Scott Snyder’s “Swamp Thing” #1 was one of the most impressive first issue’s of DC’s New 52 relaunch. Snyder created a creepy story and sharply connected it to the new DC universe, all with Swamp Thing hardly in the issue at all. Issue #2 tries to build upon the solid first book but instead comes off as a talky history of Swamp Thing. Over half of the issue is spent on a bloated conversation between Swamp Thing and Alec and it isn’t until the end of the issue that we get something that feels connected to the first issue. It’s certainly not a bad issue, but it felt like Snyder was in such a hurry to set things up that he wastes this issue getting it out of the way.

I also think artist Yanick Paquette gets lost in the steady barrage of dialogue. This book doesn’t look nearly as sharp as the first issue as Paquette tries to find artsy ways to depict page after page of dialogue. Much like the story, the art does pick up close to the end and Paquette is able to convey the horror and intensity of the story. This just isn’t as well drawn as the first book and it may be a casualty of the book’s more dialogue driven construction.

Even though this is a pretty good book, it is a disappointment. I understand what Snyder is doing and he’s certainly earned the trust in his ability to construct a good book. But he gets a little carried away here and the result is a gabby issue that feels nothing like the first book. I’m still on board but I’m really wanting this thing to get back on track.