The best Swamp Thing comics for Halloween

Swamp cheese One of the most fascinating characters and titles in DC Comics. The scientist-turned-supernatural swamp creature has been a staple of dark DC stories since its creation through horror comics in the 70s. The character often ends up on teams that include other supernatural or horror heroes, protecting his swamps or other plant environments from super-powered threats, or needing for his lost love.

Stories that explore these themes are often trippy, metaphysical stories that balance Swamp Thing's internal monologue with his ability to handle threats through brute force. As might be expected from such a unique and unique character, some of the best stories are those that don't focus on classic superhero fare, and instead use the themes and styles of retro “science gone wrong” horror.

10 House of Secrets #92

Scary first appearance of swamp cheese

Like many other Golden Age heroes and monsters, Swamp Thing first appeared in an anthology series before getting his own series. secret house was a horror series produced by DC where each issue was a self-contained thriller story Tales from the Crypt.

The issue begins as a semi-familiar mad science fiction but eventually gets to the premise the cover advertises, a giant monster that is part man and part plant. It's a great solo read because it showcases Swamp Thing for the first time and doesn't fall into a traditional comic book cliffhanger.

9 Swamp Thing #1: Dark Origins

Swamp Thing's solo series debut

While it's not the best standalone comic on the list, it's essential, especially later on secret houseto include the first digit of Swamp cheese single series. The issue retells the story of House of Secrets, making a handful of minor changes and expanding the cast and conflict so that it can be stretched out over a longer period of time.

It's still a story of science gone wrong, love lost, and the quest for revenge, but readers who want any closure will need to keep reading through the '70s original to get it. The original run is the pinnacle of early '70s monster comic work and starting from here would be as effective as jumping around, but regardless, this issue will provide a good context and reference point for anything on the following list.

8 Swamp Thing #10: The Man Who Won't Die

A throwback story of zombies and revenge

This issue is included in the original Swamp Thing run just mentioned, but works on its own with the reference to Swamp Thing's long-time enemy Anton Arcane returning as a spirit after already being destroyed. He summons an army of terrifying creatures called the Unmen and wants to take over the swamp thing.

The plan goes well until the Unmen corner the Swamp Thing in the grave where zombies come from the ground to help him. This is a classic macabre tale of ironic coming of age.

7 Swamp Thing #53: Garden of Earthly Delights

Swamp Thing sides with Gotham's Dark Knight

Swamp Thing has had several crossovers, even being a member of Justice League Dark, but most of them aren't suitable for a horror evening read. However, his run-in with Batman is an epic encounter, while still feeling like a true-to-form Swamp Thing story.

Swamp Thing comes to Gotham with a fury and unleashes the full front of his physical powers. When he grows in size and begins to destroy Gotham, Batman must take action to stop him or at least find out why he is attacking the city.

6 Swamp Thing #140-150: The Root of All Evil

A psychedelic journey through the mind of a swamp creature

Written in the 80s by Grant Morrison and Mark Miller, this run was lost for a long time before finally being released in 2015. When scientist Alec Holland separates from his Swamp Thing form, he must uncover whether the creature ever existed, and if so, if he wants to find a way to become it again.

It is supposed to be true psychological horror as large parts take place in the mind of Holland and/or The Swamp Thing. It's dark and existential as a journey through the thoughts of a powerful monster, and it also features many terrifying hallucinatory creatures.

5 Saga of Swamp Thing #37-50: American Gothic

Classic southern horror, swamp cheese style

The first full story arc to make the list, it's run by Alan Moore Saga The series centers around the first large team of Swamp Thing, along with occult detective John Constantine. Constantine tries his best to turn the swamp thing into his weapon against the creatures of evil, with varying degrees of success.

This arc is a great horror read because it's set in the South and is written in homage to old tales of Gothic Southern horror. There are ghosts, an old west shootout, a classic werewolf, and more scary shit. Also, different artists collaborated on 13 issues to give the arc a variety of tones.

4 Swamp Thing #34: Rites of Spring

Definite swamp cheese love story issue

Much of Swamp Thing's story is built around his relationship with the love of his life, Abby Arcane, and their inability to be together due to him being The Swamp Thing. The issue is done in the vein of a traditional horror romance and finally gives them a brief chance to get together.

Abby finally comes to the swamp to admit her feelings for Swamp Thing, and he gives her a plant that she believes will allow them to have a real relationship. This plant takes him on a journey, accompanied by the Swamp Thing, giving him a terrifying glimpse into the existence of his existence. It's beautifully drawn, romantic and a little disturbing at the same time.

3 Swamp cheese winter special

A standalone suspense story filled with heartbreak

winter special The latest addition to the collection of characters and it's not exactly a standard Swamp Thing story. Instead of a Louisiana swamp, the character is caught in the middle of a terrifying blizzard, walking through the snow, trying to recover his memory of how he got stuck there, and most importantly, trying to save a young boy caught in a storm. good

This story shows how well the writers have learned what characteristics make for a memorable Swamp Thing comic and how well they are able to transplant those elements into a new setting. It has introspection, mystery, and a dark twist that makes the ending great.

2 Swamp Thing Annual #2: Down Among Dead Men

Swamp cheese goes to hell

If it's not already clear, each Swamp Thing series deals with physical horror and deep introspection about existence and purpose. This leads to many poetic issues full of deep thought, as well as many wacky plotlines that may not make sense outside of the context of the series.

The famous issue is built around the original conceit that Swamp Thing, in order to save his wife's soul, must have her subconscious disconnected from her physical body and sent to Hell. Spoilers, but he does exactly that. The imagery of the hell sequence is considered the most disturbing of any Swamp Thing issue and the ending, like many others in the series, is a confusing mix of melancholy, heroic success, and existential dread.

1 The Saga of the Swamp Thing #21: The Anatomy Lesson

Alan Moore begins a certain Swamp Thing run