Concept art for Swamp Thing has been released, giving fans a detailed look at an alternate design for Blue Devil. The character, also known as Dan Cassidy, first appeared in comics back in June 1984. Played by Sharknado's Ian Ziering, he was featured in seven of the ten episodes. As is the case in the source material, the show explored the deal and subsequent curse that would ultimately transform him into the reluctant superhero. After saving Abby Arcane and Liz Tremayne from Conclave's security team, he was later seen leaving Marais for parts unknown.
The R-rated, horror-themed show debuted at the end of May, making it DC Universe's third live-action series. While both Titans and its direct spinoff, Doom Patrol, exist within the same universe, Swamp Thing very much existed as a standalone. The show seemed to be an immediate hit with fans and critics alike. Unfortunately, with the second episode yet to be released, the show was canceled. James Wan, who directed Aquaman for the big screen and served as a producer on the show, revealed that he was as in the dark as fans regarding the decision. Likewise, the show's star lamented the cancellation. Had the show continued, it would've followed an already prepared three-year plan that would've led to the formation of Justice League Dark.
Posting on Instagram, concept artist and creature designer Jerad S. Marantz shared a look at an alternate design for Blue Devil. In the post, Marantz made sure to praise the individuals and special effects company that he worked with. He also lamented the cancelation of the show, declaring it a "shame we didn’t get to see more of this guy". With some of the images also including the character's comic book weapon, The Trident of Lucifer, they have already received a wave of compliments from fans for the beautiful and terrifyingly detailed realization. Check them out below:
As well as Swamp Thing, Marantz also worked on such shows as Grimm and such films as 10 Cloverfield Lane. He has also worked extensively in the MCU, with contributions to such Marvel outings as Doctor Strange, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and, most recently, Spider-Man: Far From Home. Among his upcoming projects, he helped design creatures for an episode of Lovecraft Country. The latter was produced by acclaimed directors J.J. Abrams and Jordan Peele and scheduled to air on HBO.
Evoking such iconic screen creatures as The Beast from Angel season 4 and Tim Curry's Lord of Darkness from Ridley Scott's 1985 film Legend, the results are indeed dazzling. And not just for their comic accuracy. Like Marantz, fans continue to mourn the early cancelation of the show. Such images are sure to only exacerbate such feelings, as well as spur on the campaign to see the network change their mind. Whether or not such a campaign succeeds shall remain to be seen. If not, however, at least there exists such artwork to enjoy.
Swamp Thing season 1 is available in its entirety on DC Universe.
Source: Jerad S.Marantz/Instagram