Swamp Thing #37 (1985, First John Constantine)

Some comic book characters arrive with a splash page and a dramatic monologue. John Constantine walked in through the back door, trench coat flapping, cigarette dangling, looking like he already knew how the story would end. His debut in The Saga of the Swamp Thing #37, cover-dated June 1985, is one of the most significant first appearances in the Copper Age of comics, and it happened almost as an afterthought in someone else's book.

That quiet entrance has made this issue one of the most sought-after comics of the 1980s. Constantine went on to anchor his own long-running Hellblazer series, appear in major crossover events, get his own movie (starring Keanu Reeves), a television series, and become a fixture of the DC Universe. Every bit of that legacy traces back to this single issue.

The Story Behind the Story

To understand why Swamp Thing #37 matters, you need to understand the creative revolution happening inside its pages. Writer Alan Moore had taken over The Saga of the Swamp Thing with issue #20, and by #37, he had completely reinvented the character. Gone was the man-turned-monster of the original series. In Moore's version, Swamp Thing was a plant elemental who had never been human at all, just a collection of plant matter that absorbed the memories and personality of scientist Alec Holland.

Moore was deep into an ambitious storyline exploring the nature of good and evil in the DC Universe. He needed a guide character, someone who could connect the supernatural corners of the DC world. The result was John Constantine, a streetwise magician who looked suspiciously like the musician Sting (artist Steve Bissette and inker John Totleben had been drawing a Sting-like character in the background of earlier issues, and Moore built a character around that visual).

The issue, titled "Growth Patterns," introduces Constantine as an occult investigator who has been tracking supernatural disturbances. He approaches Swamp Thing with information about a coming crisis, setting up a storyline that would run for months. Constantine is confident, manipulative, and clearly knows more than he is telling. It is a masterclass in character introduction.

Creative Team

The creative lineup on this issue reads like a hall of fame roster:

• Writer: Alan Moore, widely regarded as one of the greatest comic book writers in history

• Penciler: Stephen Bissette, whose detailed, organic art style perfectly complemented the horror tone

• Inker: John Totleben, whose finishes gave the art an almost tactile quality

• Colorist: Tatjana Wood, a veteran colorist whose work defined the look of DC Comics for decades

• Letterer: John Costanza

This team was operating at the peak of their powers. The Swamp Thing run from this era is consistently cited as one of the finest sustained creative achievements in American comics.

John Constantine: The Character

What makes Constantine's first appearance so compelling is how fully formed the character arrives. From his very first panel, Constantine displays the traits that would define him for decades:

• A working-class British accent and attitude

• Deep knowledge of the occult combined with street-level cunning

• A willingness to manipulate allies and enemies alike

• A trench coat and cigarette that became his visual signature

• A moral ambiguity that set him apart from traditional superheroes

Moore conceived Constantine as a character who wins not through physical strength or magical power, but through intelligence, deception, and a willingness to make sacrifices that others would not consider. He is, in many ways, the anti-hero distilled to his purest form.

Publication Details

• Title: The Saga of the Swamp Thing #37

• Publisher: DC Comics

• Cover Date: June 1985

• On-Sale Date: May 31, 1985

• Cover Price: $0.75

• Pages: 32 (including covers and ads)

• Story Title: "Growth Patterns"

• Print Run: Estimated at 100,000-120,000 copies

Market History

Swamp Thing #37 was not immediately recognized as a key issue. In the mid-1980s, the direct market was focused on X-Men, Secret Wars, and Crisis on Infinite Earths. Swamp Thing was a critical darling but not a massive commercial hit. Early speculators were not stockpiling copies.

This relative obscurity during its initial print run actually benefits today's collectors. While there are certainly copies in circulation, the total surviving population in high grade is modest compared to more hyped titles from the same era. CGC census data shows that high-grade copies (9.6 and above) are genuinely scarce.

The market for this issue has moved through several phases:

• 1985-2000: Relatively affordable, recognized primarily by Moore completists

• 2000-2005: Prices began climbing as Constantine's profile grew through Hellblazer

• 2005-2010: The Constantine movie (2005) provided a brief price spike

• 2010-2018: Steady appreciation as key Copper Age books gained collector attention

• 2018-present: Strong gains driven by the TV series, DC Universe integration, and broader Copper Age speculation

Current Market Values (2024-2026)

Grade	CGC Census	Estimated Value
CGC 9.8 (Near Mint/Mint)	~200 copies	$4,000 - $6,000
CGC 9.6 (Near Mint+)	~450 copies	$1,500 - $2,500
CGC 9.4 (Near Mint)	~600 copies	$800 - $1,200
CGC 9.2 (Near Mint-)	~400 copies	$500 - $750
CGC 9.0 (Very Fine/Near Mint)	~300 copies	$350 - $500
CGC 8.0 (Very Fine)	~250 copies	$200 - $350
CGC 7.0 (Fine/Very Fine)	~150 copies	$125 - $200
CGC 6.0 (Fine)	~100 copies	$80 - $150
Raw (ungraded, VF+ estimated)	N/A	$100 - $250

Condition Grading Guide

For Swamp Thing #37 specifically, collectors should pay attention to these condition factors:

• Cover gloss: The dark cover shows wear readily. A high-gloss, reflective cover is essential for top grades.

• Spine stress: The spine is prone to stress lines, particularly at the staple points. Clean spines are a premium feature.

• Color strike: The interior pages should show clean, bright color printing. Muddy or off-register color reduces grade appeal.

• Page quality: White pages command significant premiums over cream or off-white pages at CGC 9.4 and above.

• Staple placement: Centered, tight staples with no rust are expected for grades above 9.0.

• Corner blunting: The corners of this issue are susceptible to blunting from stacking. Sharp corners are essential for 9.6+.

Newsstand vs. Direct Edition

Like most DC Comics from this era, Swamp Thing #37 exists in both newsstand and direct market editions. The newsstand edition, distributed through traditional magazine channels (grocery stores, newsstands, drugstores), featured a UPC barcode on the cover. The direct edition, sold through comic book specialty shops, featured a small DC logo in place of the barcode.

Newsstand copies from 1985 are increasingly recognized as scarcer than their direct market counterparts. While exact ratios are unknown, estimates suggest newsstand distribution accounted for 40-60% of print runs for mid-tier titles like Swamp Thing. However, newsstand copies were far more likely to be read, damaged, or discarded.

For top-grade copies (CGC 9.6 and above), newsstand editions typically command a 20-40% premium over direct editions. This premium has been growing as newsstand collecting becomes more established.

The Constantine Legacy

John Constantine's journey from a supporting character in a horror comic to a multimedia franchise is remarkable:

• Hellblazer (1988-2013): Constantine's own series ran for 300 issues, making it one of the longest-running Vertigo titles

• Constantine (2005): Feature film starring Keanu Reeves, which grossed $230 million worldwide

• Constantine TV Series (2014-2015): NBC series starring Matt Ryan, who became the definitive live-action Constantine

• DC's Legends of Tomorrow (2016-2022): Matt Ryan joined the cast as Constantine for multiple seasons

• Justice League Dark: Constantine has been central to DC's supernatural team in both comics and animation

• Constantine (2025): A new series bringing the character back to live action

Each new media adaptation creates renewed interest in this first appearance, providing periodic price catalysts for the issue.

Investment Analysis

Swamp Thing #37 occupies an interesting position in the comic book investment landscape. It is expensive enough to be considered a serious collectible, but not so expensive as to be out of reach for most collectors. A CGC 9.4 copy can still be acquired for around $1,000, making it accessible compared to Silver Age keys.

The issue benefits from several factors that support long-term value:

• Character significance: Constantine is a tier-one DC character with consistent media presence

• Creative pedigree: Alan Moore's name alone drives collector interest

• Limited supply: The print run was modest by 1980s standards

• Multiple demand drivers: Comic collectors, Moore completists, Constantine fans, and Copper Age investors all compete for copies

Risks include the general volatility of the comic book market and the possibility that Constantine's media presence could fade. However, given the character's nearly four decades of continuous publication, this seems unlikely.

Authentication Tips

When purchasing a raw (ungraded) copy of Swamp Thing #37, look for these signs of authenticity:

• The cover date should read "June 1985" in the upper left corner

• The cover price should be $0.75 (US) and $1.00 (Canadian)

• Interior pages should have standard DC Comics advertising from the spring of 1985

• The paper stock should be consistent with mid-1980s DC Comics production (standard newsprint interior, glossy cover)

• The indicia on the interior should read "The Saga of the Swamp Thing" with the correct issue number and publication information

Counterfeits of this issue do exist, particularly as values have increased. When spending significant money, purchasing a CGC or CBCS graded copy provides authentication assurance.

Storage and Preservation

For long-term preservation of Swamp Thing #37:

• Store in a Mylar sleeve (not standard polypropylene bags, which degrade over time) with an acid-free backing board

• Keep in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight

• Avoid temperature and humidity fluctuations

• Store upright in a properly sized comic box

• Handle with clean, dry hands, touching only the edges and backing board

For graded copies, the CGC or CBCS case provides excellent protection. Store graded copies flat or in purpose-built graded comic storage boxes.

Why This Issue Matters

Swamp Thing #37 represents a perfect confluence of creative genius and character creation. Alan Moore, working at the height of his powers on one of the most critically acclaimed runs in comic book history, created a character so compelling that he transcended his origins and became a cultural touchstone. The trench-coated, cigarette-smoking magician with a Scouse accent has become one of the most recognizable characters in comics, and it all started here.

For collectors, this issue offers the rare combination of historical significance, creative excellence, and investment potential. Whether you are a Constantine fan, a Moore completist, or a Copper Age specialist, Swamp Thing #37 belongs in your collection.

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