Review: Swamp Thing Annual 3

Some unknown force is mysteriously reaching out to all primates, directing them to Gorilla City. It just so happens that the Swamp Thing is being drawn in as well!

Taking over the writing chores from Alan Moore was no easy task for Rick Veitch but in the end, it's stories like these that truly mark Veitch's run on Swamp Thing, just as memorable. In Swamp Thing Annual 3, titled "Distant Cousins", our story begins with the imprisoned Flash villain Gorilla Grodd, held captive within Gorilla City. The central focus isn't primarily on Swamp Thing but rather a fond look at the primate characters in the DC Universe. It was definitely a post-Crisis on Infinite Earths that gave a nod back at the quirky animals who played a role, albeit a minor one, of stories past.

Using his mind force, Grodd mentally reaches out and snares other primates from the DC Universe, such as Angel and the Ape, Congorilla, Monsieur Mallah (of the Brotherhood of Evil) and many others to release him from his fate. Unbeknownst to Grodd is that the Swamp Thing is also caught up in the net of the mind force!

One by one, the primates heed the plea from Grodd to make the journey to release him from his cell. Monsieur Mallah is on a mission with The Brain, when suddenly filled with rage, he kills his human counterparts around him is off to Gorilla City. Djuba, the female ally of B'Wana Beast, suddenly attacks him and takes with her, his helment and the elixir that transforms him into the superhero. During a meeting with colleagues, Congorilla switches minds with his primate counterpart and departs the meeting, heading towards Gorilla City. Even the elemental Swamp Thing becomes a pawn of Grodd's mind force as he begins to act strangely around Abby.  He ultimately plays out the death sequence of Alec Holland while under Grodd's spell.  What's interesting to note, is that several of the primates such as Djuba, Mallah and even B'wana Beast, would later be revived into new series such as Animal Man and Doom Patrol in the coming months ahead at the time.

Monsieur Mallah's rage

All the primates gather together and head towards Gorilla City, unaware of their specific involvement and ultimate activity that await them, once they reach the hidden city in Africa. Leading the charge is Mallah as they tear down the city with the Swamp Thing aiding in the destruction.  Solovar, the leader of Gorilla City, is helpless as he watches the city falls to the primates under Grodd's spell.  The captive primates make their way into the holding cell where both Grodd and Solovar are in, Mallah grazes Solovar with a bullet wound on the shoulder. 

Swamp Thing relives Alec Holland's death

Unfortunately, Veitch gives a quick ending to this tale when Grodd makes a fateful mistake, while basking in his new found freedom.  Everyone gathers their senses and leaves back to their own surroundings with the exception of the human partner of Congorilla, who now enjoys this primal life better in the jungle.

Writer and penciller Rick Veitch took over Swamp Thing when Alan Moore ended his relationship with DC Comics. This annual remains a solid contender for one best stories during Veitch's run. It offers readers a unique story that barely features the title character but also offers a final look at minor characters that once graced reader's hearts.

The Good: A different type of adventure featuring classic characters

The Bad: Quick ending

Final Verdict: A


Images copyright DC Comics; courtesy DC Wikia