Swamp Thing (Alec Holland) Reading Order

This reading order is designed to give a timeline of major storylines featuring the Swamp Thing (Alec Holland) throughout DC Comics. It may not encompass every one of his appearances but is an outline of the major ones and the stories that affect them.

The continuity details relating to each specific storyline are explained in the “Review” of each storyline. Every “Review” link will provide a detailed continuity breakdown of that story and will explain any reference the story makes to other aspects of the DC Universe. All of this can be found under the “Continuity” section of each link.

Jump to: New 52 – Rebirth

New 52

At the beginning of the New 52, the DC Universe was reset. In this new continuity, Alec Holland’s return to life, from the Brightest Day event, is preserved but the alterations to Swamp Thing’s powers are not. In addition, Alec Holland’s fusion with the previous Swamp Thing is not preserved, as this era makes it clear these are two completely separate characters.

Alec Holland’s progress through this era mostly happens through the Swamp Thing solo series, which consists of Scott Snyder (Reading Order) and Charles Soule’s (Reading Order) time writing the character. However, it also crosses over into a few other comics, with the Rotworld (Reading Order) event, a crossover with Animal Man (Reading Order), being the most significant example. After the closure of the Swamp Thing series, Alec Holland makes a few other brief appearances and stars in a standalone miniseries.

Swamp Thing issues are from the Vol. 5 series.
Animal Man issues are from the Vol. 2 series.
All-Star Western issues are from the Vol. 3 series.
Secret Origins issues are from the Vol. 3 series.
Aquaman issues are from the Vol. 7 series.

Notes

1. Swamp Thing's earliest appearances as a member of the Justice League Dark (Reading Order) mention the events of Rotworld (Reading Order). This is the only significant connection between these reading orders.
2. Swamp Thing's role in these issues is relatively small. However, they help further establish the relationship between him and John Constantine (Reading Order).
3. This is a tie-in issue to the Futures End (Reading Order) event. This event takes place in a potential future timeline, so it has no real effect on the present. Therefore it is not necessary but still is a unique story featuring Swamp Thing.
4. This issue essentially recaps many elements from the main Swamp Thing series, meaning it will feel repetitive for most readers. However, it may be worth it for a wholesome reflection on Swamp Thing's personality. In addition, only the Swamp Thing story from this issue is necessary for this reading order.
5. Swamp Thing's role in this issue is relatively small. However, it does help further establish the relationship between him and Superman.

Other Appearances

Justice League Dark

Swamp Thing occasionally appears as a member of the Justice League Dark (Reading Order). His role on the team is typically as a supporting character. 

Swamp Thing's actions as a member of the Justice League Dark stand almost completely independent from his actions as a solo hero. Any point of intersection between these reading orders is marked in the notes on this reading order.

Swamp Thing appears in the following issues from the "Justice League Dark Reading Order":

• Justice League Dark #19-21.
• All issue from the Forever Evil: Blight (Reading Order) crossover.
• Justice League Dark #30-34, Annual #2, #36, and #38-40.

Rebirth

The transition into the Rebirth era does not seem to create many changes for Swamp Thing. It appears as if his continuity was mostly maintained through these eras.

Swamp Thing's progression in Rebirth mostly takes place through guest appearances in other comics. Sometimes this involves a starring role but, typically, it just places Swamp Thing in a supporting role. Because of this, his individual story is not advanced much over the course of this era.

This era is still in progress and this reading order will be updated as Swamp Thing's presence in the new Justice League Dark series continues.

Superman issues are from the Vol. 5 series.
Batman issues are from the Vol. 3 series.

Notes

1. Swamp Thing only makes an extremely brief appearance here. Its only purpose seems to be teasing his role in The Hellblazer.
2. Swamp Thing plays a rather significant role in this arc and a mystery is started that directly concerns his personal story. However, the arc is never properly concluded and the mystery is left unanswered. Because of this, despite Swamp Thing's role here, it is not really necessary for his reading order.
3. Swamp Thing has a pretty large role here. However, his role really only serves to advance Superman's personal story, rather than his own.
4. This story doesn't appear to take place within the ordinary DC continuity so it is not completely necessary to Swamp Thing's reading order. Also, only the Swamp Thing story from this issue is relevant to this reading order.
5. This issue only has a short Swamp Thing story. Also, only the Swamp Thing story from this issue is relevant to this reading order.
6. Swamp Thing only has a supporting role in this issue.

All DC Comics Reading Orders