Although this is the first issue of the series without a Phantom Stranger back-up, the Phantom Stranger stars in the main story.

Nat Broder, a pioneer in the silicon chip industry, invents a method to accelerate the growth of silicon crystals that will revolutionize the industry. Unfortunately, he dies in a lab accident, and his wife is prevented from rescuing him by the Phantom Stranger.

A couple of unscrupulous employees dump the waste into the biorestorative swamp that is currently healing the Swamp Thing. This resurrects Broder, and he returns as a silicon based creature, who slowly realizes the immense power he now possesses - a living computer with great physical strength. Everything he touches turns to silicon. As the swamp is slowly transformed into a desert, Broder freezes the Swamp Thing into silicon, and then touches the Phantom Stranger. Both disappear into dust, while Broder's wife Sally watches in horror.

On to Part 2 - The Saga of the Swamp Thing - Issue 15