Swamp Thing, Vol. 1: Saga of the Swamp Thing

This story is based off of an older horror comic series by the same name that got cancelled. Revived in the 80s with Alan Moore at the helm, the series stood out as singularly astounding in a world of predictable super heroes. It was his eerily beautiful, complex and disturbing work in this series that launched his career and allowed him to make his now famous graphic novels.
I think what really blew me away about this series was how deeply engrossing it was, even though it contains almost no action scenes. The Swamp Thing himself does very little, but his world is addictive, his struggle for identity is intriguing and heart-breaking, and the challenges he faces are truly frightening. And of course, the writing style and skill is unparalleled.
Also, the book is so far ahead of its time that if it were published today, it would probably still be considered ahead of its time when compared to the DC and Marvel comics that come out today. Swamp Thing's female companion is as complex and unpredictable as the Swamp Thing himself, and there's levels of reflection to be found in every enemy and every side character. It is deeply philosophical without being pretentious and without losing its dynamic.
This is essential reading for lovers of comics and graphic novels. Lovers of non-stop action may not enjoy it as much, but everyone should give it a try regardless... Unless you're prone to nightmares. This is a “horror” comic after all.