A legendary DC series finally gets its finale, with Swamp Thing 1989

Back in 1989, DC Comics’ Swamp Thing series was yanked before its conclusion. Fans will finally see just what was intended though, and soon.

A cosmic Swamp Thing tale, reborn

The stage was the late 80s, and in the wake of the legendary Alan Moore’s run on DC Comics‘ Swamp Thing, the hand-selected (by Moore) Rick Veitch had taken over. Veitch ran with that baton, cataloging around three years on the title, and taking it to brand new places. The writer was paired with penciler Michael Zulli, and the team eventually made its way to issue #87. But though the run ended there, it wasn’t the original plan.

Instead, Swamp Thing was to conclude with issue #91, and feature a finale that sent the ecological hero on a magical mystery tour through time and space. The finish-to-be was controversial however, and we think that might be putting it mildly. As such, it was unceremoniously yanked before it could hit stands.

Now in the present day though, DC’s Black Label brand will see a grand restoration, with Swamp Thing 1989 #1 serving as the official Swamp Thing #88. That will include Veitch, who’ll be returning for that issue, as well as the next three in the mini-series.

Artist Zulli has since passed away, however his work for issue #88 will feature in that issue. Said pencils will be inked by Vince Locke, who was chosen in conjunction with the artist’s wife, Karen. So with that in mind, it should have an authentic vibe to it.

“the response from readers was immediate and overwhelming,” said Veitch. “It helped make the final decision to publish these issues. I am grateful to the fans for stepping up, and to DC’s team, especially editor Alex Galer and Editor-in-Chief Marie Javins, for pulling off the impossible.”

DC Comics press release

From the Swamp to the dawn of time

Swamp Thing has traditionally trod the line between comics superhero and arcane (pun intended) force of nature. And from the sound of what’s to come, you can amp the latter up to eleven. Not to repeat ourselves either, but it’s also easy to see why the title was pulled.

The religious overtones are obvious, even without a certain name being used in the promotional material. To have Him in a comic book in 1989… well, it’s very easy to see what that would have been a no-no. It’s a different world now though, and with a sub-line like Black Label, it makes bringing this series-capping work back to life a fair-shake easier.

Read on for the full synopsis from DC, and some cover art.

In this issue, Swamp Thing is cast back through time and encounters a humble carpenter whose presence will alter the creature’s destiny and send ripples through the DC Universe. The issue also sets the stage for the long-anticipated origin of Etrigan the Demon and catapults Swamp Thing on his mythic journey back to the Big Bang and beyond.

The main cover by Rick Veitch reflects the quiet tension and symbolic weight of the story’s historical setting. Variant and foil covers by Michael Zulli present painterly imagery of Swamp Thing that captures the emotional and mythic intensity surrounding this pivotal moment in Swamp Thing’s saga.

One of the most talked-about moments of New York Comic Con 2025 was DC’s confirmation that it would finally publish Veitch’s then-controversial storyline, originally pulled before publication. Now presented with its original trade dress, period-accurate numbering on the cover, facsimile-style paper stock, and vintage ads, Swamp Thing 1989 #1 begins the journey to Veitch’s final Swamp Thing saga, running as it would have been published in 1989.

DC Comics press release

Rounding out the series

Now, you might be wondering what will be happening with issues 2-3. With Zulli no longer with us after all, who’ll be carrying on the visuals for the tale? Well, it turns out that’s going to be a name that Swampy fans should be familiar with, in Tom Mandrake.

No stranger to this floristic hero, Mandrake has guided his adventures before. So to see he’s on board for Swamp Thing 1989 can only be a good thing. Colorist Trish Mulvihill will join the team for those last three issues as well, who’ll be looking to honor “the palette and spirit of legendary series colorist Tatjana Wood”. Likewise, letterer Todd Klein will follow up on the work of John Constanza, who was a part of that original Swamp Thing team as well.

And if it’s authenticity you’re hunting for, you’ll also be glad to know that Swamp Thing 1989 #1 will feature a ton of it. The issue will be presented with “original trade dress, period-accurate numbering on the cover, facsimile-style paper stock, and vintage ads”. Yep, DC is going all out.

“This is a historic moment for fans of Swamp Thing and of DC’s legacy,” said Chris Conroy, Executive Editor, DC. “The restoration of this material honors the spirit of the original creative team and allows readers to experience a defining chapter exactly where it always belonged. You will be able to put these into your long boxes as if this run had never ended.”

DC Comics press release

Ready to see how the classic ends? Suggested for mature readers, Swamp Thing 1989 #1 (Swamp Thing #88) hits stores on April 29th, 2026.