Swamp Thing #81

In "Widowsweed," Abby and Chester grapple with the absence of the Swamp Thing, their worry deepening when they encounter a mysterious alien known as Widowsweed—sent to eliminate Abby, who carries the potential for future Elementals. Though Widowsweed is conflicted by the revelation of Abby’s pregnancy and ultimately chooses not to harm her, her moment of mercy ends abruptly when Guy Gardner arrives, unaware of the truth, and kills her in a moment of instinct. Rick Veitch’s writing and art bring a haunting, grounded intensity to the story, while Tatjana Wood’s colors and John Costanza’s lettering enhance the mood. The cover, also by Veitch, captures the eerie stillness of the encounter.