Review by Karl Verhoven
Until now Ram V has drawn primarily from Alan Moore’s definition of Swamp Thing, although applying his own ideas and concepts with Moore echoing in the tone. However, to start Parliament of Gears he returns Tefe Holland, briefly the avatar of the green herself, aiding in the search for Levi Kamei, who’s not returned since the events of Conduit, and Jack Hawksmoor, who’s uniquely attuned to cities. Both are needed to deal with the introduction of a new form for an old enemy.
It’s not stated outright, but Parliament of Gears is built on the balance of nature being fine, and messing with one aspect resurrects other dormant threats. “The mistakes we have made and abandoned have a way of taking on a life of their own” is V’s explanation. He’s very good with a descriptive phrase or an assessment of circumstance, but there’s sometimes a frustration about the way he writes Swamp Thing as a character. At times he seems to possess the wisdom of the ages in being able to explain the inexplicable, yet his human side is all too easily manipulated, particularly by his brother. In terms of plot, though, the stakes are continually and imaginatively raised and spread beyond Earth.
A lot of ground is covered in six chapters, calling on Mike Perkins to exercise his visual imagination well beyond the comfort of home, but as seen on previous volumes, he’s up to the task, even when it comes to stretching the audience along with him. He switches from stark reality, through grim mechanics to the beauty of abstraction accompanying philosophical discussion on which the fate of humanity hinges. Mike Spicer’s unique colours are again such a valuable asset in transforming what might otherwise be dull, yet fundamental ideas about what we are. Drawing and colour combine exceptionally well, creating pages of great beauty.
Intelligence infuses this entire story about the balance of nature and production, each driven by a compulsion to over-run the planet. In considering this Kamei eventually reaches a harmonious resonance and a certainty that frees his doubts, cleverly, literally. That so much is determined by a simple act of human kindness is a delight, and so is the insight into a meaning that’s been wrestled with throughout the series. The entire three volumes have progressed a single massive story through just a few characters, constantly raised points of interest and look spectacular. It’s far more cerebral horror than a rush of zombies and all the better for that.
