“Convergence: Swamp Thing” #1 welcomes original Swamp Thing creator Len Wein back to series in perhaps the best one shot of the event yet. It reads like a reintroduction to the troubled mass of moss, and manages to infuse the hero with new set of horror roots. The issue isn’t without its pacing problems, but it feels so nice to have the old Alec Holland back that it will hardly be an issue for most fans.

WRITTEN BY: Len Wein

ART BY: Kelly Jones

PUBLISHER: DC Comics

PRICE: $2.99

RELEASE: April 22, 2015

There is a certain tinge of glee that comes with Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing run being referenced in a DC book from 2015. The publisher has certainly done a lot to distance themselves from the edgier stories of the 80’s, and Len Wein’s story plays it pretty safe. However, the nostalgia it inspires allows the book to transcend the current setting and remind the reader of a time gone by. Alec Holland is dead, and Swamp Thing rose from his remains.

Wein’s script does its best bringing the reader up to speed on this iteration of Swampy. The small detour is appreciated because it adds some much needed context to the character. Many of the Convergence one shots have adopted a policy of diving in head first, although its an admirable tactic, it’s proved profoundly confusing even for long time readers. Hell, it’s pretty difficult to remember where the Justice League was thirty days ago – let alone thirty years ago.

So this reflexivity allows the script to reflect on the infinite suffering of the character and embody the story around it. For the most part this works. Swamp Thing is stuck in the Gotham City equivalent of Central Park during the convergence event and is cut off from the green. He is left to die in the earth, only kept alive by Abby’s efforts.  His constant near death and rebirth drive most of the story, as his disillusion embodies perfectly the role most obscure characters play in event driven narratives.

The art from Kelly Jones is inconsistent at best. The moments of growth and decay embody the major beats of any Swamp Thing story, and to Jones’ credit, he nails them. But elsewhere, especially in action, things get messy. Her panel layouts are clear enough, but the actual form of the characters is inconsistent and a little jarring. Abby never looks quite right, and when she’s not the focus, she’s severely underdrawn.

“Convergence: Swamp Thing” is the rebirth of the character’s glory years. Granted the story isn’t quite as mature and doesn’t offer much in the way of depth, but offers a glimpse at days gone by. With the original creator of Swamp Thing behind the book, it’s hard to resist. This is an enjoyable look at the dark and constantly dying hero that horror fans have loved for years, and possibly his last appearance in the DC universe for some time to come. If you love Swamp Thing, or if you need to discover his glory for the first time then it is your sworn duty to buy this book.