**This is the first entry in what will be a series of reviews on Stephen King’s Dark Tower universe, starting with the comic book adaptions before moving on to the novels.**
The Dark Tower is Stephen King’s Magnum Opus, a seven book series that follows gunslinger Roland Deschain on his quest after the Man in Black, and then onwards to the Dark Tower. While the core books focus specifically on Roland’s quest, there are other stories the fit into this milieu: The Little Sisters of Eluria, a novella set before the events of the first book, The Gunslinger; and The Wind Through the Keyhole, a novel within a novel, set prior to the fifth book, Wolves of the Calla. And, of course, there is the focus of this review: the comic book series published by Marvel and with input from King.
From the publisher:
“The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.” With those words, millions of readers were introduced to Stephen King’s Roland – an implacable gunslinger in search of the enigmatic Dark Tower, powering his way through a dangerous land filled with ancient technology and deadly magic. Now, in a comic book personally overseen by King himself, Roland’s past is revealed!
Sumptuously drawn by Jae Lee and Richard Isanove, adapted by long-time Stephen King expert Robin Furth (author of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower: A Concordance) and scripted by New York Times bestseller Peter David, this series delves in depth into Roland’s origins – the perfect introduction to this incredibly realized world; while long-time fans will thrill to adventures merely hinted at in the novels.
Be there for the very beginning of a modern classic of fantasy literature! Collects Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born #1-7.
The Gunslinger Born is a collaborative work, plotted by Robin Furth, former assistant to King and author of The Dark Tower Concordance companion volumes, scripted by Peter David, and illustrated by Jae Lee and Richard Isanove. For fans of King’s Dark Tower novels the plot for The Gunslinger Born will be very familiar given that it’s adapted from the fourth book in the series, Wizard and Glass. For those new to the Dark Tower the plot is a good introduction to the setting and character of Roland Deschain.
Following the discovery of his mother in bed with sorcerer Marten Broadcloak, advisor to his father, a 14 year old Roland is maneuvered into taking the test of the Gunslinger too early in order to remove him from Gilead. But fail he does not, becoming the youngest Gunslinger to ever face his teacher and succeed. Despite this, and his thirst for revenge against Marten, his father returns in order to send him away, protecting him from the fallout of these events. Under false identities, Roland and his friends, Alain Johns and Cuthbert Allgood, travel to Mejis as the eyes of Gilead to report any unusual occurrences back to the city. But once there it becomes clear that the influence of John Farson has already reached the area, and his people – the Big Coffin Hunters – have all too much to protect in his interests. Not only this, but a young Roland finds love in Susan Delgado, herself drawn into events beyond her control. And then there is the appearance of Maerlyn’s Grapefruit, one of Maerlyn’s Rainbow, and a magical sphere best avoided…
As previously mentioned, The Gunslinger Born is an adaption of Roland’s younger days during events from Wizard and Glass. Because of this the first question I had was a simple one: is it a faithful adaption? The simple answer is yes, especially given that this ongoing series of comics fits into the canon of the novels. It was also a wise decision to do this, showing fans of the series that the adaptions are both faithful and fresh, adding another layer to an already deep universe, and that they really have nothing to fear in the expansion these provide. But for new readers who won’t equate the adaption to the novel, it’s got enough explanation for this story, and it builds the characters and history as the plot progresses. In short, it’s a resounding success.
The other main aspect that I must talk about is the art. Not only is it fantastic in its own right, it fits in perfectly with both the setting and story. Jae Lee and Richard Isanove have excelled, each page presenting such a fitting portrayal of characters and events. In this omnibus edition there is also bonus artwork included – the alternate and deviant covers for each of the issues – and it’s a great addition to an already excellent collection.
Despite being such a big fan of the Dark Tower novels, this is the only comic adaption that I’ve read, though it certainly won’t be the last. The upcoming movie has given me the motivation I need to pick these up, and I can’t wait to see what the continuation of these comics has in store. Highly recommended.
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Author: Robin Furth, Peter David, Jae Lee, Richard Isanove
November 2007, 240 Pages
Hardcover, ISBN: 9780785121442
Review from purchased copy
© 2017 Mark Chitty | @chitman13
