SWAMP THING IV ('Alec Holland')	BIOGRAPHY
Created by Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson

Swamp Thing

PERSONAL DATA

Real Name: 'Alec Holland'
Marital Status: Married
Known Relatives: Abby Cable (wife); Tefé Holland (daughter); Linda Holland (wife; deceased)
Base of Operation: The bayou outside Houma, Louisiana
Group Affiliation(s): Formerly Parliament of Trees
Gender: Inapplicable
Height: Variable; usually 7'
Weight: Variable; usually 350 lbs.
Eyes: Red
Hair: None
Distinguishing Features: Swamp Thing's body is made up entirely of plant matter
First Appearance: Swamp Thing Vol. 1 #1 (October-November 1972): "Dark Genesis"
Creators: Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson

HISTORY

Years ago, bio-scientist Alec Holland was brutally murdered in an explosion and ended up in the swamp of Louisiana. Accumulating leaves, moss, and rotten decay, a body was formed around Holland's mind, and arose as the Swamp Thing.

For years, this Swamp Thing believed itself to be Alec Holland mutated into a monster, and vainly sought a cure to restore himself to human (on a couple of occasions, he even succeeded, or so it seemed, but he inevitably transformed to his Swamp Thing self again). During this time, he sometimes allied himself with heroes such as Batman and the Challengers of the Unknown (I). It wasn't until much later that the creature learned the truth: He wasn't Alec Holland at all. He was a Plant Elemental, an agent of the Green, a vegetable, with the memories of Alec Holland. After realizing and accepting the truth, the Swamp Thing found a purpose in life as protector of the Earth. He developed his powers and skills, learning how to regenerate himself, control plant life, and travel through the realms and even how to travel back in time.

He also started a family with his lifemate Abby and daughter Tefé (a Plant Elemental in human form and the latest being to be called the Swamp Thing). More recently, however, Swamp Thing absorbed the power of all the Elemental Parliaments – Plants, Stones, Water, Air, and Fire – becoming an omnipotent 'World Elemental', intent on recreating the Earth without any animal life. He was ultimately convinced to change his mind about humanity's potential of good, however, and now serves as an Earth protector once again.

CHRONOLOGY

For a definitive list of appearances of Swamp Thing in chronological order click here

PROFILE REFERENCES

Who's Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe #22 (December 1986)

Swamp Thing Annual Vol. 2 #5 ([August] 1989)
Who's Who in the DC Universe #15 (January 1992)