The Swamp Thing is a fictional character in American comic books published by DC Comics.[1] A humanoid/plant elemental creature, created by writer Len Wein and artist Bernie Wrightson, the Swamp Thing has had several humanoid or monster incarnations in various different storylines. The character first appeared in House of Secrets #92 (July 1971) in a stand-alone horror story set in the early 20th century.[2] The character then returned in a solo series, set in the contemporary world and in the general DC continuity.[3] The character is a swamp monster that resembles an anthropomorphic mound of vegetable matter, and fights to protect his swamp home, the environment in general, and humanity from various supernatural or terrorist threats.
The character found perhaps its greatest popularity during the 1970s and early 1990s. Outside of an extensive comic book history, the Swamp Thing has inspired two theatrical films, two live-action televisions series in 1990 and 2019 and a five-part animated series, among other media. IGN ranked him 28th in the “Top 100 Comic Book Heroes” list. He appeared in his first live adaptation in the 1982 film. Dick Durock portrayed the Swamp Thing, while Ray Wise played Alec Holland. Durock reprised the role in the sequel film The Return of Swamp Thing along with playing Holland. Durock reprised the role again in the 1990 television series. The Swamp Thing was performed by Derek Mears with Andy Bean playing his human form of Alec Holland in the television series for DC Universe.
