The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born

Marvel has started trying to force me to do a rapid about-face where their offerings are concerned. First, there was "1602", then, "The Eternals", and now, they've released "The Gunslinger Born." I still don't particularly care for superheroes. I'm not saying that there aren't talents out there writing, drawing, pencilling, inking, and coloring that perennial comic staple, just that there's far more available to readers than the "X-men." (Though, I have to concede "X-Men Fairytales" was quite good.)

Robin Furth (who also wrote the Dark Tower Concordance books) and Peter David tackle the daunting task of Roland the Gunslinger's origin story. The Dark Tower series is largely regarded as Stephen King's magnum opus and I'm readily inclined to agree with that particular popular opinion. King had wanted to tell at least part of the Dark Tower saga in a graphic novel format for quite some time, according to the author's notes conveniently included in the comic book. Once Marvel got a team together the author could approve wholeheartedly, they moved ahead with the project. There was a surprising minimum of fanfare. I found out the comic was going to be out because of a lovely glossy card (reminiscent of the lobby cards handed out in the golden age of Hollywood) my local comic dealer had on prominent display. There weren't a lot of trumpets and fanfare, which seems a little sad, as Marvel has produced a top-quality product this time around.

Jae Lee is the artist responsible for creating the look of Roland's world and he pays heavy (and much appreciated, in this reviewer's opinion) homage to the original illustrations that Michael Whelan had done for the novels. The color schemes and character design remain faithful to Whelan's work which gives added consistency and continuity to King's series. I can only see that as a huge relief to fans, especially since there is talk supported by King's notes in the comic that the Gunslinger's comic book journey will not end with this prequel.

The art has a hefty feel, there's weight belied by the uncluttered linework. The color scheme is mostly done in warm colors, rich oranges, reds, and browns which lend a gritty, old West, sepia-toned feel to the entire work. It seems fitting that the Gunslinger's wasteland should be filled with subtle shadings and deep shadows.

As for the writing itself, it would only be better if King had done it himself, though he's chosen very talented writers to handle the story. He says, in the notes, that he felt more comfortable allowing people with experience writing the actual comic, though he admits that he'd very much like to try his hand at them later, since the process is so similar to movie scripts. The story fits smoothly into Roland's epic journey and stops at a very logical point. The cliffhanger is far more bearable with the knowledge that the seven issues will be coming out on a monthly schedule. It's certainly a great tribute to King's pulp sensibilities.

This one is not a comic book for the kids, obviously. Despite being released by Marvel, and despite the comic book format, it's still very much a Stephen King story which includes the sort of imagry King's readers have come to expect no matter what tale he seems to be spinning. It's not recommended reading for the squeamish at all. In fact, I wouldn't recommend eating while reading this comic book (if you are the sort that eats and reads comics at the same time and if you are-shame on you for risking your paper treasures!) as it's not a pretty or peaceful read.

This is a very good introduction to the Dark Tower universe for those who are uninitiated (and shouldn't remain so) and it's a great read for those who want to know more about Roland. Hopefully, Marvel will release the miniseries in a graphic novel collection for those who may have missed that first issue. If you have the opportunity, definitely look into getting yourself a copy.

Other Reviews of works by Stephen King

Thinner - Jan 24, 2006

Firestarter - Dec 14, 2005