Comic Title: Roots of the Swamp Thing #5
Publisher: DC
Cover Date: November 1986
On Sale Date: July 31, 1986 Newsstand Date July 31, 1986
Source: DC Releases, #30

Shipping Date July 8, 1986
Source: Amazing Heroes, #98

Shipping Date July 8, 1986
Source: DC Releases, #30

Copyright Date July 8, 1986
Source: Library of Congress, Copyright Office 1986
DC publication dates beyond April 1981 listed by the LoC
represent shipping dates NOT newsstand sale dates

Cover Price: $2.00
Page Count: 48
Editor: Robert Greenberger

See Also: The Guide to DC Giants

Title: "Swamp Thing"
Pages: 8

Feature(s):
Swamp Thing (of Earth-1)

Writer: Len Wein
Artist: Bernie Wrightson

Reprinted From:
House of Secrets #92 (1971)

Feature Character(s)

• Alex Olsen (no further appearances)

Supporting Character(s)

• Linda Olsen Ridge (no further appearances)

Villain(s)

• Damian Ridge (no further appearances)

Comments:
Alex Olsen is the original Swamp Thing. The second Swamp Thing, Alec Holland, first appears in Swamp Thing #1.

Synopsis:
Scientist Damian Ridge covets the wife of his partner Alex Olsen. He causes a laboratory explosion and fire which leads Linda to believe her husband dead. In reality, Alex survived the accident, but his severely wounded body was taken into the nearby swamp and buried by Ridge.

Months after Alex's murder, Damian succeeds in marrying Linda. However, he fears that she has begun to suspect his role in her first husband's death. Late one night, he plans to kill her. Before he can strike, a swamp monster crashes through the window and kills Ridge. The monster, which possesses Alex's mind, has been watching his former wife, and has acted to save her life. However, his new form as a giant muck monster leaves him incapable of communicating his intentions or identity to Linda. He shambles back into the swamp saddened by his loss.