Swamp Thing (1991 TV series)

Infobox Television
bgcolour = #339933
show_name = Swamp Thing


caption =
format = Animated television series
runtime = 30 minutes
creator =
developer =
executive_producer = Andy Heyward
voices = Len Carlson
Don Francks
country = USA
network = FOX (Fox Kids)
first_aired = April 20, 1991
last_aired = May 18, 1991
num_episodes = 5
list_episodes =
website =
imdb_id = 0408427
tv_com_id = http://www.tv.com/swamp-thing-the-animated-series/show/26178/summary.html

"Swamp Thing" is an American animated television series based on the DC Comics character, Swamp Thing. Debuting April 20, 1991 on FOX, it lasted only five episodes. The short-lived series, produced by DiC Entertainment, corresponded with Kenner's Swamp Thing action figure collection released the year prior.

Like previous film incarnations of Swamp Thing, the animated series rejects the popular Alan Moore revision of Swamp Thing's origin and portrays him with his original origin as a man turned into a plant-like entity. Anton Arcane takes the role of the main villain responsible for Alec Holland's transformation into Swamp Thing. Arcane is backed by his gang of Un-Men: Dr. Deemo, Weedkiller, and Skinman. Swamp Thing also has two friends named Tomahawk and Bayou Jack. Tomahawk is Native American not to be confused with the DC/Vertigo character, Thomas Hawk, who was a soldier in the American Revolution rescued by Native Americans. Bayou Jack is a Vietnam veteran.

Similar to Troma's "Toxic Crusaders", the animation style of "Swamp Thing" follows the trend of goofy, horror anti-heroes made for the children. Spoofing Chip Taylor's "Wild Thing," the opening theme plays "Swamp Thing! ...You are amazing!" The series also bears an environmentally conscious side also noted in many of its contemporaries.

"Swamp Thing" was apparently turned down by CBS, leading it its mid-season debut on FOX. Despite the show's limited number of episodes, NBC featured it during "Chip and Pepper's Cartoon Madness" in fall 1991, and the Sci-Fi Channel would syndicate it years later. USA Network and the UK's Children's Channel also re-aired "Swamp Thing" in the 1990s. Most recent was its stint on Toon Disney in the 2000s.

Cast

* Len Carlson as Swamp Thing: Once a scientist named Alec Holland whose secret lab was destroyed by Arcane and his cronies, turning him into the Swamp Thing - He now protects the swamp from evil with his supernatural powers over nature.

* Don Francks as Anton Arcane: The evil scientist that uses the Geno-fluid of his transducer chamber to turn himself and his Un-Men into monstrous creatures - He becomes an arachnid monster.

* Harvey Atkin as Tomahawk: A Native American ally to Swamp Thing that battles the Un-Men.

* Philip Akin as Bayou Jack: An African American Vietnam veteran and ally of Swamp Thing and later on becomes a temporally fourth Un-Man, half-human and half mantis.

* Errol Slue as Dr. Deemo: A snake-like voodoo doctor who transforms into the fanged Serpent monster.

* Gordon Masten as Skinman: A frail, zombie-like man who transforms into the flying Fangbat monster.

* Joe Matheson as Weed Killer: A green-skinned, gas mask wearing plant killer that turns into the leech-like Bogsucker monster.

* Paulina Gillis as Abigail Arcane: She is step-daughter of the evil scientist Anton Arcane who hopes to help her friend Swamp Thing become human again. Abby's distinctive look comprises her natural beauty, lean figure, her often bare feet and her beautiful hair.

* Jonathan Potts as Delbert: A young boy who is friend to J.T. and aid to the heroes.

* Richard Yearwood as J.T.: A young boy who is friend to Delbert and aid to the heroes.

Episodes

Home video and DVD releases

, 1992.

On August 31, 2004, UAVCO released "Swamp Thing - Guardian of the Earth" to DVD. This set includes all five episodes of the series and was released in time to promote UAVCO's Animation Station line-up. [http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Swamp-Thing/1717 Swamp Thing DVD News: Animated series gets DVD release in August] TVShowsOnDVD.com (June 17, 2004). Retrieved January 12, 2008.] [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002F6BVK?creativeASIN=B0002F6BVK&creative=373489&camp=211189 Amazon.com: Swamp Thing: DVD] Amazon.com (July 2004). Retrieved January 12, 2008.] The DVD is currently out of print.

Action figures

In 1990, Kenner produced a line of Swamp Thing action figures with vehicles & playsets that served as a direct counterpart to the animated series. Arcane and his Un-Men include translucent, rubbery BioMask accessories that give the effect of their transformation into monstrous creatures. Their eyes also glow-in-the-dark, a popular feature in action figures of the era. Arcane's transducer machine even includes a Mantid figure that would be referenced an episode where Bayou Jack is mutated. Some accessories would also be reused for Hasbro's "The Original Battle Trolls" in 1992.

According to an online fan source, [http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/~ishtar/faq2.htm#8.6. Swamp Thing TV Series FAQ pt. 2] Arcane Knowledge: A Guide to the Swamp Thing TV Series. Retrieved January 12, 2008.] Kenner invested approximately 6 million dollars into the Swamp Thing figure line. It also states that, according to Kenner, test results using male children between the ages of 6 and 11 showed them to be more popular than both G.I. Joe and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

eries 1 (1990)

* Bio-Glow Swamp Thing
* Camouflage Swamp Thing
* Capture Swamp Thing
* Snap Up Swamp Thing
* Snare Arm Swamp Thing
* Bayou Jack
* Tomahawk
* Anton Arcane
* Dr. Deemo
* Skinman
* Weed Killer

Vehicles & playsets (1990)

* Bayou Blaster
* Bog Rover
* Marsh Buggy
* Swamp Trap
* Transducer (w/ Mantid figure)

eries 2 (1991)

* Capture Swamp Thing
* Climbing Swamp Thing

Video games other merchandise

A "Swamp Thing" video game was developed for the NES and Game Boy. Both versions were released by THQ in December 1992 and were met with generally poor receptions.

Other merchandise included a paint by number kit, a "Battle for the Bayou" board game, a bop bag, and green chalk resembling Swamp Thing. The label of the chalk is especially curious with text hovering above the little figure with the words "I'm Chalk!"

External links

* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0408427/ "Swamp Thing"] at the Internet Movie Database
* [http://www.tv.com/swamp-thing-the-animated-series/show/26178/summary.html "Swamp Thing"] at TV.com
* [http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/shows/Swamp-Thing/8042 TVShowsOnDVD - Swamp Thing]
* [http://www.dicentertainment.com/shows/index.php?show=128&category=Action DIC Entertainment - Swamp Thing]
* [http://www.virtualtoychest.com/swampthing/swampthing.html Virtual Toy Chest - Swamp Thing]
* [http://www.vgmuseum.com/pics/swampthing.html VGMuseum - Swamp Thing]

References