Heap (comics)

The Heap is a comic book character, generally considered to be one of the earliest swamp monsters. He typically exists as a sentient mass of decaying vegetation, often with a tragic or accidental origin involving a human being transformed into the creature.

The Heap's defining characteristics include:

• Appearance: A hulking figure composed of decaying plant matter, mud, and other swamp debris. Its precise form varies depending on the specific iteration and artist.
• Origin: Usually born from a traumatic event, such as a death in a swamp, a scientific experiment gone wrong, or exposure to toxic waste. The original human form is either destroyed or becomes integral to the Heap's creation.
• Powers and Abilities: Superhuman strength, durability, and regeneration are common. The Heap can often manipulate its form, camouflaging itself within the swamp environment and even extending tendrils or vines. Its connection to the swamp grants it intimate knowledge of the local flora and fauna.
• Motivation: This can range from simple survival and a defense of its swamp habitat to a more complex search for its lost humanity or revenge against those responsible for its transformation.
• Publication History: The Heap first appeared in Air Fighters Comics #3 (December 1940) published by Hillman Periodicals. The character has gone through various iterations and publishers over the years, influencing many subsequent swamp monster characters, notably DC Comics' Swamp Thing and Marvel Comics' Man-Thing. While not as widely known as its successors, the Heap remains a significant figure in the history of comic book horror.