scans_daily

The request that started this. 7 pages from the 23 page Swamp Thing 34, volume two. 'Rite of Spring' by Alan Moore, Stephen Bissette, and John Totleben.

I believe this issue is best read with the live version of 'In-a-godda-da-vida' playing in a different tab. The live version is 20 minutes, just hit to Part 2 and Part 3 as each clip ends. If you prefer the more sedate and contemplative 17 minute studio version, try part 1 then here for the rest.

The cover is gorgeous, and one of the first where they made Swampy pretty, as you can see if you click on the thumb.

Abigail Cable and Alec Holland the Swamp Thing have been bestest friends for a long time. Abby's husband, Matt, and her have been drifting apart for almost as long, culminating in his allowing himself to be possessed by the spirit of her insane uncle Anton Arcane. The incident ends with Matt in a coma with little brain activity. Abby visits him in the hospital, struck by how dead he seems despite the riot of spring all around her. The doctor encourages her to move on with her life.

She broaches the subject with Swamp Thing, who agrees with the doctor. Beautiful women have no business not being in a relationship...grrr /feminist. Abigail confesses her love to Swampy. They hem and haw, uncertain what to do next, considering their physical differences. They try a kiss. It is not unpleasant. He tastes of mild lime and its her favorite flavor.

She says sex isn't necessary for her. He says there should be some sort of communion and has an idea how to achieve that. He pulls one of the yam-like fruits out of himself and washes it.

<----INSERT YOUR FAVORITE ORAL SEX JOKE HERE

Now please imagine that yam being Swamp Thing's penis. :D

After admitting some 'ew' feelings, Abby takes a bite. She claims it tastes like cardamom, which is a famous perfumed flavoring.

In the last panel, you can see Abigail's perception is starting to change. She sees everything in patterns of light sparklies. Swampy says he can see this way if he wants to, and she is sharing his perceptions. Abby's mind is blown.

At this point, the normal left-right up-down comic strip structure is tilted, and several pages follow depicted sideways, in Moore's stream-of-consciousness splash pages. The sexual imagery is more muted than Moore has previously done, but its definitely there.

Normal strip structure returns as Abby recovers from the trip.

Suggested tags: title: swamp thing, publisher: dc, creator: alan moore, creator: stephen bissette, creator: john totleben, char: swamp thing/alec holland