Review: An Unnatural And Consuming New Force Emerges In ‘The Swamp Thing’ #12

Like the Jericho Rose of this story-arc’s title, Levi Kami isn’t dead, but rather in a deep hibernation. But with Harper Pilgrim newly transformed and about to create a very unnatural new Parliament of Gears, Swampy needs go wake up and wake up quickly. And while The Parliament of Trees embodies the natural world, this new Parliament stands in stark contrast. A new force that devours without considering any consequence to the natural world. A corrupt new cancer that seems to be fuelled by Capitalism itself; an economic system that time and again continues to fail us all. I can’t think of a more fitting enemy for Swamp Thing and his friends to face down in this second series.

Writer Ram V certainly raises the stakes even further with the introduction of this sinister new player, while artist Mike Perkins builds an artistic landscape made up of cogs, gears and chains all depicted in minute and realistic detail. Over the course of this series Perkins has captured the organic and fluid beauty of plant life as he built Kami’s jungle world around him. An attention to detail and realism that has served this series so well. And so too does he recreates the metallic textures of the various machine parts he litters the opening pages of this issue with the same well-honed skills. The blend of the fantastical with the realistic continues to amaze and each issue seems to bulge with textures and hyper-detailed artwork that demands the reader’s attention. This is not a comic to be rushed but rather read at a slower pace. All the better to admire the art but also contemplate the creativity and complexity of the various characters’ reactions and interactions.

With just a handful of issue left, Ram V continues to build on what he has already achieved. And that’s quite a lot. Throughout this series he has introduced new ideas, new concepts and new characters as well as looking at the familiar through different perspectives; cultural, philosophical and more. A rich tapestry that even now he continues to add to. Not just with the aforementioned Parliament of Gears, but more. The promise of something else destructive stirs but it won’t be until next issue we see more of this newest addition to the cast. 

The Swamp Thing #12 continues to build and build. And with a more substantial cameo by The Authority’s Jack Hawksmoor in this issue, this is a comic book that pushes a few fanboy buttons as well as delivering another great script and great art. What’s not to like?

The Swamp Thing #12 is out now from DC Comics