Comic Review: The Swamp Thing #11

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Ram V

Artists: Mike Perkins & Mike Spicer

Letterer: Aditya Bidikar

It’s been a few months since the first season of The Swamp Thing wrapped up. While Ram V and Mike Perkins’ take on the character has been fantastic throughout, the final two issues of the previous season elevated the series as one of the best versions of Swamp Thing so far. Of course, the character is known for being a part of many sensational runs, and this one isn’t over yet for another 5 issues, so time will tell if this will be a masterpiece by the end.

The issue opens with Jennifer Reece turning to Tefé Holland for support with Levi still missing. Tefé’s appearance isn’t just some half-baked cameo that exists to make give longtime Swamp Thing fans a serotonin boost. Ram V clearly has great respect for the character, and it shows. The character’s voice is fantastic, and there are plenty of nods and hints as to who she was and has been since her last comic book appearance. The character has had little time to develop further yet, but there are plenty of threads that indicate the she will play a significant role in the final act, even if she doesn’t actually appear again.

The rest of the issue is full of exposition, setting us up for the final arc of the series. The set-up is full of tension, answers, and even dread. It’s certainly one of the slower issues of this run, though that hardly means that it is uneventful. Ram V successfully establishes stakes and new actors that will bring everything to a close. With all of this exposition of the way, the promise of things escalating quickly has been made.

Mike Perkins beautifully illustrates each panel excellently. Every facial expression and pose looks natural thanks to near masterful composition. The panel layouts are superb as well, teetering the line between conventional and unique, allowing for the story to naturally progress at the intended pace. The opening conversation with Tefé Holland is short, but still impactful not only because of the script, but because of how well it is drawn. It’s always worth nothing when a simple conversation without any action can keep a reader clinging onto every word and panel, and that is no different here.

Following an exhilarating and heart wrenching couple of issues, The Swamp Thing #11 takes a moment to take advantage of the quiet. The new characters are great additions, and there is plenty of promise of things getting crazy soon. Invested readers should rest assured knowing that the series is back and is still at its best.