From Swamp Thing to Dinosaurs: A Deep Dive with Stephen R. Bissette

In this special episode of The Marvelists, hosts Peter Melnick and Eddie Wilson sit down with acclaimed comic book artist, writer, publisher, and educator Stephen R. Bissette for a wide-ranging conversation that bridges the worlds of mainstream comics, independent publishing, and creative rebellion. Best known for his groundbreaking work on DC’s Saga of the Swamp Thing alongside Alan Moore and John Totleben, Bissette brought a revolutionary level of detail, horror, and ecological depth to the title in the 1980s. But his career extends far beyond the Bayou: from co-founding the influential horror anthology Taboo to self-publishing the ambitious Tyrant series—a meticulously researched, life-cycle epic starring a Tyrannosaurus rex that remains a high-water mark in creator-owned comics. Whether you’re a Marvel fan curious about the wider industry, a Swamp Thing aficionado, or simply love stories about dinosaur comics and artistic integrity, this episode delivers insights from one of the medium’s most thoughtful and uncompromising voices. Expect plenty of behind-the-pages stories, reflections on the evolution of the industry, and why dinosaurs (and swamp monsters) still rule.