which gives it a summer blockbuster quality. I could see this being adapted to other forms of media with success for that very reason. It's no masterpiece like Preacher but if Garth's gimmicks haven't grown stale to you, give it a try.
Just A Pilgrim isn't a sought out book making it easy to pick up on the cheap physically and it's available for digital purchase in trade form.

See that? In the end, little Billy Shepard just wanted the same thing all bloggers do. So don't wait! Check out all of these amazing Super Blog Team Up pages. Just click on the site name and away you go to truly incredible content!

 ★The Superhero Satellite: The Walking Dead: “Redeeming Negan”
★Chris is on Infinite Earths: The Pied-Piper Reforms!  Flash (vol.2) #31
★Longbox Review: Redemption of Nightwing
★Coffee and Comics: Green Lantern #100
★Comic Reviews by Walt: Redemption/Coming Home: Shredder
★The Unspoken Decade: What If V2 #46 and 47
★The Daily Rios: Thanos: Samaritan (Issues 7-12 2004)
★The Retroist Via Vic Sage: The Redemption Of Magneto
★Crapbox Son Of Cthulu: Iron Man: Demon In A Bottle
★Between the Pages Blog: The Secret Origin Of Spider-Man
★Black, White and Bronze: The Redemption of Red Sonja, Savage Sword of Conan #1
★The Source Material Comics Podcast: Penance - The Redemption of Speedball
★ Comics Comics Blog: Elfquest Cutters Redemption 
 ★In My Not So Humble Opinion: The Other Side of the Wind: The Redemption of Orson Welles

Special thanks to my pal Chris Sheehan for giving me a swift kick in the keister, propelling me back into the blogosphere. I would like to say this was a case of saving the best for last, but it was actually just an attempt to get him to read the whole thing. Excelsior! 

*All external links for Just A Pilgrim are intended for informational purposes.