I volunteered to read this book, through netgalley in exchange, for an honest review. This book is well written and the characters are described well. You guys, Maggie Stiefvater has did it again. Her writing style is incredible. I enjoyed her books. Morgan Beem is a excellent illustrator. I can't wait to see more of her art. I was excited when I saw she was coming out with a graphic novel. This book definitely did not disappoint. I definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone. This book is about two brothers named Alec and Walker.

If you love twin stories, then you need to read this graphic novel. Maggie Stiefvater did an incredible job with this book and Morgan Beem did a fantastic job with the illustrations.

I believe that plant lovers will fall in love with Alec . He loves to work with plants and treat them just like pets. He has to always have a lab in which to work in. While the other twin, Walker is very easy going, he makes friends effortlessly and he wants his twin brother to have fun. The brothers take a trip to the country because their father made a huge mistake. Will the brothers love living with their cousins so much that they will want to stay with them permanently? Will they return to the city and show their father a bit of forgiveness? You’ll find out as soon as you read the book! Thank you DC Comics for giving a free copy to review.

-Rebeca

*I received an advanced copy of this book from DC Comics for free*
Its weird that swamp thing mostly works as a YA comic, but it does. The chunky artwork is colorful and conveys what it needs to. It never reaches the highs of John Totelben from the original Swamp Thing but it still works. Alec is not very likeable in this rendition if I'm being honest. He's prickly, easy to anger, and makes some really dumb decisions. I really enjoyed the romance in this one, and maybe it was more important by setting up Alec as an unlikeable character for so long that it feels like a reprieve for him when he finally sees a little bit of happiness. There's definitely potential here but it will rely on Alec becoming more likeable in the next one.

Actual Rating: 3.5 stars

I am not very familiar with a lot of the DC comics (even with Marvel, most of my knowledge is from the movies), so I was completely unfamiliar with this before I started reading it. There are definitely things I enjoyed about this graphic novel, especially the bond between Alec and Walker, but I was a bit disappointed with the ending - it just kind of ended and I would have liked to see more there. I think the beginning was also a little confusing, but that's probably more because I wasn't familiar with this. I really enjoyed the art style, and I liked seeing this in graphic novel form, but I wish that it had been a little longer, with a little more explanation or closure at the end. I'm not sure if there will be another volume, but I really hope there is after the ending of this one.

I'll start by saying that graphic novels are NOT my usual genre, but since my teen (who was previously not about graphic novels) has recently fallen in love with them, I wanted to give one a try, and what better way to start than with a Maggie Stiefvater novel!

This graphic novel was dark and strange and beautiful. I appreciated the Type 1 diabetes rep -something you don't see much of - and how it actually worked into the plot, and wasn't just a characteristic. The twins Alec and Walker are as different as can be - Alec is quiet, painfully introverted, and more comfortable with his plants and experiments, while Walker is a total extrovert and social butterfly. I loved how Walker tried to pull Alec out of himself, while he himself had his own things to deal with that Alec wasn't seeing.

Alec is conducting experiments with plants and memory and brings his work with him to Virginia. I thought analogies made from the snippets of plant characteristics and science compared with human characteristics (and more specifically, Alec) were clever touches. While he thinks his work is destroyed by his cousins' dogs, the work changes the dogs (and his relationship with his cousins, who are...interesting.)

Morgan Beem's illustrations are wonderful, heavily hued in greens with slashes of black and deep purple. The expressiveness and the color and the layout all work well with Stiefvater's text. The dogs-turning-plants were creepy as all get out - I loved it!

The story is dark and I felt loneliness and pain pouring from Alec in some panels. The bullying storyline is one I think some readers will relate to, and I enjoyed the relationship between the brothers. I do wish there was a little more text to explain what was going on at times - particularly with Alec's experiment and how it is affecting him and the plant/wildlife around him. The story ended somewhat abruptly, with a few unanswered questions (what made Alec decide to do what he did, and what happened to Fancy Sam's memories, for starters) a few more pages might have rounded it out, as this isn't a huge book.

That said, I would definitely read another installment, as this is really a Swamp Thing origin story, and I'm curious to see what is next for both Alec, Walker, Alec's new friend, Abby.

Swamp Thing by Maggie Stiefvater is a good graphic novel to hand to student who enjoy sci-if with a bit of action. AND make sure your students like a bit of an unusual ending, because some of them may not like where this story lands!

Swamp Thing: Twin Branches is the perfect read for the season. I enjoyed both the story and the illustrations. This graphic novel touches on some important topics for teenagers such as bullying, first love, brotherhood, and doubts when it comes to finding your own path in this world. Of course, the story comes with a fantasy twist that does have a bit of poison ivy vibe. I absolutely loved it!

I honestly enjoyed the relationship between the two brothers. Life throws them some curveballs but they stick together. Appearances can be deceiving, but here it comes with a heartwarming twist. The romance touched me too. Overall, this is a fast read that will melt your heart, but it will also give you a healthy dose of mystery. I highly recommend it.

Many thanks to DC Comics for sending me an early copy of this to review! As Maggie Stiefvater is one of my favorites, I was excited to hear that she was writing a graphic novel. Seems like a lot of my favorites are these days, which isn’t a bad thing! I love graphic novels, and we should definitely keep them coming. Especially these YA adaptations of superhero stuff. I’m in love!

Anyway, one of my favorite things about this graphic novel is the art. The colors throughout are so vibrant, and they really transport you to this swamp Alec and Walker find themselves in. Beem brings to life Stiefvater’s words, giving an overall eerie sense to the whole book. I especially enjoyed the way that Alec’s abilities were portrayed; I think it worked really well for the story.

For the most part, I also enjoyed the writing. The dialogue suited the characters, and we really got to know them throughout this fairly short book. My only qualm is that at times, it wasn’t quite clear what was happening with Alec’s experiments. This might have been purposeful, but there were a few pages I had to go back and re-read to get the full story. However, I’m wondering if that’s partly due to the e-format I read this in. Reading on my phone meant it was really small!

If you’re looking for a graphic novel to add to your spooky read pile this October, this is definitely one to keep an eye out for! Incredibly atmospheric, it absolutely transports you to this world that Stiefvater and Beem have created.

***Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC for honest review***

To be honest, this was just fine for me. Didn't love it, didn't hate it, but I was wanting so much more from it. It ended so abruptly before it felt like the story had truly begun. Most of the characters were unlikable, and I wouldn't say it was an enjoyable read. I guess I thought it was gonna be more of a superhero-type story, but was actually more of an origin story at best. The art was pretty good though.

As never having read a Maggie Stiefvater book before and knowing nothing of Swamp Thing, I think this was a good start for both!

This graphic novel takes place as twin brothers, Alec and Walker, go to spend the summer at their cousins house while their parents try to work on their marriage. Alec and Walker aren't as close as they used to be. Alec is more reserved and likes to spend time on his plant research, while Walker is the life of the party. This is how they navigate the summer before their senior year and the bonds of friendships, family, and sibling love.

I really enjoyed the writing and illustrations in this graphic novel! My favorite illustrations were definitely the plants and creatures.

Recommend picking this one up if you get the chance!


Thank you to Maggie Stiefvater, Morgan Beem, NetGalley, and DC Comics for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this work overall! It's not quite the depth I usually experience in Maggie Stiefvater's work, but it was a great starting point. It all just seemed to end so quickly and I wanted more UMPHF in it. I'd read more if they continue with this story line though. The color work is gorgeous.

Great start to what I hope is more graphic novels focusing on Alec and Walker!

Type 1 diabetes rep, an ethereal vibe, and great character moments really make this a stand out graphic novel! My only major complaint is the abrupt ending when I wanted so much more!

Thank you to DC Comics for sending this eARC my way!

“Living things can’t live without other living things. But the difference between parasitism and symbiosis is communication.”

Alec is an identical twin who is nothing like his brother. Where Walker is outgoing and sure of himself, Alec struggles to answer when spoken to. When the twins go to stay with their cousins in a rural area, Walker tries to drag Alec into the social scene, but Alec is more interested in his work. He’s been trying to find the secret to eternal life through plants— maintaining their consciousnesses and transplanting them into saplings. Of course these experiments go terribly awry.

I hope it’s not a spoiler to say that Maggie Steifvater sure loves to see people turning into plants. Despite the more classic comic book vibe of the Swamp Thing origin story, in Twin Branches Steifvater manages to bring her standard mythic sensibility and brooding characters in a way that’s sure to please Raven Cycle and Dreamers Trilogy fans. Alec is a truly interesting character—completely enamored with plants and unable to communicate effectively with other people. I loved the constant allusions to the way plants function and extended metaphors about plant and human communication. The themes of brotherhood and loneliness will also be familiar to Raven Cycle readers. I found Alec and Walker to be such an interesting pair with a devastating dynamic— Walker does everything he can to make Alec feel loved, but the two of them function on fundamentally different frequencies.

Morgan Beem’s art is well-suited to the book’s swampy setting and melancholic mood— her hard angles and green-filtered light are perfect. I came to this book not knowing much about the original Swamp Thing, but I really enjoyed this angsty retelling and can’t wait for the next installment.

Alec and Walker Holland are as different as possible, but inseparable. While Walker is brash, social, and bold, he still is always watching out for quiet, thoughtful Alec. Part of that has to do with Alec's diabetes and insulin regimen.  Alec is deeply focused on a scentfic experiment with a plant he has grown very close to. After a rather stunning breakup between the Holland's parents, the find themselves shipped off to stay with their cousins in the rural South the last summer before college. Walker adapts quickly, making friends and flirting. Alec pours himself into the summer school laboratory and his experiment. While side effects from the project seem to clear his diabetes symptoms, it has a stranger effect on local flora and fauna. When Walker runs afoul of a local group of kids, Alec's experiment may be the only thing to save him, even if it destroys Alec in the process.

Swamp Thing: Twin Branches is dark., but to be fair what Swamp Thing story line hasn't been? Maggie Stiefvater continues the tradition of great writers working on the Swamp Thing franchise and keeps the story dark, while still making it deeply relatable to anyone who has ever been deeply protective of a sibling. I adored the fact that she put in Alec having Type 1 Diabetes, because the disease is not well known to most other than insulin injections have to be taken. The choice to use an implanted sensor on his arm actually keeps up with the latest technology for regular monitoring, but I digress. Morgan Beem does an incredible job with her floral work, coloration, and skull work. Yeah, like I said it's dark. 

Swamp Thing: Twin Branches is a dark surprise, but one with re-reading power.  

Check out Swamp Thing: Twin Branches today from DC.

Swamp Thing: Twin Branches is a fun, spooky comic perfect for the October season. A new portrayal in the origins of the mysterious monster, this comic gave some insights into how he came to be. I really enjoyed the relationship between twin brother Alec and Walker Holland. As well as the way they grew apart, and then together, throughout the story. While the story had a strong arc for Alec's growth it was missing a much-needed resolution. The climax hits you all at once and the next thing you know it's over. It left me a little disappointed and craving just a few more pages to really round the story out.

Thank you NetGalley and DC Comics for the advanced copy of Swamp Thing: Twin Branches by Maggie Stiefvater

Swamp Thing: Twin Branches is a graphic novel about the origin of Swamp Thing written by Maggie Stiefvater and illustrated by Morgan Beem.

When we meet Alec and Walker they are a set of twins finishing up high school and thinking about college. Alec is all about botany and experiments and Walker is about a good time. Alec struggles with managing his diabetes and communicating with his peers. They are sent by their parents to live with their cousins in the deep woods of Virginia while their parents deal with issues at home. Unfortunately Alec insisted on taking his experiments with them and the flora and fauna of Virginia will never be the same.

Since graphic novels aren’t my normal mode I thought this would be a struggle to get through. But between Beem’s colorful and engaging graphics and Stiefvater’s storytelling this one was actually enjoyable and kept my attention. Although Alec’s interest in plants probably won’t be shared by most readers it’s easy to identify with his passion and with his being an introvert. He is so withdrawn he even struggles communicating with his own twin. And I actually learned a lot about plant species and how they communicate!

I thought some of details of the plot were vague or a little unclear so additional pages to clarify about what was happening to the wildlife and humans who came into contact with the experiment would have helped a lot. There is also a subplot about two women from the past that didn’t seem to go anywhere and I wasn’t sure how they tied in to Alec’s story or where it was going. As the book reaches the end it seemed rushed or like pieces were left out so I was left a little unsatisfied. But I’ll also add that I’m not sure if that is how the superhero and comic world operate as that is not my usual genre.

Overall, this is a dark story about the beginning of a beast. Comic book and Maggie Stiefvater fans will enjoy this one and I give it a solid 3.25 stars (rounded to 3).

A must-read! Great way of centering a lesser-known character in the pantheon in what I hope will be a great continuing series.

I love how strange and beautiful this was. The art style was perfect. I really enjoyed the story, Alec and Walker. I also liked the diabetic representation. Maggie Stiefvater always puts out unique work, I have yet to see a cookie cutter story or character and that is impressive.

I would recommend this to my library and friends

This was a strange graphic novel with a fun atmosphere. The things I liked: the illustrations were beautiful, maggie is a master of fitting character dialogue, the plot was super unique and strange, and the characters were quickly relatable. Dislikes: I know this is a graphic novel and the format allows for a story to move fast, but I wanted a little more development along the way. Sometimes the descriptions were vague so it took a while to pick up the direction of the story. Still, I thought it was enjoyable and I would be interested in reading another in the future!

This was the beginning of the beginning of Swamp Thing. It is difficult to review the story and art because there was not enough present to take a strong stance. I think that there were glimmers of a good story and art. I want to know more about the characters and dig deeper into their backstories. I liked what I was seeing with the art and know that there is future potential. The art truly reminded me of Spillzone.