WARNING: Contains potential spoilers for DC vs. Vampires: World War V #5!
For decades, fans have affectionately nicknamed Batman the Justice League resident gothic, thanks to the dark, mysterious and dramatic elements of his character and design. But now, with an incredible new redesign, an unexpected hero is about to claim that title for himself. Even more intriguing, this bold new look could be the manifestation of the hero's powers in a whole new way.
Matthew Rosenberg and Otto Schmidt D.C. vs. Vampires: World War V #5 intensifies the conflict between humans and vampires, as Swamp Thing, with the help of vampire Damian “Robin” Wayne smuggles key members of the human resistance – including Green Arrow, Black Canary and Killer Croc – into Vampire Queen Barbara Gordon's territory. Their mission: find humans the queen is supposedly cultivating for her vampire army.
Amid several shocking twists that steal the spotlight, one detail stands out: a subtle but striking change to Swamp Thing's design. The Justice League Dark hero has swapped his signature green for a deep matte black.
Swamp Thing just usurped Batman as the Justice League's resident goth with a badass makeover
Swamp Thing receives his most radical overhaul in D.C. vs. Vampires: World War V with HUGE spikes
​​​​​Although this is not Swamp Thing's first appearance in the issue, it is undoubtedly one of the most visually impressive. Fans witness the giant green change from its signature dark emerald hue to a deep matte black. Some may initially attribute this to artistic lighting on Schmidt's part, assuming that the dark green simply appears black. However, as Killer Croc and Green Arrow are seen alongside Swamp Thing in the same scene, retaining their own green hues, it's clear that this change is a physical transformation rather than an artistic effect – creating a surprising and epic redesign.
Swamp Thing's black coloring also further amplifies other D.C. vs. Vampires– specific changes to your character's design, mainly in your body now covered in huge spikes which are an extension of their vegetal form. While these spikes have been a feature of previous editions, seeing them in matte black takes the design to a whole new level of badassery. With the new color scheme and the addition of massive horns protruding from his head – reminiscent of Batman's bat ears – there's no denying that Swamp Thing is challenging the Dark Knight's long-standing monopoly on the color black. .
Why does the swamp thing change color D.C. vs. Vampires?
Swamp Thing's color appears to change depending on his mood
What's particularly intriguing about Swamp Thing's black color scheme is that this change occurs mid-comic with no explanation. At first, Swamp Thing has his usual dark green color, only for his design to become completely darkened later on, before eventually returning to green. Upon closer examination, it seems that these color changes coincide with Holland's emotions. He turns black when he feels that the only remnants of Green left in Barbara's territory are dying plants. Given that Swamp Thing's entire existence revolves around his connection to the Green, it makes sense that the presence of decaying vegetation would provoke such a strong emotional reaction.
It appears then that Swamp Thing's color changes between black and green are linked to his emotional state. with its black shape signaling negative emotions. After the scene where Holland feels the vegetation dying, readers don't see him again until later in the comics, when he reverts to his green coloring, cradling a newly rescued Wally. “The Flash” West against his chest. While the images here aren't very detailed, it's clear that Swamp Thing has a whisper of a smile and a general expression of content, indicating a positive mood when reuniting with an ally. This suggests that its green form is linked to positive or at least neutral emotions.
Swamp Thing's Camouflage Abilities Explained
Swamp Thing's camouflage powers emerge in a new and unexpected way
Swamp Thing's switch between green and black shouldn't come as much of a shock, given his well-established camouflage abilities. Through his connection to the Green, he has repeatedly merged with the surrounding plant life, manipulating his form to blend seamlessly into his surroundings – blending in with the appearance of nearby trees, foliage, and other plants, making him nearly invisible. As such, changing its color from green to black is within the scope of its abilities. However, as mentioned earlier, it appears this shift from green to black may not be intentional. Instead, it appears to be a physical manifestation of Swamp Thing emotional state, adding an intriguing touch to this Justice League The iconic power of the dark hero.
D.C. vs. Vampires: World War V #5 is now available from DC Comics!