Some may call it a ‘Pick of the Week’, we call it something else: being undeniably, certifiably awesome.

The second month of DC’s ‘New 52′ has officially begun and with that, the second issue of one of my personal favorites from the first week has arrived. I’m talking, of course, about Scott Snyder and Yanick Paquette’s Swamp Thing.

This latest issue builds on the backstory of the newly reincarnated Alec Holland and begins to shape the inevitable transformation that will take place within the coming issues. Snyder crafts a wonderful exchange of dialogue between the former Swamp Thing, who has since hung up the mantle, as he attempts to bring Holland back into the fold to protect the green from a creature named Sethe. The strange backwards head possessions continue but, more importantly, we learn that these monsters are actually a part of an army Sethe is building to undoubtedly bring about a lot of trouble for the world.

It’s bleak, it’s dark and it feels like Snyder nails it with every word.

Matching the tone of the writing with almost uncanny accuracy is artist Yanick Paquette. As I have mentioned to a number of people who I’ve discusd these new DC titles with, I honestly believe that these two creators (Snyder and Paquette) are the best match for a comic team that we’ve seen in the entire relaunch. From Paquette’s fascinating panel work during Swamp Thing’s recap to his dark and eerie take on Sethe and his minions and finally the horrifying view of the green as it engulfs the downed pilot at the beginning of this issue are just a few of the things that really make this book feel complete. There really isn’t enough good things to say about it here.

For the people who’ve been reading comics for a while, many of you are probably already reading this. Both Snyder and Paquette have proven themselves with books like American Vampire and Batman Incorporated so you realize that you’re getting a quality book right away. For newcomers to the world of comics that are craving something a little darker with more of a horror vibe going on, this book is exactly what you’re looking for.

Honorable Mention

While Swamp Thing may have been the best thing that I read this week, there are plenty of other books that arrived in stores this week including the long-awaited next issue of Mark Millar and Leinil Yu’s superhero title for Icon.

Superior #5 (Icon)
Written by Mark Millar
Art by Leinil Yu
Why you should read it: I’m not sure if it’s because the book hasn’t been released in several months or that it legitimately was a good issue (which it was) but I wholeheartedly enjoyed this week’s Superior. After four issues of build-up, we’re just now getting an idea of what could potentially take down the larger-than-life hero and it begins with a pretty untimely visit by the space monkey, Ormon. Great art with some very unique ideas going on. Check it out before it’s done!

What books did you read that you really enjoyed? Leave us a comment or messages us on Twitter and let us know what’s at the top of your reading list this week!

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