When a big name like Scott Snyder leaves a book like Swamp Thing, it’s to be expected that both the quality and the longevity of the book can be called into question. While I can’t speak to the book’s longevity, since I don’t pay attention to sales numbers, I can attest to the fact that this continues to be a really quality book, and it’s slowly becoming one of my favorite books that DC is putting out.

This issue begins a fresh storyline after a two-issue arc to start off Charles Soule’s run. This is a great jumping on point for folks interested in reading the book, and Soule is penning these issues in an old school fashion where new readers can easily be caught up to what’s going on. This does, however, lead to some parts of the issue with heavy exposition, and I think there may be ways to streamline or handle the text heavy portions a bit better. I’m going to chalk it up to Soule’s continued growth as a comics writer as opposed to poor writing. This issue moves at a good clip despite those text heavy parts, and there’s some real fun to have with the issue.

Saiz is a penciller I feel like I don’t see enough. I loved his work on the Brave and the Bold title with Waid from a while back, and here he proves to be just as sharp. His storytelling is wonderful, and he draws some really dynamic action sequences that leap off of the page. I felt the like the issue’s colors were a bit washed out, especially on Swamp Thing himself. Maybe a touch darker or some bold pops would have made more of a difference. It doesn’t ruin the art experience, but I certainly noticed it while I read.

If you ducked off this title after Snyder left, I encourage you to check it out. It’s moving along at a nice pace, and it’s really fun to read Swamp Thing being, well, Swamp Thing.