Two lost comic-book futures finally become real.
In this episode of Heroes and High Notes, we catch up on summer adventures, family, live music, and a memorable trip to New York City before turning our attention to two long-awaited projects from legendary comic creators.
First, we enter the Green with Rick Veitch’s Swamp Thing 1989, the restored continuation of a run that was abruptly cut short decades ago. We discuss its layered storytelling, connections to the larger DC mythology, period-style presentation, and whether the completed story lives up to years of anticipation—including the surreal moment when Rick Veitch personally shared our reaction to the book.
Then we dive into John Byrne’s X-Men: Elsewhen, Volume 1, his alternate continuation of the classic X-Men era. We compare it with the original comics, examine Byrne’s artwork and storytelling choices, and debate its altered character histories, competing plotlines, and sometimes complicated creative legacy.
Along the way, we also talk about supporting comic shops and creators, artificial intelligence and artists’ rights, and the music currently finding its way into our rotation.