The recent Swamp Thing and Poison Ivy series both got past their limited number runs. But how? Is eco-horror the new hot topic? Not exactly. There are a lot of factors at play that most creatives would kill to get. From a characters popularity and demand for more content. To well written stories with equally as impressive artwork. Let me explain.
…I’m not apologizing to anyone if they thought this was a slash fic page.
Swamp Thing: The Overreaching Underdog
Swamp Thing is probably one of the most recognizable B-List DC characters. Even fans with a casual interest in comics or DC would recognize him. That’s thanks in no small part to Alan Moore’s iconic run, which was adapted for the cut short TV show. The character is no Batman or Superman, but he sure does have a very vocal fandom. So when Ram V a writer with plenty of acclaim in smaller circles does his turn, he gets plenty of attention. Partly because before his actual run, his first time with Swamp Thing in a preview shows how much he understands the character.
Something all the more impressive considering he used a new character in the mantle. I’ll let this video explain.
Poison Ivy: More Than Just A Satellite
Poison Ivy meanwhile has always been a staple part of Batman’s rogues gallery. She’s gotten plenty of character arcs and evolution from her humble origins as a combo of Bettie Paige and Rappacini’s Daughter. Her Batman: The Animated Series appearances are memorable for their body horror imagery. As did her growing relationship with that show’s original character Harley Quinn. These along with her own books and TV appearances certainly play to having her fans backing. G. Willow Wilson’s series certainly got that.
Swamp Thing and Poison Ivy: Eco Themes Are Just A Gimmick
I’m pretty sure some people are thinking about a spiritual reason to why these got the royal treatment. But the reason comes down to how well written and greatly illustrated they are. Take for example Tom King and Barnaby Bagenda’s Omega Men, ready to be cut into a mini-series but the storytelling was so good that fan demand (in last minute sales) expanded it into the full maxi-series. Wait… if you’ve seen my underrated lists you know a good story and art can’t always save a comic.
Like I said above, these two characters have exposure that helps sell themselves. A lot of comic fans know that comic marketing is pretty lame. So having popular IPs even niche ones with even greater storytellers really get buyers invested.
I’ll Prove It!
Ram V’s Swamp Thing had a clear direction, theme, and character arc. It has everything fans would want out of the green man. Do I even need to repeat that TV show that fans got up in arms about? This scratched an itch.
As for Ivy, G. Willow Wilson does pretty much the same in her own way. But then again, part of that comes down to Marcio Takara and the other artists. The mesmerizing art feels intoxicating, getting readers into Pamela Isley’s mindset. Better yet it ties into the series’ direction of Ivy chasing the high of her power fantasy. Her cause to eliminate humanity for all of its flaws is just an excuse to feel on top of the world. And how much of that puts her relationship with Harley and people she actually likes at risk.
Plus when making comparisons to The Last of Us which was in the process of hyping its TV show, Ivy’s exposure rises even more.
Swamp Thing and Poison Ivy: Demand, Character, & Dumb Luck
So there you have it, a lot of factors stack up on one another for these series’ success. A popular IP and the nostalgia around it will always be one big piece. Especially if it gets what some fans feel cheated out of. But nothing beats great storytelling in both the writing’s direction as well as the visuals. Not that riding on another trending franchise doesn’t help. Because let’s face it, most big comic publishers don’t put their best foot forward when it comes to marketing. They prioritize on success stories that can sell themselves, because they’re too lazy.
Thanks for coming to the end and as always remember to look between the panels.