Swamp Thing
The Swamp Thing is a fictional superhero in American comic books published by DC Comics.[1] A humanoid/plant elemental creature, created by writer Len Wein and artist Bernie Wrightson, the Swamp Thing has had several humanoid or monster incarnations in various different storylines. The character first appeared in House of Secrets #92 (July 1971) in a stand-alone horror story set in the early 20th century.[2] The character then returned in a solo series, set in the contemporary world and in the general DC continuity.[3] The character is a swamp monster that resembles an anthropomorphic mound of vegetable matter, and fights to protect his swamp home, the environment in general, and humanity from various supernatural or terrorist threats.
Swamp Thing | |
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![]() Cover of Swamp Thing #9 (March–April 1974), art by Bernie Wrightson | |
Publication information | |
Publisher | DC Comics |
First appearance | List
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Created by | List
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In-story information | |
Alter ego | Alexander "Alex" Olsen Alec Holland Albert Höllerer Tefé Holland Allan Hallman Aaron Hayley Calbraith A. H. Rodgers Jon Haraldson Levi Kamei |
Species | Swamp monster/Elemental |
Team affiliations | Justice League Dark Justice League the Parliament of Trees Justice League United |
Partnerships | Animal Man |
Abilities |
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Swamp Thing | |
Series publication information | |
Schedule | (vol. 1): Bi-monthly (The Saga of the Swamp Thing, vol. 2–6, The Swamp Thing): Monthly |
Format | Ongoing series |
Genre | Superhero, horror |
Publication date | List
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Number of issues | List
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Creative team | |
Writer(s) | List
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Penciller(s) | List
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Inker(s) | List
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Colorist(s) | List
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The character found perhaps its greatest popularity during the original 1970s Wein/Wrightson run and in the mid-late 1980s during a highly acclaimed run under Alan Moore, Stephen Bissette, and John Totleben. Swamp Thing would also go on to become one of the staples of the Justice League Dark team of magical superheroes.
Outside of an extensive comic book history, the Swamp Thing has inspired two theatrical films, two live-action television series in 1990 and 2019 and a five-part animated series, among other media. IGN ranked him 28th in the "Top 100 Comic Book Heroes" list. He appeared in his first live adaptation in the 1982 film. Dick Durock portrayed the Swamp Thing, while Ray Wise played Alec Holland. Durock reprised the role in the sequel film The Return of Swamp Thing along with playing Holland. Durock reprised the role again in the 1990 television series. The Swamp Thing was performed by Derek Mears with Andy Bean playing his human form of Alec Holland in the television series for DC Universe.