SWAMP THING #5

Review by: TheNextChampion

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Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
Variant cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

Size: 32 pages
Price: 2.99

Something about this issue didn’t sit right with me and I’ll tell you why.

Scott Snyder is obvious a fantastic writer and this issue is another solid outing by the man. But I feel as thought Snyder is something rushing to get to some type of conclusion already with this series. Considering the last issue ended with having a big journey, ala LOTR, on our hands and then this issue quickly ends that notion is a bit bizarre. I’m sure Snyder has much more in store for Holland and his fight against the Rot; but by the time this issue ended I felt that we just went by two-three issues worth of plot. But again, this is a good issue and I love the interaction with Alec and Abby with Snyder showing he’s got some romantic chops but then hooks you with some crazy ass shit (like dead cattle). That and the idea of burning down a forest to rule the world is sinister in that if it’s that easy why has no one done is before?

Yanick Paquette and his bizarre panel layouts are back once again. That sounds a little mean but I have to admit I am not a fan of these funky layouts by him. His designs are absolutely amazing from the lust forests to the zombie cattle and pigs. Seriously if you think the zombie pigs on the cover is scary as hell then wait till you see some of these designs. (No zombie chickens though) Back to the layouts though and I really think Paquette is getting too cute with these designs. Yes seeing the interesting frame work for each panel is great at first but then it gets old quick and also gets away from the actual drawings at time. Yes it’s impressive you can do triangle panels Paquette but let’s see some of these pages breath. The flow of each panel can be a bit confusing at times too and the two page spreads can feel like a chore at points. I don’t remember Paquette being this ‘cute’ with his layouts in Batman INC and I don’t why he needs to be so here. There’s masters of the crafts that can do it easily such as J.H. Williams III but let me tell you: Paquette is no Williams the Third.

On paper (ha!) this is a really good issue as always by Snyder and Paquette. But there are a few bizarre design choices that made this be not a 5-star issue. Snyder’s writing is great as always but it really feels like he had to rush some of the story to end up where this issue ends. Then you have Paquette being way too cute in his layouts to make some of the pages confusing to follow or not give the amazing designs room to breath. If Paquette could tone down the ideas of being the next J.H. Williams III then I could easily ignore any faults and love it as I should. But as it stands it’s a great issue slightly ruined.

Story: 4 - Very Good
Art: 3 - Good

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