Mishkin’s finish for the two parter is better than the open. First, he knows how to write those Phantom Stranger monologues to close out the story. Second, he’s juxtaposing this crystalline man-monster with Swamp Thing. It’s the path Alec Holland would never travel, using his power to take over the world.

The Hamptons continue their pattern— interesting people, the standard Swamp Thing. Except a couple panels, where he’s drawn as this lumbering green monstrosity. It’s rather nice art; has a very talky sci-fi thriller from the seventies feel.

Also nice is how Mishkin refocuses the story’s attention and he gives it a new protagonist. It’s not Swamp Thing, of course, but the new monster’s wife. She’s a strong character; Mishkin establishes her in just a few pages too.

The only problem with the issue is the pacing. There are two or three chase scenes to pad it out.

CREDITS

Empires Made of Sand; writer, Dan Mishkin; penciller, Bo Hampton; inker, Scott Hampton; colorist, Tatjana Wood; letterer, John Costanza; editor, Len Wein; publisher, DC Comics.

Lots of guest stars this issue, not just the Phantom Stranger (who apparently is losing his backup in the trade). Dan Mishkin’s filling in on the writing and Bo and Scott Hampton on the art. It feels like a completely different Swamp Thing.

Except, of course, it doesn’t. It feels like another “creature of the month” entry, as opposed to some lengthy narrative. It’d be a nice break from what the series just went through, except Mishkin’s creature is a crystalline version of Swamp Thing.

Oh, and this one’s evil and power hungry.

It’s not terrible and the art from the Hamptons is certainly interesting. Their Swamp Thing looks just like everyone else’s (basically a mix of Wrightson and Redondo), but their people make it worth a look.

And since Mishkin’s just filling in, it’s not necessarily bad he doesn’t bring anything new for Swamp Thing to do.

It’s passable.

CREDITS

Crystal Visions, Shattered Dreams!; writer, Dan Mishkin; penciller, Bo Hampton; inker, Scott Hampton; colorist, Tatjana Wood; letterer, John Costanza; editor, Len Wein; publisher, DC Comics.