Swamp Thing – The 1991 animated series

March 9 2024

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In the panorama of superheroes, few figures are as unique as Swamp Thing, the character born from the pen of the authors of Vertigo/DC Comics. This hero, distinguished by his origins and environmental themes, found a brief, but memorable, television expression through an animated series that was able to capture the imagination of those who followed it, despite its ephemeral duration.

A short-lived series with a strong impact

The Swamp Thing animated series debuted with its pilot episode on October 31, 1990, followed by just four episodes broadcast weekly from April 20 to May 11, 1991. The production, handled by DIC Animation City, coincided with the launch of the action line Swamp Thing figures from Kenner in 1990, representing the most significant marketing platform ever created for the character up to that point. Despite the series' short run, various merchandise was produced in 1991, demonstrating some interest in this nature hero.

Characters and Enemies

Anton Arcane, the main antagonist responsible for Alec Holland's transformation into Swamp Thing, leads a band of villains called the Un-Men: Dr. Deemo, Weedkiller, and Skinman. Alongside Swamp Thing, we find two friends, Tomahawk and Bayou Jack. The former is a Native American, while Bayou Jack is a Vietnam veteran, both faithful companions in the fight against Arcane and his plots.

An Animation with a Unique Touch

Similar to Troma's Toxic Crusaders, Swamp Thing's animation style follows the trend of anti-heroic, bizarre and horror heroes, aimed at a child audience. The playful spirit and humor is also reflected in the opening theme which parodies Chip Taylor's “Wild Thing” into a catchy “Swamp Thing! …You are amazing!”

Distribution and Reception

After being rejected by CBS, the series made its debut on FOX, then aired on NBC during “Chip and Pepper's Cartoon Madness” in the fall of 1991. Years later, the Sci Fi Channel would syndicate it, and the UK's Children's Channel also revived it in the 90s. The success of the series was such that it aired at the same time as a more successful live-action adaptation of the comic.

The main characters

Swamp Thing/Alec Holland: Voice of Len Carlson. Once a scientist, Anton Arcane's destruction of his laboratory transforms him into Swamp Thing. Gifted with supernatural powers, he defends the swamp from evil.
Anton Arcane: Voice of Don Francks. An evil scientist obsessed with immortality, he transforms into an arachnid monster thanks to the Geno-fluid of his transduction chamber.
Tomahawk: Voice of Harvey Atkin. Native American ally of Swamp Thing who fights the Un-Men.
Bayou Jack: Voice of Philip Akin. A Vietnam veteran and ally of Swamp Thing, he temporarily becomes an Un-Man, half man, half mantis.
Dr. Deemo: Voice of Errol Slue. A voodoo doctor who turns into a snake.
Skinman: Voice of Gordon Masten. Transforms Fangbat into a flying monster.
weedkiller: Voice of Joe Matheson. A plant killer who transforms into Bogsucker.
Abigail Arcane: Voice of Paulina Gillis. Anton Arcane's stepdaughter, she hopes to help Swamp Thing become human again.

Memorable Episodes

“The Un-Men Unleashed”: The perfect introduction to the world of Swamp Thing, with Arcane turning his henchmen into mutants.
“To Live Forever”: Arcane seeks immortality in the Amazon rainforest, resulting in an epic battle to save an entire tribe.
“Falling Red Star”: An unusual collaboration between Swamp Thing and NASA to recover a nuclear satellite.
“Legend of the Lost Cavern”: The quest for the Fountain of Youth puts the legacy of Tomahawk's ancestors at risk.
“Experiment in Terror”: A tense episode with Swamp Thing captured for government experiments.

Collectibles and Merchandising

The merchandising connection has been significant from the beginning, with Kenner launching a line of Swamp Thing action figures, vehicles and playsets in 1990, enriching the fan experience. These figures, complete with translucent BioMask accessories and glow-in-the-dark eyes, faithfully depicted the animated characters and their transformations into monstrous creatures. The Arcane transducer machine, included in the line, referenced a specific episode, showing the attention to detail and love for the series.

Conclusion

Despite the limited number of episodes, the Swamp Thing animated series has left an indelible mark in the hearts of fans, demonstrating how even the most unusual stories can find space and appreciation in the vast world of animation. The green hero continues to be a symbol of fighting for nature and justice, reminding us of the importance of protecting our world by any means available.

Technical Sheet of the “Swamp Thing” Animated Series

Gender: Superhero
Basato su: Swamp Thing by Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson
Voices:
- Len Carlson
- Don Francks
- Harvey atkin
- Philip Akin
- Errol Slue
- Gordon Masten
- Joe Matheson
- Paulina Gillis
- Jonathan potts
- Richard Yearwood
Composer: Michael Tavera
country of origin: United States
Number of episodes: 5 (list of episodes)

Production

Executive producers:
- Andy Heyward
- Robby London
- Benjamin Melniker
- Michael E. Uslan
Duration: 30 minutes
Production houses:
- DEC Animation City
- Batfilm Productions, Inc.
- DC Comics

Original release