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"Tangled Up in Green": The plants in the Smith farm are suddenly withering and dying thanks to a sudden drought. Superman flies to the nearby river and finds it nearly dried up; until suddenly, Swamp Thing rises from the ground, screaming that Superman doesn't belong here. Attempting to solve th

Quote1 Be the Man of Tomorrow... and leave yesterday behind. Quote2
Swamp Thing

Superman Annual (Volume 4) #1 is an issue of the series Superman Annual (Volume 4) with a cover date of January, 2017. It was published on November 30, 2016.

Synopsis for "Tangled Up in Green"

The plants in the Smith farm are suddenly withering and dying thanks to a sudden drought. Superman flies to the nearby river and finds it nearly dried up; until suddenly, Swamp Thing rises from the ground, screaming that Superman doesn't belong here. Attempting to solve the situation peacefully, Superman hears Swamp Thing's case. As an Earth elemental, Swamp Thing has detected a disturbance in the Green, related to the way Superman absorbs energy from the Sun. Superman assures Swamp Thing there is nothing to fear from him and places a hand on his chest, accidentally releasing blue energy that causes Swamp Thing to speak Kryptonian.

Overwhelmed by Kryptonian energy, Swamp Thing attacks Superman, who is forced to bury him deep underground, hoping his connection to the Green will bring him back to his senses. Although Swamp Thing regains his bearings, he suddenly contains Superman with vines and attempts to connect him to the Green as well, describing it as "illumination." Superman resists and a fight breaks out between them. Swamp Thing declares they are past the point of conversation and forcibly merges Superman with the Green.

As Superman merges with the planet, Swamp Thing explains Superman absorbs solar energy in a different way from his younger predecessor, so it is likely the longer he remains in Earth, the greater the damage he will potential cause it. Superman insists there must a way to fix this without him leaving his home, and Swamp Thing agrees, but for that, he must look deep into Superman's memories, for in their combined form, they are one and the same and there cannot be barriers between them. Superman accepts and Swamp Thing finds the problem: although the people of Earth have accepted him, Superman still sees himself as an outsider, and for that, the Earth itself is rejecting him. To correct, Superman must fully accept himself as a part of the new world.

Superman attains peace with himself and lets go of the Green. As he returns home, he sees the plant life has been restored. Understanding Swamp Thing was only trying to help him, Superman thanks him. For his part, Swamp Thing gives Superman a small plant he can talk to whenever he feels lost. Later, Clark puts the plant in his kitchen window and enjoys dinner with his family.

Appearing in "Tangled Up in Green"

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Notes

  • When Swamp Thing begins speaking Kryptonian he says the following verbatim:
    • "...I'm Superman." / "And I can do almost anything." / "Except of course raise the dead" / "I'm here to say goodbye, Clark" / "I know you are not coming back." / "You and your family are not what you believe you are." /"You may not be here in body, but I know you are in apirit..."



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