SPOILERS AHEAD!
Initial Thoughts
Swamp Thing: 1989 #4 is the series finale, after the title was revived following its late-1980s cancellation over the controversial portrayal of Jesus Christ. In this alternate telling of writer Rick Veitch’s tale, Swamp Thing has one final face-off against Arcane, with his life, Constantine’s, and his newborn child’s life on the line. The result is a classic ending that gives the series closure while leaving the door open for a potential revisit, with Darkseid as the main antagonist. This was a fun read overall and would be a great first test run if DC ever wanted to do this idea again.
Ultimately, Swamp Thing: 1989 was a successful series for me. It succeeded on two fronts: It highlighted Swamp Thing, who I think is one of the most underrated characters of all time. It also gave the original creators of the series, Rick Veitch and Trish Mulvihill, closure on the story they brought to life nearly 40 years ago. That’s not even mentioning that the story and conclusion to this much-awaited series were fantastic and a satisfying way to end it. And there is still the slightest possibility of continuing this with some of the breadcrumbs left behind. Overall, I am glad they revisited this series, as I had a lot of fun with it.
No Darkseid, But A Potential Sequel
The final battle between Arcane and Swamp Thing felt a little underwhelming, to be honest. I was expecting an all-out brawl between five different parties, and the final fight was Swamp Thing telling Arcane, “I'm good, bro. I don't hate you. Just disappointed.” While not completely out of character for Swamp Thing, I was expecting a little bit more from the ending. With that being said, the ending did give us some closure and left Swamp Thing and his family in a palace where they can rest and raise their child. This would have been a great ending for Swamp Thing, and if they had never touched him again, it would have been a great place to leave him.
But there was enough there to continue this series. Darkseid is no dummy. He would eventually know that the Swamp Thing from his world is the same one that has a connection with the Source Wall. He would find out and go on the search for him. If Darkseid does not appear in this final issue, then I hope we can reopen this plot line later with Darkseid as the ultimate antagonist against Swamp Thing. I think that would be Swamp Thing’s greatest adventure yet.
Jumped The Gun, But Still A Satisfying Ending
Look, these are comic books, and I know the hero is always going to win. However, for some strange reason, the creative direction was to give away the ending at the very start of the issue. The first few pages of Swamp Thing: 1989 #4 gave away the ending, and we knew that Swamp Thing, Abby, and their newly born baby were all safe. To me, that took away some of the shine that could have made it a complete ending, without having to break it up and give it away at the very start of the issue. While the ending did lose a little of its luster, it still had enough impact to feel like a satisfying conclusion to the story.
Ultimately, what Swamp Thing: 1989 legacy will be is how well that timeless story will transcend time and controversy. The story’s peak was raised each issue, making Alec Holland work for his reunion with Abby and to learn what really makes him and the Green tick. While this series was nearly 40 years in the making, it lived up to the expectations, and while it has a satisfying ending, it doesn't mean that I don't want more. So hopefully, someday, we do.
The Art Withstood the Test of Time
The art for Swamp Thing: 1989 by Tom Mandrake and the coloring by Trish Mulvihill were consistently strong throughout the issue, ending on a high note in Swamp Thing: 1989 #4. Their combined styles transported us back to the late 1980s, a much simpler time. Yet simpler comic books did not mean less impressive art. Mandrake’s sprawling art takes up every square inch of the page, leaving nothing undrawn and no page unused to help tell the story of Swamp Thing.
Mulvihill’s coloring is the perfect complement to this art style. Her colors take us on a psychedelic trip from hell to the swampy lakes of New Orleans to the peaceful setting of a forest. The contrast between Swamp Thing’s green and Arcane’s hellfire is a highlight of the issue. The amount of green in this issue is a challenge, but Mulvihill knows exactly what to show so Swamp Thing does not get lost. The story will stand the test of time, and the art will too, because it transports us back to the 80s while still feeling timeless.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, Swamp Thing: 1989 #4 was a successful endeavor that finally resurrected a narrative cut down during its absolute peak. Although the climax didn’t quite reach the epic grandiosity I anticipated from Rick Veitch, it still delivered a satisfying conclusion. Even without a Darkseid appearance, the finale felt like a fantastic farewell for Alec Holland in this specific timeline. The art from Trish Mulvihill transported us to a place and time that gives the story more weight and makes Swamp Thing’s struggle come to life. Hopefully this isn’t the last time we visit this series, but if it is, it was a great ending to a great series.