DC Relaunch: Swamp Thing & Animal Man

Both titles have been most closely related to authors Moore and Morrison, despite originally being created by Len Wein/Berni Wrightson and Dave Wood/Carmine Infantino respectively.  While Moore is on a series of personal projects and Morrison has unofficially become “the man of everything Gotham,” I am sure both Snyder and Lemire will not disappoint.  Despite whatever loyalties and preferences we as readers have for the authors that depicted these characters the best to date, I implore you to consider this point of view.  Approximately twenty-five years ago DC did what they’re doing now; inviting young and ambitious creators to revamp both their best and dustiest characters for the modern era.  Were it not for that, we would have never gotten the Moore/Morrison stories we adore now (along with my all-time favorite, “The Sandman”).  So, as I’ve said time and time again (and will continue to say as long as I have a voice) give me a story I’m unfamiliar with that stars characters I know and love.  Reinvention doesn’t mean that the originals no longer exist, just that there’s more material for all of us to write and argue about.  However, if they touch Gaiman’s Sandman I will not be held responsible for my actions!

That being said lets consider exactly what this announcement might mean.  We saw Swamp Thing return in Brightest Day as an unguided hero.  Someone who fights for the Earth, whether that’s good or not for humanity.  Considering Vertigo’s social awareness and the connection that both Swamp Thing and Animal Man have to mother nature, I am anticipating some cooperation between the two titles and a plethora of stories revolving around the role the two will play between the “battle” between human consumption and environmental awareness.  I might be a little optimistic here, but I’m looking forward to both titles.  Hopefully we will not get racked as Animal Man is to the right.  So get your pens, you biting comments, and your wallets ready for September and let the debate begin.

For more on the DC reboot, the meaning behind the stories, and my love affair with Neil Gaiman stay tuned to Comic Booked, and be sure to join the conversation on both Twitter and Facebook!