Cover: Bernie Wrightson

Roots of the Swamp Thing #1

Jul 1986 · DC · 2.00 USD; 2.85 CAD

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"Dark Genesis!" kicks off a pivotal chapter in the Swamp Thing’s mythos, with Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson delivering a haunting, visually rich tale that redefines the character’s origins. In this landmark 1986 issue, the Swamp Thing’s struggle for identity reaches a supernatural crossroads, as a mystical transformation threatens to rewrite his fate—only for Alec Holland to confront the cost of reclaiming his humanity. The cover by Bernie Wrightson captures the eerie, otherworldly tone of the story, perfectly framing the tension between man and monster.

Contains 2 stories

Dark Genesis!

24 pp · Horror-Suspense

The Conclave [Bruno (villain, introduction, death)second accomplice of Ferret (villain, introduction, unnamed)Louisiana Blue (villain, introduction)]simian creature accompanying Mister E. (cameo, introduction, unnamed)anonymous Un-Men (cameo, introduction, unnamed)

In "Dark Genesis!", Dr. Alec Holland and his wife work on a revolutionary biorestorative formula in a remote Louisiana bayou lab, overseen by Lieutenant Cable. When agents of the secretive Conclave—Ferrett and Bruno—arrive to sabotage their work, a violent explosion engulfs the facility, drenching Holland in the experimental chemical as he flees into the swamp.

The Man Who Wanted Forever

24 pp · Horror-Suspense

numerous anonymous Un-Men (villain, introduction)

In "The Man Who Wanted Forever," the Swamp Thing grapples with a haunting transformation that briefly restores his humanity—only for the enigmatic Arcane to claim his monstrous form. When Alec Holland learns his old body is being twisted for dark purposes, he risks everything to undo the spell, setting off a desperate chain of events that rewrites the balance between man and monster.