It’s never really recognized that Charles Soule is the only writer who has ever had to follow up Scott Snyder. What’s remarkable is that not only has Soule managed to brave these murky waters, he has also managed to do the near impossible and outdo him. Snyder’s creepy tale focused on Arcane and the romance between Alec and Abby was a delight, but Soule’s story, intent on lore-building and proving Swamp Thing’s glorious, righteous heroism, is superior. In Swamp Thing: Future’s End #1, any tying-in to the plot of the weekly Future’s End comic is avoided. Instead, what readers receive is a standalone, done-in-one story that warmly and triumphantly encapsulates what Soule’s Swamp Thing is all about, in the form of a fantastic comic book.

The comic book medium has seemingly moved on from certain storytelling mechanics, such as third-person narration boxes and thought balloons. Well, Soule lifts the former back from its supposed grave, doing a damn good job of putting it to use. The narration of this comic recalls works like Beowulf and Excalibur, offering a display of heroics that feels far bigger than the pages the comic is printed on. Soule has done a remarkable job of building a far more intricate and multi-faceted lore for the elemental kingdoms of the DC Universe, and this issue is that accomplishment in pill form. It feels so expansive and so fascinating and so very, very cool.

A few parts of this comic add massive puzzle pieces to the lore Soule has been building, and it all works seamlessly. The intake of information doesn’t even border on confusing, and the tastes of larger concepts don’t even feel underdeveloped or otherwise unfulfilling. It’s not all just added material either, with clever inversions of current lore to boot. So often in fiction, world-building is a snooze-fest only recommended for the hardest of hardcore fans, but what’s provided here is all so much fun to read. There is so much intellectually-stimulating, raw creativity here.

Swamp Thing as written by Snyder was an angry, vengeful force of nature, which was compelling yet simple. Soule keeps that characterization, but applies a microscope to the moral code and ethical fortitude of the hulking salad monster, making for more intriguing reading material. Other issues are a better example of this, but it’s certainly evident in this comic, emphasizing the point that Swampy will do whatever it takes to do what’s right, not for the “Green” (plant) kingdom he represents, but what’s truly right. If it means setting himself up for what seems like sure-fired failure, so be it.

While he can’t top Yannick Paquette, the artist Snyder worked chiefly with on Swamp Thing, Jesus Saiz has provided some lovely pencils for this series. This issue hosts some great work from him, made more impressive by the fact that he has to transition through a multitude of atmospherically different settings. One highlight is the pretty visualization of the “Divided” (bacteria) kingdom, wonderfully colored by Matthew Wilson. Another is the dark and scary drawings of the “Rot” (decay) kingdom, trudged into in a careful, effective way. Arcane is a menacing bastard, ruling a constantly uncomfortable kingdom.

So much comes together in this issue, providing a real doozy of entertainment. I was awfully nervous whenever I learned somebody else was taking the reins on one of my favorite ongoing comic series, but Soule has yet to disappoint. His Swamp Thing rocks, and this issue is perhaps the easiest way to see why. I feel bad for whoever has to follow him up.

Story: Charles Soule Art: Jesus Saiz
Story: 9.5 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9.25 Recommendation: Buy

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