We sadly lost legendary comic book writer and editor Len Wein this year at the age of 69; he was the co-creator of Wolverine and the new X-Men, editor of Watchmen, and much, much more. Luckily, fans of his work still have at least one more story from Wein in the wings, and it features one of his greatest and most enduring creations, the DC Comics supernatural hero Swamp Thing.
According to Comic Book, the story is set to be published in January of next year as part of an oversized one-shot celebrating the character. The Swamp Thing Winter Special is something of a double tribute to both Wein and Bernie Wrightson, the artist who co-created the character with Wein, who also passed away earlier this year.
The story is being released both as a script and in its completed form with art by Kelley Jones as a backup in a squarebound one-shot. The lead story in the one-shot is written by current Batman writer Tom King and drawn by former Justice League artist Jason Fabok. The story was originally going to be the first issue of what was set to be a new Swamp Thing miniseries, a sequel to Wein’s 2016 miniseries featuring the character.
This won’t be King’s first crack at writing Swamp Thing adventure, as he used the character to great effect earlier this year in an issue of Batman, which came out very soon after Wein’s passing. You can read DC Comics official solicitation for the issue below:
SWAMP THING WINTER SPECIAL #1
Written by Tom King
Art and cover by Jason Fabok
Bonus story written by Len Wein
Bonus story art by Kelley Jones
Tom King and Jason Fabok pay tribute to the legendary creators of Swamp Thing, writer Len Wein and artist Bernie Wrightson, as they join forces for an earth-shattering Swamp Thing passion project!
In this new, squarebound one-shot, Swamp Thing is out of his element as he shepherds a lost boy through a blinding blizzard and other hazards of a strange, frozen tundra. In this touching and harrowing tale of survival, the pair must navigate countless threats throughout a bewildering terrain—with a bloodthirsty snow monster hot on their heels. But how long can they rely on each other? Separated from the Green and stripped of his powers in this dead world, Swamp Thing struggles to fight for their lives and deliver the boy to safety. Disoriented and decaying, Swamp Thing’s fading understanding of his surroundings forces the duo to confront their desperation and uncover the true identity of the snow monster that hunts them.
In addition, this special features the final Swamp Thing story from the monster’s co-creator, Len Wein. Originally intended as the start of a new series, it is presented here both in its original script form and with art by Kelley Jones.
ONE-SHOT • On sale JANUARY 31 • 80 pg, FC, $7.99 US • RATED T
Are you excited to get one more Swamp Thing tale from his original creator? Be sure to let us know below in the comments.
Images: DC Comics
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