This graphic novel was interesting. I found the artwork to be entrancing and the characters were compelling. I hope there is a sequel!

I love this book in all of its weird, heartfelt, plant glory. This was such a unique magical realism story that the only book I could even think to compare it to would be the bestselling Lab Girl adult memoir that made me love plants even though I am terrible at understanding and caring for them. This story similarly made me love plants and see them in totally different ways, while also speaking about siblings, fitting in, bullying, diabetes, and how overwhemingly frustrating it can feel to try to be yourself around people who don't appreciate you. I loved the storyline about plants' memories and the importance of voice and history. I also really connected to the sibling relationship in how these twin brothers are figuring out themselves and how that changes their relationship to one another. I only recently read Maggie Stiefvater's books (I know, late to the party) (and an amazing artist in her own right)and now I can't get enough of her writing. This graphic novel was a similar aesthetic and the artwork perfectly enhanced her writing. I could gush on and on about this book so you should really read it when it comes out so we can talk.

A fresh take on the swamp thing story. The illustrations were amazing and the plot connected with the reader in showing it’s ok to stand out and be different.

Swamp Thing: Twin Brothers is a graphic novel by Maggie Stiefvater set in the DC comic universe. I have read Stifvater’s other books and they always have some craziness so this was no surprise on her take of the Swamp Thing. I can see other people really enjoying this book but it was so overall sad (bullying, and parental affair) that I just couldn’t fully enjoy it.

I was provided with an electronic ARC through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Stiefvater fans know that no one does the slightly unexplainable with more nuance, and this YA graphic novel follows suit. The story features twin brothers sent off to the south for the last summer before college. Cultures collide between the twins' very different desires- friends and fun for Walker, quiet research for Alex. Cultures also collide as the visitors meet the locals. Meanwhile, little does Alex know what his experiments are creating deep in the plant filled swamps. I won't spoil the surprise, but some exciting stuff goes down.

The story is well told, and will resonate with teen and tween readers. Adding to the clever writing are some graphically pleasing illustrations. Beem absolutely nails it with these comic panels. The color palette, style and tone of the artwork makes the story come to life. YA readers will enjoy the visual treat that accompanies the short, but powerful, story.