Swamp Thing Winter Special #1

The Swamp Thing Winter Special is an emotional story reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Road, that redefines what comic books are, and ultimately, what they can be; this story of survival acts as an amazing tribute to Swamp Thing and his creators Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson. Swamp Thing Winter Special (2018) #1 is an absolute must-read. Read Full Review

Both a moving tribute to Swamp Thing's legendary creators, and a beautifully illustrated, meditative fable about the character. Read Full Review

The Swamp Thing Winter Special is a real treat to anyone who is a fan of this character. A beautiful tribute to the creator of this character and a reminder that creators can get the most amazing stories out of characters like this with the right approach. This story was a real tear-jerker. It felt impossible not to get sentimental about this which it takes a lot for a readers such as myself. Read Full Review

The end to this special issue is a dedication to both Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson, reminding the readers the best way to remember the icons we lost is to celebrate the contributions to the American comic book. This tribute issue is all about passion, loss and remembrance encompassed in some amazing stories and illustrations. Swamp Thing Winter Special #1 is not just a must have for fans of Swamp Thing but fans of the DC Universe, Weins outstanding writing and Wrightsons haunting artwork. Read Full Review

Winter is the cruelest season, but the Swamp Thing Winter Special never lets the cold slow it down as it eulogizes Swampy's creators the best way it knows how; with a one-shot that perfectly encapsulates the character's artistry, horror, and emotion. Though the void left by the loss of Wein and Wrightson is a big one, Tom King, Jason Fabok, and Brad Anderson do the swamp and its keepers proud with a truly superb one-shot. Read Full Review

The Swamp Thing Winter Special is a monument to the late creators and their legacy while displaying the newer talents of King, Fabok, and Jones. Eighty pages has never felt so short as it leaves the reader wanting an ongoing series that isn't coming. Truly bittersweet, this special is not one to go under the radar. Master class comics at it's finest. Read Full Review

SWAMP THING is known for its deeper meanings, and Tom King hits it in all the right places. Compelling, heartfelt and thoughtful, he composed a beautiful story. Seeing the last plotted story by Len Wein will make you appreciate the Green so much more. Read Full Review

The Swamp Thing Winter Special is a beautiful love letter to both Swamp Thing and the creators, Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson. It's a shame the story at the end could never be finished, but this book is gorgeous nonetheless. This comic is absolutely wonderful, and I highly recommend it, even at the eight-dollar price tag. Give it a read. Read Full Review

If you're any kind of Swamp Thing fan or enjoyed any of Wein's work over the years (and if you're any kind of comic reader, you SHOULD have, even if you didn't know it), you should check this book out for that reason alone. Read Full Review

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Makes me wonder what is the sincerest form of respect. Whatever it may be both are represented in this issue. An homage to comic legends done by some of todays best comic creators. It is more than just a great comic because the level of care makes it apparent the admiration these creators had for Bernie Wrightson and Len Wein goes beyond their work and to who there were as people. We may be only two months into the year but I find it unlikely we will get a better single issue than this. Read Full Review

In spite of some notable flaws, both stories bring out the best in the character and honor the legacy left by one of comics most brilliant writers gone too soon. I sincerely wouldve loved to have read that miniseries. Thank you, Len, for Swamp Thing, for Wolverine, for your run on The Incredible Hulk, Fantastic Four, and every relevant title for both Marvel and for DC. You will not be forgotten and can never be replaced. Your legacy, and especially a certain muck-encrusted mockery of a man, is left in capable hands. Read Full Review

Not only are we treated to Fabok's art on the main Tom King story, we also get a second story that was the planned first issue of the continuation of Len Wein and Kelley Jones' Swamp Thing mini series from last year that was started prior to Wein's unfortunate passing away. There is a foreword to the story that explains why there's no dialogue and I completely understand why it was done this way, at the same time, I think the story suffers for it. Jones' art is of course beautiful and haunting and he has such a creative way of detailing Swamp Thing's powers and although the story didn't connect with me, I'm glad that DC chose to publish it. Overall, this is a must read and a fitting tribute to Wein and makes me wish for a Swamp Thing ongoing. Read this book! Read Full Review

2017 was a rough year for Swamp Thing fans. To lose Bernie Wrightson and Len Wein in the same year was hard. This Winter Special is the core of what makes Swamp Thing work, and what has kept this shambling moss monster in people's minds and hearts since 1971. I loved every bit of it, and I'm sure somewhere in the Green, Bernie and Len are smiling Thank you, Tom King,, Jason Fabok, and of course Kelley Jones. Read Full Review

This opening story is dedicated to the creators of Swamp Thing, Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson, both of whom passed away last year. The second half of this oversized issue contains one of the last stories Wein created for Swamp Thing for a new mini-series launch. The completed artwork by Kelly Jones and colorist Michelle Madsen is presented without lettering. It's followed by Wein's actual script. Even without text, it is an interesting comic to read through and it's a nice addition to this book. It's unfortunate that we won't see this play out, but it's a great tribute to the late, great Wein and his amazing work. Read Full Review

Swamp Thing fans likely won't blink at the $8 price tag for this 81-page special. Yes, it's not cheap, but even for folks who don't consider themselves avid fans, this is well worth picking up. Read Full Review

Swamp Thing Winter Special #1 is a bold, disturbing and ultimately haunting allegory about humanity's relationship to the planet, and the creative team nails every moment. The special even gives us a final tribute to the recently-departed co-creator of Swamp thing, Len Wein, by printing his final story of the character in its purest form. But the best part of the Special is writer Tom King and artist Jason Fabok's masterful, haunting, allegorical horror story. The result is that Swamp Thing Winter Special #1 is a triumph, an affecting and engrossing read from cover to cover. Read Full Review

If you are a fan of Len Wein, Swamp Thing, or Tom King, you are definitely going to want to pick this book up. It is a great tribute, and an all around wonderful story with beautiful art. Read Full Review

This book has a lot riding on it. Firstly its a chance to re-integrate the character into the Rebirth universe, regardless of how he fits better in Vertigo or even Young Animal. Secondly, it gives long-term fans a chance to say good-bye to the great Len Wein. Read Full Review

At the end of the day, if youre a Swamp Thing fan this should be viewed an absolutely essential purchase, as both King and Fabok show a great level of affinity and passion for the iconic character. The Wein strip feels a little hollower, even if its always a treat to see Kelley Jones artwork, although there may be an aspect of grief and frustration thats stopping me from fully investing in the story. Either way, lets hope this Winter Special does well enough to spark some line-wide interest in Swamp Thing, as theres simply too much potential in the character for him to be relegated to a series of fleeting cameos. Read Full Review

This was a wonderful issue with some great storytelling and stunning artwork to match. I come into it a long time Swamp Thing fan but I think a new fan would get much enjoyment out of the story. In fact, I think it would push them to want to learn more and go grab some older trades. This issue filled an emptiness since New 52 Swamp Thing was last on the racks. Read Full Review

All together, a fantastic issue and a great tribute to creators both present and departed. Read Full Review

This issue may be pricey, but it's a must-read for fans of Swamp Thing. Read Full Review

I cannot, in good conscience give this a 9.0 or higher due to the incomplete nature of the second story and the narrative flaws of the first. However, this is a special that made me WANT to reread it, not out of confusion but just to take in the storytelling. Do with that what you will. Read Full Review

Swamp Thing: Winter Special #1 is a bittersweet, nostalgic treat for both new and old fans of Len Wein and Swamp Thing. The Winter Special offers something new and special in its own way. King's story and Fabok's art pay homage to both Wein and Bernie Wrightson in the best way possible. King created a somber story that reflects the impact that Wrightson and Wein's deaths have on the comic industry. However, King's story includes images of what readers should remember Wrightson and Wein brought to the industry: life! Read Full Review

Overall, I put Swamp Thing Winter Special #1 into two categories. If you are a fan of the character and have a love of the history of not only Swamp Thing, but of comics in general, then this issue is a must buy and keep. It perfectly represents the character and the mystique of what Swamp Thing is all about, especially if you have dug back and read the original stories of Wein and Wrightson. For a casual Swamp Thing fan or someone new to the character, I feel that the issue holds up, but will not carry near the same weight or nostalgia for someone who is or has been involved in the character through the years. Putting the two together on an aggregate, Swamp Thing Winter Special #1 misses out on perfection but isn't too bad at all. Read Full Review

Two very different stories that are both pretty good. Any amount of Swamp Thing is great, so getting two new stories in one volume is a treat. The King/Fabok half has lofty ambitions that aren't quite realized, but it's gorgeous and fascinating just the same. Wein reuniting with Kelley Jones is a different affair, with a fairly standard story idea that resonates more due to the unfulfilled promise of a bright future with the character. Swamp Thing Winter Special is a little messy and unkempt, but ultimately lovable, just like Swamp Thing himself. Read Full Review

Considering that fully half of this book is devoted to the second tale, that really drags down the overall book. I know I would have loved a normal length story, edited down from King and Faboks tale, more than the volume we are presented with. Read Full Review

In total there are about 80 pages of great stuff. The first 40 pages contain the story. The subsequent pages contain panels and art work, and part of the script that was meant for the originally planned mini-series; however, the issue as a whole was great. So, if youre a Swamp Thing or horror fan I would recommend picking up a copy of this issue. Read Full Review

I'm not going to lie; trying to wrap my head around this issue after only a couple of reads was a little harder than I expected. And I could see the detatched and philosophical tone being off-putting to some, especially without the added context that some of Tom King's longer works provide. But there's no denying that the Swamp Thing Winter Special will get inside your head, and that it really summarizes the spirit of Wein & Wrightson's love child in typically tragic fashion. Read Full Review

A strange grab-bag of Swamp Thing stories, the first being thematically familiar to fans of Tom King and the second being interesting only to fans of Len Wein and Kelley Jones (who are not bad people to be fans of, mind you.) Not an entirely inoffensive comic, though I'd be curious to know why it exists. Read Full Review

blackmanta221

Feb 07, 2018

Without sounding too melodramatic, "The Talk of Saints," the story which makes up a bulk of this monster of a comic book (no pun intended), is one of the greatest comic stories i've read. On top of a moving, engrossing story, breathtaking art, and master-crafted production design, this story really blew me away in every regard. 2 scenes in particular, one which I just can't talk about here, made me feel something no book ever has before. Despite the big reveal at the end being a little *too* obvious, it was still effective and drove the theme of the story home. However, I can't just talk about the main story. Len Wein's final, unfinished work is also included in here, and although it does come off as just another Swamp Thing tale, it is still gut-wrenching to see Wein's final work as is. Only makes me wonder what would have happened had he finished it. I highly recommend this book not only to fans of Swamp Thing, but to those who love comics as a medium, and wish to remember one of the industry's greatest writers. more

Comicman

Feb 08, 2018

It's a great tribute for both Len and Bernie who both ironicly,were born in the same year (1948) and pretty much both died last year.The story is great,basicly Swamp Thing and a kid walk though the snow,from a snow monster.That's the basic premise that the comic wants you to believe.The writing is great.It's always great to see Tom King honoring this old creators.You can tell that he loves them and respects all this legends and it's pretty much is in his style (Alan Moore,Frank Miller,etc.) and it's great.Jason Fabok's art is great the way he draws the falling snow it's chilling. After this we get a well written note by the editor.Who worked with Len on his last book.She talks,about a piano that Len had,and it's pretty much is this her r easoning.Why there isn't text in this final story.Then we get the book and the plot,but not a lettering script.The book is another Swamp Thing story,but it makes you wonder about the finished book. All in all I recommend this book.This book is necessary for every Swamp Thing fan out there.I am not a fan,but this book made me one,or at least made me really interested. more

Red_Hood

Feb 09, 2018

Masterpiece

Supes' soups

Feb 10, 2018

Why Swamp Thing still doesn't have a solo title in the Rebirth era is beyond me...

Avanvolk

Aug 20, 2022

Tom King at his finest.

bucswin611

Feb 07, 2018

Emotionally evocative and clever story-telling from Tom King. Emotionally evocative and a clever story-telling approach from Editorial in an effort to not step on Len Wein's toes but still communicate his vision for his next Swamp Thing saga. We're lucky to have this book available to us - it's what comics are all about!

GL Mike

Feb 11, 2018

This is just a great issue all around. The artwork by Fabok is absolutely amazing. The main story is not action packed and it's not intended to be. It's classic psychological Swamp Thing at it's best. I loved the tribute art and final script By Wein. The ONLY reason I'm not giving it a "10" is the price tag. At $7.99 cover it doesn't come cheap.

Gizmo

Feb 21, 2018

A bittersweet goodbye to Len Wien and Bernie Wrightson. The first story by King and Fabok floored me, I couldn't ask for a better one-off. The Wien story takes the interesting approach of maintaining the art without captions since Wien didn't have a chance to write them in yet, but the script at the end gives a window into his creative process and friendly personality. It's a shame we'll never get to know where he planned on taking the story from there.

OldManComics

Aug 03, 2021

What a heartbreaking first story. Godamn... King just knows where to hit. Swampy is so very well written and the enormous and beautifully tragic art/colours from Fabok/Anderson just really set the tone apart. It's one of those thick issues that is actually worth the cover price! A limbo of mirroring guilt. It's one of those stories that will stick with you. I can't go into much detail about Len Wein story, because it's a shame that I was not aware of his work on Swamp Thing and finally knowing him from a story he unfortunately didn't had the opportunity to finish is just tremendously sad. It is a great tribute tho.

Nihilist

Feb 07, 2018

Both Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson, creators of Swamp Thing, returned to The Green. Winter Special is truly special, not only as a story, but as a farewell. And you can believe me - it's magnificent as both. Issue focuses on Swamp Thing trying to save a little boy he has met in the frozen woods. They travel together, exchanging their opinions about what does it mean to be a monster or a hero - theme that drives the narrative, and eventually finds a conclusion at the end. It's a bittersweet tale, and one that feel organic - none of the scenes feel forced or out of place. Once it starts, it slowly but surely unravels, keeping the reader involved, emphatizing with two main characters. Truly beautiful.

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• bucswin611

myconius - Feb 7, 2018

'The Green' was actually never a part of the Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson Swamp Thing. i believe that was introduced years later when Alan Moore did his relaunch of the character.

Dispatchdcu

Feb 08, 2018

This character is perfect for Tom King. Don't get me wrong; I love his take on Batman but Swamp Thing is perfect for King! Favorites: The football connection... King keeps bringing this football guy back into his books repeatedly. This QB is in his Batman series here and there too! Nice touch... and GO BIRDS SUPER BOWL 52 CHAMPS!!!! Took down the GOAT.... Anyway, The ending was great. I didn't see it coming. Heck even the frost bite part was out of no where. And the way Swamp Thing basically told the bear he'd come back for him to welcome him to the green and guide him... amazing! Again, great ending and great twist, don't want to spoil it if you haven't read it. But you should. The back up by Wein was also a nice touch. I honestly haven't read much Swamp Thing to compare it to but you should definitely pick it up If you like what you heard, love talking comics, and are interested in joining a DC book club, hit me up at dispatchdcu@gmail.com. Catch you all later! Peace more

Steve C

Feb 10, 2018

Tom King is terrific and I love Fabok's art. I just feel it lacked that "punch". The twist at the end was good, but I felt it lacked something. Not sure what.

Spock's Brain

Feb 20, 2018

Tom King has emerged as one of the best writers in comics, and his great run continues with the "Swamp Thing Winter Special" #1. Coming off of his captivating Swamp Thing story in "Batman" #23, King again features a sad, wistful, tragic hero. His journeys through the cold and snow, protecting a boy from the "monster" that pursues them, are powerful, growing almost mythical. Again we are left with a Swamp Thing who is tortured and alone. The twist to the story leads to this powerful ending. The second story, with the script printed afterwords, features Len Wein's last Swamp Thing writing. All told, this special is well worth the price. Even more impressively, DC is continuing a trend with some really great stories in annuals and compilation s, showing that these issues don't need to be high priced throwaways (looking at you, Marvel). more

Superheroes for Hire

Mar 14, 2018

I'm not too familiar with the Len Wein Swamp Thing run, but after reading his and Kelley Jones' story, I am sad we won't get any more from him. It's a Swamp Thing that's a little more reactive to the world around him. I really appreciated the inclusion of the script along with the unlettered story, as it made for a more meaningful tribute. I also really liked the first story by Tom King and Jason Fabok. It dragged on just a little, but I appreciate how it presented the disconnected, elemental version of Swamp Thing. The horror element in that story was Swamp Thing's cold realization of what needed to be done to defeat the Snow Monster and save his swamp.