Rotworld Reading Guide

Overview:

The Rotworld event is a smaller crossover storyline from 2012 in DC Comics, primarily running through the Animal Man and Swamp Thing series. Written by Jeff Lemire and Scott Snyder, with art by Steve Pugh and Yanick Paquette, it explores the concept of the Rot, a force of decay, as it threatens to overrun the world. The two central heroes, Animal Man (Buddy Baker) and Swamp Thing (Alec Holland), join forces to combat this menace, while the main antagonists are the champions of the Rot, including Anton Arcane.

The event’s narrative alternates between two perspectives, following Buddy’s and Alec’s individual journeys in their respective books before their stories converge. Though the event’s scope expands to affect much of the DC Universe, the focus remains heavily on the two elemental heroes and their struggles against an overwhelming force.

Upon release, Rotworld was met with positive reception from both critics and fans. Reviewers praised the event for its dark, horror-tinged themes and strong character development. However, some felt that the pacing was uneven. Overall, Rotworld is appreciated for exploring environmental horror and its impact on these lesser-known characters.

Best Way To Read:

• Swamp Thing Vol. 3 Rotworld: The Green Kingdom
  • Collects: Swamp Thing vol. 5 #12-18, Animal Man #12, 17
• Animal Man Vol. 3 Rotworld: The Red Kingdom
  • Collects: Animal Man vol. 2 #12–19 and Swamp Thing vol. 5 #12, 17
• Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. Vol. 2: Secrets of the Dead
  • Collects: Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #0, 8-16

For crossover and significant events, I typically only read the main story the first time I encounter it. Trying to read all of the tie-ins with the story tends to make them increasingly convoluted and are not crucial to the main narrative. However, I think they are important to read, as many series-shifting plotlines can happen.

For the tie-in issues, I only read them as they come up in the reading guide that I am working through. This can become problematic because the tie-in issues are not always included in collected editions of the event. So you may need to hunt for them.

Reading Order:

References:

• Wikipedia
• Comic Book Herald
• Comic Book Reading Orders

Feature Image from Swamp Thing #13 cover art by Yanick Paquette and Nathan Fairbain