M-O-O-N! That spells badass adaptation!
It has been a number of years since I read The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub. I first read it when I was fourteen or fifteen and fell in love with the entire story—the premise, its style of writing, its characters and its magic. Semi-considered a part of the Dark Tower saga, The Talisman is one of those foundational pieces to my reading life.
It wasn’t until Black House published in 2001 that I read it for the second time. With adult eyes. And, happily, it held up to wiser eyes.
So when I found out Del Rey Books had snagged the rights to adapt the book into a comic book series, I was ecstatic. I’ve worked with Del Rey on various projects for years and the people there are dedicated to seeing all projects done correctly and with passion. When I learned editor-in-chief Betsy Mitchell would be overseeing the project, I knew it would be in good hands. When I learned that Robin Furth would be involved as adapting writer—Stephen King’s former research assistant and plotter of the Dark Tower comic book series—I grew more excited as she could be utterly trusted with the material. And when I saw the artwork for Tony Shasteen and Nei Ruffino, I could not wait to see the first issue.
Well, now I have! And I am happy to report I enjoyed it immensely.
The copy of The Talisman: The Road of Trials #0 I read was the San Diego Comic Con exclusive. It was sixteen pages of black and white, a free giveaway at the convention. But what I read I really enjoyed. It was like returning to the Territories again but in a visual manner.
The issue begins years before the novel, when Jack Sawyer is only six years old. Philip Sawyer, his father, is still alive and his struggle to protect the Territories is the driving point of the issue. The short prequel to the novel adaptation effectively sets up the two worlds—our world and that of the alternate Territories—and the major players of the entire story.
The writing does exactly what it is supposed to do: tell the story of Philip Sawyer. With sixteen pages and much of it hinted at in the novel, I thought Robin did an excellent job of creating the personalities of the characters. I felt the love Philip has for Jack. I felt the annoyance and petulance Morgan Sloat has for everyone. The “twinners” were done well too. I especially enjoyed the lines from Morgan Sloat, who is just as snake-like in the comic book as he is in the novel.
The artwork is incredible and very realistic. When this project was first announced, I read some Stephen King fans on the internet(s) worried that Del Rey would use their Manga division for the art duties, producing an adaptation that was Japanese-infused. No need to worry about that here. Tony Shasteen produces artwork that is the exact opposite of Manga. It is gritty and realistic and as the series progresses I bet it becomes more so. I couldn’t believe how well done three panels of Philip crossing over to the Territories were penciled, and I look forward to seeing those panels with the colors by Nei Ruffino.
Of course, having the very talented Massimo Carnevale (Y: The Last Man and Northlanders) contributing the cover artwork doesn’t hurt. The man is a genius. If you saw my earlier post featuring the artwork for Issue #1, which will be published in November, you know what I mean.
Overall, I couldn’t be happier with Issue #0. I think it bodes well for the rest of the comic book run. As I said earlier, The Talisman is one of my favorite books.
Suffice it to say, I think the adaptation will be one of my favorite comic book adaptations.
If you are interested in Issue #0, time to order it. The issue will be released in October but comic book stores are accepting orders right now. Comic bookshops order their wares two months in advance, so be sure to put your own order in.
The Talisman: The Road of Trials #0, in full color glory, will be released in fine comic book stores for $1.00 on October 21, 2009!
Hope to see you in the Territories!
