Just a quick note to remind you that Swamp Thing 1989 #3 (aka #90) is out this week, and the mini-series speeds along to its long-delayed conclusion.
Things are very clearly building to a head, and given the number of plotlines all converging, it does leave one wondering how they’ll be able to squeeze the conclusion into the final issue of this series. I mean, I know (well, sorta remember) how it ends, given, as I’ve mentioned before, writer Rick Veitch published his synopses for his final four then-unpublished issues in the Comic Buyer’s Guide shortly after he left the book back in ’89. I’m looking forward to seeing a particular scene in illustrated form that had been related back then.
The period ads and the (mostly) period editorial material still successfully adds context to the time in which these stories were intended to be released. The “Bill & Ted” ad on the back cover is certainly a welcome call-back. More importably is the “comics this week” item on the inside front cover, reminding you just where in the DC Universe this series sit. In particular, a plot point hinges on events in Sandman, and if you were to look at that comics release list, you’d see just exactly where Sandman was at this point.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the “Meanwhile” column by pal Rich Handley, which, despite some folks believing otherwise, is all brand new! And if you’re new to Swamp Thing funnybooks, it’s essential reading giving you background on just what’s goin’ on. And the back matter features letterer Todd Klein and what he had to do to duplicate original letter John Costanza’s work, which is something I really wondered about so it was a welcome expainer.
All in all, this third issue of Swamp Thing 1989 succeeds in making one feel like he’s thirty-something years younger. Alas, the cover price is very much of today, but we can’t have everything!
I’m aching to read this but, despite the appeal of the period-specific publication, am waiting for the trade so I can have the whole time travel story in a single volume. And New Titans #0, obviously. Never read that CBG so have no idea how it will all turn out…
I had to order 88 & 89 off ebay, but I WILL read these “new” old stories, finally!
“period ads”
Free advertising for 1990’s movies!
“Alas, the cover price is very much of today,”
One of the VERY FEW times I think a modern price is justified!
Have been slowly re-reading Veitch’s entire Swamp Thing run before getting into the long-hoped-for planned conclusion, just got to the Invasion issue where he gets sent into time, so I’m almost done.
Because of how things ended with Veitch on the title back in the day, I hadn’t re-read these in more than thirty years. Too depressing to give them another go knowing the Wheeler issues were waiting in the wings.
I’d forgotten how wonderfully wordy these things are, wonder how today’s readers would/will get through so much text. Also forgot how closely they tied into the regular DCU of the time.
Looking forward to the rest!
Mike, it is so gratifying to see your reactions to these issues. It truly is. It’s something we’re extremely proud of. :)