If you are a fan of Stephen King's Dark Towers...
...then you are probably more likely to want to check out Marvel's new adaptation of this popular series of novels. Following last week's release of issue #1 the comic has been getting a lot of attention in the press.
Evidently, fans of the celebrated author and his gunslinger creation Roland Deschain have been flocking to get a look at this first issue with stunts like midnight openings ala Harry Potter becoming common in many stores.
Today's trek to the local comic book store confirmed this as the clerk was having a discussion with a patron about how non-comic book readers were coming into the store trying to snag a copy.
I got an advanced copy from Marvel last week and though I have to admit that I am not familiar with the characters having never before read the "Dark Towers" novels still found the pacing of the comic to be quite good as an introductory tale. The artwork is most definately gorgeous with a great creative team headed by Eisner-award winning artist Jae Lee and one of my favorite writers in the industry Peter David.
Westerns aren't my cup of tea so I probably would not be buying this on my own, though I think that if Marvel was seeking that elusive book which appeals to both mainsteam comic book aficionados and to those not generally keeping up with the medium then this might go a long way in appeasing a fair amount of both.
Sales of the first issue seem to be pointing in that direction. You can read a more detailed review of issue #1 here.
Other books which I picked up this week and recommend are New Avengers #27 by Bendis. (I just can't resist reading a book with Ninjas on the cover, especially if it's a tribute) and DC's 52 #40. 52 is beginning to pick up speed as the series moves onto its conclusion but it's been a total blast following the weekly exploits of DC's best superheroes following the events of Infinite Crisis these last few weeks.
