Comic Book Page Analysis: Swamp Thing #54

Image credit: DC Comics

The above image is Page 5 of Swamp Thing Issue 54 (Nov 1986) by

Writer: Alan Moore

Artists: Rick Veitch and Alfredo Alcala

Colorist: Tatjana Wood

Letterer: John Costanza

Editor: Karen Berger

Alec (Swamp Thing) is dead. His devastated lover Abby is still mourning his death. Dejected, she is sitting near a swamp looking at the still water.

 

Panel 1, 3, 5 & 7

These are small horizontal panels depicting the current situation of Abby. They denote slow passing of time as Abby is experiencing great sadness which means her movements will be slow and heavy.

In these wordless panels we do not see actual Abby but her reflection in the water. This probably means that we are peeking in her mind.

Furthermore, these panels are arranged in zigzag manner to exude a sense of motion and fluidity. This works on two levels. Firstly, the main subject of these panels i.e. water appears to be flowing through them. Secondly, Abby is shown making some decision by the end of this page. The zigzag pattern adds more time and impact to this transition.

Panel 2, 4 & 6

These are people from Abby's memory. The absence of borders around these panels suggest the free flowing thoughts of Abby.

Each panel is a close-up of someone trying to console Abby after Swamp Thing's death. These panels bridge the odd number panels together through the amalgamation speech bubbles and artwork.

 

Panel 1

Abby is looking at her reflection in the water. She is imagining that Swamp Thing is there beside her.

      

Panel 2

Commissioner Gordon is informing Abby that Gotham city is arranging a funeral service for Swamp Thing and requests her to consider attending the service.

He sympathizes with her and says "I realize that right now you're feeling pretty SHATTERED".

 

Panel 3

The word SHATTERED from above panel connects here as Abby ruffles the water with her hand figuratively trying to Shatter the image of Swamp Thing from the water and her mind alike.

Panel 4

Batman is comforting Abby and telling her to accept the fact that Swamp Thing is really GONE.

 

Panel 5

The word GONE from above panel foreshadows this panel as now in the water we see only Abby. Swamp Thing's reflection has disappeared.

Panel 6

Chester Williams, a man inspired by Swamp Thing's work, decides to carry on his legacy by creating an environmental group. He gives his card to Abby in case she wishes to join them in the future.

 

Panel 7

This panel concludes Abby's journey of this page. She gets up and gets ready to leave. It is hinted that she has finally made a decision not to just sit and mourn anymore but to move on with life.