Roots Of The Swamp Thing: Swamp Thing, Hellblazer, The Un-Men And More—In the Swamplight: The House of Mystery #195

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In the Swamplight
The House of Mystery #195

Story Title	Pub. Date
"Things Old... Things Forgotten"	Oct. 1971

Writer	Artist
Uncredited	Bernie Wrightson

Cover	Editor
Bernie Wrightson	Joe Orlando


Chronological Breakdown
• Mid-1800s: Would-be European dictator Igor Lazio and his biographer, Gork, travel a mountain pass. Their goal: to build a road through the Old Hills to invade Europe. Eric Roder, head of Lazio's work camp, says he's had trouble clearing the hills because of strange apparitions sabotaging their work. Lazio sets a dynamite charge to kill whatever lurks in the hills, but the creatures steal the explosives. He sends a driver, Hans, to his castle in Dernberg to fetch hunting dogs. When a cry of terror scares off Lazio's workers, Roder rushes to battle their enemy; moments later, he is found dead. The next morning, Lazio takes his dogs into the Old Hills and is confronted by the Moss Beings, plant-like guardians of those who seek refuge from mankind. They warn him to leave, but Lazio says the hills belong to him. He opens fire, but musket balls have no effect so he abandons his men and runs to get a can of kerosene, with which he starts a fire. The Moss Beings call on the elements to save the forest, causing a tree to crush Lazio. They mourn the loss of the young tree, but know that mankind will wipe itself out one day and the plant kingdom will inherit the Earth.

Trivia
• This classic tale, reprinted in Showcase Presents: The House of Mystery Vol. 2, is not directly connected to the Swamp Thing mythos. Still, the similarities in storyline and theme, and the fact that the cover and story are both illustrated by Swamp Thing creator Berni Wrightson, are enough for me to consider them part of the saga.

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