Once again we are treated to a phenomenal issue ofSwamp Thing,and while it's timing may be frustrating and puzzling, it is still more than worth a read. It's going to be so fantastic to readofSwamp Thingtwo weeks in a row! Read Full Review

This book really came out of left field and gave me something a hell of a lot better than what I expected. I would call it a love story but it still feels like Swamp Thing and provides a good motivation for him to kill Arcane. From the great storytelling to Becky Cloonan's art, this book is a must read for Swamp Thing fans. The final shot of ol' Swampy pissed has me extremely excited for Rotworld. 'Cause you really don't want a giant Swamp Thing pissed. Read Full Review

I absolutely loved this issue. Scott Snyder delivered a story that is something straight out of an old Hammer horror flick with all of the ominous scenery and foreshadowing with Arcane. The only reason this one didn't earn a perfect score is that the story, while amazing, isn't really essential to the "Rotworld" plot overall. It's more of an interesting aside into the history of the New 52 world of Swamp Thing. Read Full Review

It's a compliment to Snyder's (and Tuft's) prowess that despite all the weird structural problems in this issue, it still works. Getting Cloonan on art doesn't hurt either, Read Full Review

"Swamp Thing Annual" #1 is a great way to get through the dreaded fifth week of the month. It adds a new piece to the overall story being told in "Swamp Thing" and it also stands on its own rather well to boot. This is the perfect way to use the Annual format. Read Full Review

I think sometimes it's nice to remember that we should never judge a book by either its cover or its solicitation information. This issue reads nicely alone, but is also part of Rotworld as a whole, filling in information that we will likely not get again in the main Swamp Thing series. It's nice to see this important first meeting between our two main characters, and there's just enough story to fill the extended page count, and even the possibility of revisiting the story further down the line to flesh out some of the final few scenes. This issue is a surprise to say the least, but looking back, it really shouldn't have been, given how great the rest of the series has been. Read Full Review

THE OUTCOMEWhile it doesn’t push the story much, (We all know Swampy is going to go after Arcane) this issue helps create an emotional connection to these characters and set up the story for Swamp Thing #14. Also the cover is absolutely gorgeous. Read Full Review

Although it isn't necessary to read this story to follow along with the Rotworld event, there is enough relevant background to merit inclusion with the crossover. Readers who are unfamiliar with the history between the Hollands and Arcanes can look to this volume as a type of CliffsNotes and veterans can treat it as an updated redrafting. In all, there are enough positives here to assuage most anyone's concerns about ponying up five dollars for this supplementary tale. Read Full Review

While it does rehash the plot from previous issues, using the contrast between the Carpathian mountains and Louisiana's swamps to bring Abby and Holland together made this issue more entertaining. Some dialogue does border on rambling, but it does help show a grey area in the Rotworld. Read Full Review

What you get in the annual may be nice, but it might not be worth the $4.99. Despite the great art by Cloonan, Im not sure if it was worth it. Id recommend it to those who are die-hard fans of the series, or collectors who want a complete set of the series. Otherwise, its kind of nonessential to the Rotworld story. Read Full Review