TV Show Review - Swamp Thing (2019 DC Universe) Episodes 1 and 2

I've never been a big fan of Swamp Thing, so when I heard he was the star of a new TV series, I was a little disappointed. But Titans and Doom Patrol were really good, so I decided to give it a chance. 

Swamp Thing is an 10-episode DC Universe series based on characters appearing in DC Comics created by Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson. It is rated TV-MA for language, violence, and gore and is appropriate for older teens and up.

The Good

Casting. Everyone in this (minus the swamp witch) is an excellent casting choice. They fit the characters well, their acting is top notch, and they make you feel for them.

Story. The story is so tight and so strong. It grips you from the first second and doesn't let you go for a minute. Somehow the filmmakers are able to create a relationship between the two main characters so strong and so natural in less than 50 minutes that when the male lead dies (which you knew he was going to since that is the premise of the whole story) you are still shocked and horrified crying "NOOOO!!!!".

Pacing. The story is paced just right. It never drags, but there is plenty of dramatic pausing.

Art Direction. The visuals are gorgeous. I feel like I am in the swamp. Some of the cgi looks a little fake, but there are enough practical effects that the overall look holds up well.

The Bad

Ummm.

What I Would Like to Have Seen

All thirteen original episodes produced.

Overall

Swamp Thing (2019 DC Universe) Episodes 1 and 2 are pure perfection. The casting couldn't be better, the acting is top notch, the visuals are truly creepy, and the story is so tight and strong. I can't believe the filmmakers were able to create a relationship between the two main characters so strong and so natural in less than 50 minutes that when the male lead died (which you knew he was going to since that is the premise of the whole story) you were still shocked and horrified crying "NOOOO!!!!". I can't wait to see the rest of this series. I give this show 5 out of 5 remotes.

      

Book Review: Swamp Thing Winter Special

I'm a huge fan and reader of comic books, and while I was aware of Swamp Thing, I never read a single story about him until very recently when I noticed Kelly Jones, one of the most stylish and unique comic artists alive, took over the art duties on his title. He was a much more interesting character than I would have guessed.

Swamp Thing Winter Special is an anthology containing two new Swamp Thing stories, the second by legendary Len Wein and Kelly Jones, and Jason Fabok, and is appropriate for all ages and all audiences.

The Good

Art. The art is gorgeous. The first story is drawn by master draftsman Jason Fabok and is a visual feast. Some people think "it looks like a photograph" is a high compliment to pay, but a much better compliment is "a photograph could never look THAT good" and Jason Fabok delivers this page after page. The second story is drawn by legendary Kelly Jones and is as moody and unique as you would expect.

Storytelling. Both tales are expertly told with strong narrative skill. Not only do you understand clearly what is going on, but you feel like you are there and are part of the story, which is what the best fiction does.

The Bad

First Story. While the first story was masterfully told, it was a strange story with little point or reason to exist. Maybe I just didn't understand it, but more likely it was, to quote Shakespeare, "fully of sound and furry, signifying nothing".

What I Would Like to Have Seen

I wish the first story had more of a point to it. Otherwise this issue was a complete masterpiece.

Overall

Swamp Thing Winter Special is a masterfully crafted comic book filled with two beautifully illustrated stories well told. The first story, while well told, was a strange tale with little point or reason to exist. I give this book a solid 4.5 out of 5 eReaders.