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The Stand: Graphic Novels #1-6
The Stand: The Graphic Novel Omnibus
The Stand is a classic tale of good vs. evil, loss weighed against redemption and despair pitted against hope. It is an apocalyptic vision of man's battle to save life against a worldwide plague of death. When the viral strain dubbed "Captain Trips" works its way across the face of the country, the painfully few survivors are launched into a nightmare that's only just begun - but for the Dark Man, Randall Flagg, it's a dream come true. Based on the masterpiece of apocalyptic horror by celebrated author Stephen King, this lavish adaptation is packed with extras in a two-volume slipcased set!
COLLECTING: The Stand : Captain Trips 1-5, The Stand: American Nightmares 1-5, The Stand: Soul Survivors 1-5, The Stand: Hardcases 1-5, The Stand : NO MAN'S LAND 1-5, The Stand: THE NIGHT HAS COME 1-5
COLLECTING: The Stand : Captain Trips 1-5, The Stand: American Nightmares 1-5, The Stand: Soul Survivors 1-5, The Stand: Hardcases 1-5, The Stand : NO MAN'S LAND 1-5, The Stand: THE NIGHT HAS COME 1-5
768 pages, Hardcover
First published September 19, 2012
12 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
462 books476 followersRoberto Aguirre-Sacasa is an American playwright, screenwriter, and comic book writer best known for his work for Marvel Comics and for the television series Glee, Big Love, Riverdale, and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. He is Chief Creative Officer of Archie Comics.
Aguirre-Sacasa grew up liking comic books, recalling in 2003, "My mom would take us out to the 7-Eleven on River Road during the summer, and we would get Slurpees and buy comics off the spinning rack. I would read them all over and over again, and draw my own pictures and stuff."
He began writing for Marvel Comics, he explained, when "Marvel hired an editor to find new writers, and they hired her from a theatrical agency. So she started calling theaters and asking if they knew any playwrights who might be good for comic books. A couple of different theaters said she should look at me. So she called me, I sent her a couple of my plays and she said 'Great, would you like to pitch on a couple of comic books in the works?'"
His first submissions were "not what [they were] interested in for the character[s]" but eventually he was assigned an 11-page Fantastic Four story, "The True Meaning of...," for the Marvel Holiday Special 2004. He went on to write Fantastic Four stories in Marvel Knights 4, a spinoff of that superhero team's long-running title; and stories for Nightcrawler vol. 3; The Sensational Spider-Man vol. 2; and Dead of Night featuring Man-Thing.
In May 2008 Aguirre-Sacasa returned to the Fantastic Four with a miniseries tie-in to the company-wide "Secret Invasion" storyline concerning a years-long infiltration of Earth by the shape-shifting alien race, the Skrulls,and an Angel Revelations miniseries with artists Barry Kitson and Adam Polina, respectively. He adapted for comics the Stephen King novel The Stand.
In 2013, he created Afterlife with Archie, depicting Archie Andrews in the midst of a zombie apocalypse; the book's success led to Aguirre-Sacasa being named Archie Comics' chief creative officer.
Aguirre-Sacasa grew up liking comic books, recalling in 2003, "My mom would take us out to the 7-Eleven on River Road during the summer, and we would get Slurpees and buy comics off the spinning rack. I would read them all over and over again, and draw my own pictures and stuff."
He began writing for Marvel Comics, he explained, when "Marvel hired an editor to find new writers, and they hired her from a theatrical agency. So she started calling theaters and asking if they knew any playwrights who might be good for comic books. A couple of different theaters said she should look at me. So she called me, I sent her a couple of my plays and she said 'Great, would you like to pitch on a couple of comic books in the works?'"
His first submissions were "not what [they were] interested in for the character[s]" but eventually he was assigned an 11-page Fantastic Four story, "The True Meaning of...," for the Marvel Holiday Special 2004. He went on to write Fantastic Four stories in Marvel Knights 4, a spinoff of that superhero team's long-running title; and stories for Nightcrawler vol. 3; The Sensational Spider-Man vol. 2; and Dead of Night featuring Man-Thing.
In May 2008 Aguirre-Sacasa returned to the Fantastic Four with a miniseries tie-in to the company-wide "Secret Invasion" storyline concerning a years-long infiltration of Earth by the shape-shifting alien race, the Skrulls,and an Angel Revelations miniseries with artists Barry Kitson and Adam Polina, respectively. He adapted for comics the Stephen King novel The Stand.
In 2013, he created Afterlife with Archie, depicting Archie Andrews in the midst of a zombie apocalypse; the book's success led to Aguirre-Sacasa being named Archie Comics' chief creative officer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 20, 2017
"The place where you made your stand never mattered. Only that you were there...and still on your feet."
The Stand is an epic apocalyptic tale, considered by many to be King's masterpiece. It tells the story of good vs evil, light vs dark. Following the outbreak of a virus dubbed "Captain Trips", the world is plagued by death. It is up to a number of survivors to overcome the encroaching darkness that is the Dark Man, Randall Flagg. This graphic novel is an adaptation of King's masterpiece novel.
The Stand was the third King book I read, I believe... so that was a few years ago now. It used to be that when I thought about it or discussed it on bookstagram, I always felt like I just never loved it as much as everyone else seemed to. But after reading this graphic novel, I feel like it's just bad memory that made me feel this way, because this story is just epic.
The character development and story progression is simply outstanding in this book. King has created a plethora of characters that are all memorable in their own ways. Just think about how many amazing characters we meet here... Stu Redman, Tom Cullen, Nick Andros, Randall Flagg, Nadine Cross, Harold Lauder, Frannie Goldsmith, Glen Bateman, The Trashcan Man... I could go on. Each name is instantly recognisable and to obtain such a calibre of characters within ONE STORY is just unprecedented.
What could be said about The Stand that hasn't been said already? It's terrifying because it's something that could happen. Flu and viruses are something we all encounter quite regularly, and labs are constantly experimenting. The premise that a man-made virus could come along and wipe out 99.4% of the population literally makes me want to run and hide under the covers and never leave my house again.
As for the graphic novel itself, the illustrations are STUNNING. Out of this world. I would find myself just sitting and staring at different illustrations, completely distracted from the story. The characters are exactly how I picture them in my head, and in particular, the illustrations of Randall Flagg are incredible. The portrayal of how he attracts his followers and appeared to them in their dreams was pretty damn scary. I'd much rather have encountered old Mother Abigail when I hit the hay.
I've really started to get into graphic novels this year and this is my favourite so far. An absolutely outstanding adaptation of this epic novel, worth every penny I spent on it. 5 stars out of 5 from me!
The Stand is an epic apocalyptic tale, considered by many to be King's masterpiece. It tells the story of good vs evil, light vs dark. Following the outbreak of a virus dubbed "Captain Trips", the world is plagued by death. It is up to a number of survivors to overcome the encroaching darkness that is the Dark Man, Randall Flagg. This graphic novel is an adaptation of King's masterpiece novel.
The Stand was the third King book I read, I believe... so that was a few years ago now. It used to be that when I thought about it or discussed it on bookstagram, I always felt like I just never loved it as much as everyone else seemed to. But after reading this graphic novel, I feel like it's just bad memory that made me feel this way, because this story is just epic.
The character development and story progression is simply outstanding in this book. King has created a plethora of characters that are all memorable in their own ways. Just think about how many amazing characters we meet here... Stu Redman, Tom Cullen, Nick Andros, Randall Flagg, Nadine Cross, Harold Lauder, Frannie Goldsmith, Glen Bateman, The Trashcan Man... I could go on. Each name is instantly recognisable and to obtain such a calibre of characters within ONE STORY is just unprecedented.
What could be said about The Stand that hasn't been said already? It's terrifying because it's something that could happen. Flu and viruses are something we all encounter quite regularly, and labs are constantly experimenting. The premise that a man-made virus could come along and wipe out 99.4% of the population literally makes me want to run and hide under the covers and never leave my house again.
As for the graphic novel itself, the illustrations are STUNNING. Out of this world. I would find myself just sitting and staring at different illustrations, completely distracted from the story. The characters are exactly how I picture them in my head, and in particular, the illustrations of Randall Flagg are incredible. The portrayal of how he attracts his followers and appeared to them in their dreams was pretty damn scary. I'd much rather have encountered old Mother Abigail when I hit the hay.
I've really started to get into graphic novels this year and this is my favourite so far. An absolutely outstanding adaptation of this epic novel, worth every penny I spent on it. 5 stars out of 5 from me!
April 9, 2017
The Stand is a real hell of a read,
And if the novel is 4.5 for me, this hard work, comic adaptation is 4.25..
And a full review is coming.......
And if the novel is 4.5 for me, this hard work, comic adaptation is 4.25..
And a full review is coming.......
May 18, 2020
The first three volumes 'The Stand: Captain Trips', 'The Stand: American Nightmares' and 'The Stand: Soul Survivors' kick off Stephen King's epic in a graphic novel format. The cataclysmic Captain Trips plague, what it does to America and how the very few survivors fare as they begin to realise that the forces of good and evil are going to fight for the remnants of mankind. Awesome book, awesome retelling, awesome characters, a must for Stephen King constant readers. 9 out of 12
Just as in the book, the second half of the graphic novelisation is not as good as the first. Collects 'The Stand: Hardcases', 'The Stand: No Man's Land' and 'The Stand: The Night Has Come'. 7/12. Despite this… it is still one of the best 'epics' I've ever read, and now the fourth or fifth overall reading I have undertaking, and first as a graphic novel. Overall an 8 out of 12
Just as in the book, the second half of the graphic novelisation is not as good as the first. Collects 'The Stand: Hardcases', 'The Stand: No Man's Land' and 'The Stand: The Night Has Come'. 7/12. Despite this… it is still one of the best 'epics' I've ever read, and now the fourth or fifth overall reading I have undertaking, and first as a graphic novel. Overall an 8 out of 12
July 30, 2015
I waited until the graphic novel series was finished to read it. I prefer to read a series like this when it is complete - binge reading if you like. I'm not a big one on comic adaptations of classic novels. I find that I prefer my own imaginative interpretation in contrast to another person's interpretation. However this adaptation was a good one. I read it in four hours (yes it took me four hours to get through it. It has over 700 pages) and enjoyed it. I know the story so there were no shocks or twists in store for me........ except for the end. As I once again found myself with Larry and Ralph I was surprised to find myself really involved with the very familiar plot. The Hand of God sequence pulled me in to the point that my pulse rate increased and I had a hollow sensation in my stomach. I certainly wasn't expecting that.
.
I'm always impressed when a work of fiction can create such a visceral reaction on my part. As I get older I find it happens less and less and I miss that. A comic adaptation of a classic novel actually took me back to a younger and more naive time in my life. The rest of the adaptation is solid and professional, but the ending earns it five stars. I rarely give five stars. So I say Bravo to Roberto Aguirre-Sacsa and Mike Perkins and thank you.
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I'm always impressed when a work of fiction can create such a visceral reaction on my part. As I get older I find it happens less and less and I miss that. A comic adaptation of a classic novel actually took me back to a younger and more naive time in my life. The rest of the adaptation is solid and professional, but the ending earns it five stars. I rarely give five stars. So I say Bravo to Roberto Aguirre-Sacsa and Mike Perkins and thank you.
March 23, 2017
When a weaponized influenza strain dubbed Captain Trips is accidentally released, the country (and perhaps, the world) is left devastated. Following this mammoth wave of disease and death that will preface mankind’s last stand, a group of shell-shocked survivors is united in their shared dreams of an ancient woman in rural Nebraska alongside nightmarish visions of a faceless man lurking out west.
The Stand Omnibus, which translates Stephen King’s epic saga The Stand into graphic novel format, is by far the finest adaptation I’ve ever read. Unlike most other adaptations, the talented Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa adheres faithfully and painstakingly to Mr. King’s apocalyptic vision without excising any parts of the story. Nearly every scene from the book is accounted for, and the story consistently progresses in expected sequence. Although much of the original text is skinned, every narrative caption still contains residuary traces of King's unique voice. The scenes showcasing the nefarious Randall Flagg are dark and threatening, and the detailed depictions of the plague-ridden streets of various cities blanketed in decaying corpses are raw and borderline disturbing. Two panels in particular: one featuring a naked crucifixion, and another in which the decomposing corpse of a looter is seen hanging from a streetlight, his hands savaged removed while crows feast away at his lifeless eyes (an apparent nod to George R. Stewart's Earth Abides), makes it plain that Marvel Comics pulled no punches with the novel’s violent nature. The characterizations look realistic and Mike Perkins’ impeccable artwork deftly conveys what each character is thinking and feeling; and Laura Martin’s astonishing colors captures each character and vista in sharp detail, interpreting King’s descriptions with fantastic clarity. The interactions between the characters are vibrant and there are even moments when silent countenances seemed to tremble with emotion. As with the novel itself so too does this visual translation brilliantly communicate the tortured pathos of the superflu survivors, damned to this desolate world, desperately clinging to the faintest glimmers of hope. Adapting one of Stephen King’s opuses to other visual mediums is a difficult feat to accomplish—I submit the unconvincing TV miniseries of The Stand as Exhibit A, of which Molly Ringwald’s portrayal of Frannie can be construed as a torture device—but Marvel took an hefty gamble with this novel and it paid off in spades.
The second of this two-volume slipcase set is a companion guide not unlike an auxiliary DVD with featurettes and assorted ‘extras’, providing an in-depth exploration of how this massive project came to fruition, including staff interviews, rough sketches, character profiles, and maps charting the scrawling, cross-country odysseys undertaken by Stu, Larry, and the Trashcan Man. As is noted in the supplementary material, adapting The Stand spanned over four years. Miraculously though, the creative team, amidst an industry in which teams are often disbanded, managed to remain together from the first issue to the last, and thus the reader is rewarded with the beautiful consistency of art style. While casual fans may not be interested in reading about everything that went in to making this adaptation a reality—such as photographing the Lincoln Tunnel and various other vistas of New York City and Boulder, Colorado in order make the landscaping in the story appear as authentic as possible—but those Constant Readers with an especial affinity for The Stand will bask in the wealth of information found in this companion.
The Stand Omnibus is everything you want from a balanced, absorbing retelling of a Stephen King masterpiece.
January 25, 2021
(Zero spoiler review)
I started to read, or rather, listen to the Stand, on a drive back from Coffs Harbour to Newcastle. A journey of approximately four hours. It had been a wonderful weekend, spent with a girl in the fledgling throes of something... I wouldn't call it a relationship, but it seemed pretty serious for something so in its infancy. I was captivated by the early prose of King's novels. When the man was on fire back in those days, he was really cooking. Sadly, despite being enthralled by King at his best, and the book helping to eat away at the kilometers, I got home to find one of my beloved dogs had passed away earlier that day, finding him cold and stiff on the garage floor, his motionless silhouette sending me reeling in the dark. If that wasn't bad enough, the girl I mentioned earlier said, despite a near perfect weekend, that she didn't wish to see me again. But hey, that's life I suppose. Needless to say, I didn't feel like picking up The Stand again any time soon. Whatever magic was growing between me and the story (and I don't even like audio books that much) was well and truly lost. So a few years later, I find all six volumes of the book at my local library, and felt more than enough time had passed to dive back in and see what I was missing out on.
Needless to say, despite the medium having changed from audiobook to comic book, I am glad I finally got round to reading it (incidentally, a day away from the third year anniversary of that eventful evening) Despite the comic never able to capture every little nuance and detail of prime era King, this does a rather excellent job of telling the long and bloated tale in its own way. No, I haven't read the novel in its entirety, so I may indeed be only seeing one side of it. But the side I'm seeing is pretty damn good. There is something happening here that you just don't come across too often in comic books. Its something I've thought about, and yet find it hard to quantify. I've read King's efforts at writing his own comic stories in the past, and they were, to put it mildly, pretty average. But this is adapted so wonderfully, that you can't help but imagine it was intentionally written for a comic book in the first place.
The book goes a wee bit south in the final issue or two. Having not read the novel as mentioned, I cannot say if this is a result of King's source material also not living up to the first two thirds of the story (which knowing King, is likely). Or that something else kept the magic from transpiring throughout the entire run. The story does lose a lot of its mystery in the more action orientated rush to its conclusion, which didn't quite appeal to your humble reviewer as much as its earlier incarnation. Still, a wonderful read, although one that is sadly out of print now, thanks to those wonderful printing right having expired at Marvel. I'm sure you can find yourself a copy to read somewhere online, or brave the eye watering prices on the secondary market. Either way, The Stand graphic novel remains a wonderful way for King fans old and new to reconnect in with a beloved and classic King tale, in a way they may never have before. And for comic book fans, this one is well worth your time. Recommended. 4/5
OmniBen.
I started to read, or rather, listen to the Stand, on a drive back from Coffs Harbour to Newcastle. A journey of approximately four hours. It had been a wonderful weekend, spent with a girl in the fledgling throes of something... I wouldn't call it a relationship, but it seemed pretty serious for something so in its infancy. I was captivated by the early prose of King's novels. When the man was on fire back in those days, he was really cooking. Sadly, despite being enthralled by King at his best, and the book helping to eat away at the kilometers, I got home to find one of my beloved dogs had passed away earlier that day, finding him cold and stiff on the garage floor, his motionless silhouette sending me reeling in the dark. If that wasn't bad enough, the girl I mentioned earlier said, despite a near perfect weekend, that she didn't wish to see me again. But hey, that's life I suppose. Needless to say, I didn't feel like picking up The Stand again any time soon. Whatever magic was growing between me and the story (and I don't even like audio books that much) was well and truly lost. So a few years later, I find all six volumes of the book at my local library, and felt more than enough time had passed to dive back in and see what I was missing out on.
Needless to say, despite the medium having changed from audiobook to comic book, I am glad I finally got round to reading it (incidentally, a day away from the third year anniversary of that eventful evening) Despite the comic never able to capture every little nuance and detail of prime era King, this does a rather excellent job of telling the long and bloated tale in its own way. No, I haven't read the novel in its entirety, so I may indeed be only seeing one side of it. But the side I'm seeing is pretty damn good. There is something happening here that you just don't come across too often in comic books. Its something I've thought about, and yet find it hard to quantify. I've read King's efforts at writing his own comic stories in the past, and they were, to put it mildly, pretty average. But this is adapted so wonderfully, that you can't help but imagine it was intentionally written for a comic book in the first place.
The book goes a wee bit south in the final issue or two. Having not read the novel as mentioned, I cannot say if this is a result of King's source material also not living up to the first two thirds of the story (which knowing King, is likely). Or that something else kept the magic from transpiring throughout the entire run. The story does lose a lot of its mystery in the more action orientated rush to its conclusion, which didn't quite appeal to your humble reviewer as much as its earlier incarnation. Still, a wonderful read, although one that is sadly out of print now, thanks to those wonderful printing right having expired at Marvel. I'm sure you can find yourself a copy to read somewhere online, or brave the eye watering prices on the secondary market. Either way, The Stand graphic novel remains a wonderful way for King fans old and new to reconnect in with a beloved and classic King tale, in a way they may never have before. And for comic book fans, this one is well worth your time. Recommended. 4/5
OmniBen.
September 20, 2020
From the Afterword: epic and gruesome and wonderful and intimate and upsetting and hopeful and scary and emotional.
I suppose they're asking the reader "what would you do?" In the end-of-world scenario, the good guys vs bad guys debate, where would you make your stand? I'd say they succeeded with me. Considering the protagonists, where I see myself, where I'd LIKE to see myself, this story caused introspection. It's not often you encounter that in a work of fiction.
The story is adapted from a Stephen King novel. A much-loved novel for his Constant Readers. I'm unfamiliar with the source material, so I can't comment on its faithfulness.
I would like to comment on the packaging. This omnibus contains the equivalent of thirty-one comics, plus bonus material. The main hardcover collects the pages of story. The companion book collects various covers, interviews, essays, writer and artist processes, maps and more. I enjoy this format a lot.
I suppose they're asking the reader "what would you do?" In the end-of-world scenario, the good guys vs bad guys debate, where would you make your stand? I'd say they succeeded with me. Considering the protagonists, where I see myself, where I'd LIKE to see myself, this story caused introspection. It's not often you encounter that in a work of fiction.
The story is adapted from a Stephen King novel. A much-loved novel for his Constant Readers. I'm unfamiliar with the source material, so I can't comment on its faithfulness.
I would like to comment on the packaging. This omnibus contains the equivalent of thirty-one comics, plus bonus material. The main hardcover collects the pages of story. The companion book collects various covers, interviews, essays, writer and artist processes, maps and more. I enjoy this format a lot.
April 18, 2020
This is at least my tenth tine reading the Stand, but first in a graphic novel format. The adaptation of the story is very true to the source while making some subtle yet welcomed tweaks. The art is the driver here as the characters come to life and the ravages of the Superflu are gruesomely displayed. This is my favorite book and has been since I first read it. The graphic novel was a great way to revisit old friends and fears.
May 10, 2020
This is such a good adaptation that I would recommend it to people who were daunted by King's 1,200 page novel as being just as good.
It's very streamlined but in a good way. It keep every beat of the novel and doesnt feel like a shallow quickie version of the story.
And most of King's best text is left completely in tact (this is a very wordy graphic novel).
It's very streamlined but in a good way. It keep every beat of the novel and doesnt feel like a shallow quickie version of the story.
And most of King's best text is left completely in tact (this is a very wordy graphic novel).
July 18, 2018
It's basically the same as the novel, just visual. I just love this story. I really hope they do it justice in the new miniseries they're planning.
January 4, 2021
Forget the other attempts at dramatic adaptations of King's The Stand, this is the best there is. The writing is good and sticks close to the source material without cutting too much. The art is outstanding.
June 12, 2020
UGH
First, the art. Good lord, that is some of the worst comic art I've ever seen. Not a single person, not even the children, look a day under 36. It's so ugly, and not stylistically ugly. Everyone has extra wrinkles and cheek bulges. You would NEVER guess from the artwork that this was published between 08-12.
And what is with Harold?? By the end, he's no longer supposed to be fat, as stated in the comic itself, but I guess the artist missed the memo that day.
Next, the story. If you were to split this omnibus into thirds, the first two would be pretty good. 4/5 I'd say. There's good pacing, a devastating post apocalyptic landscape, and some interesting character work.
But then we get to the third half and everything falls apart. Characters make the dumbest mistakes and the dumbest plan and I just stopped caring.
For instance, Fran and everyone she trusts thinks Harold is a creep and very suspicious. They don't trust him at all. But when Frannie finds out that he's read her scathing thoughts about him in her diary, right before he started acting strange, and she decides to hide this from Stu? The man she knows he's jealous of and hateful towards? For... What reason? Oh, just for the plot? Oh, okay.
And then, they decide that the evil figure, Randal Flagg, the main magical antagonist who's been reaching through their dreams and into their minds, won't catch them spying. He and Mother Abigail have the ability to sense people. Everyone has the shine in this story, and it's explained to the main characters early on. And I'm supposed to care when two out of the three spies are caught?
Of course, it all ends by the hand of God coming down and blowing up the missle and everyone around it because, hey, the book has gone on long enough and we need to think of a way to end this quick.This unearned victory is sooooo unsatisfying.
And good God, did that Stephen King cameo of calling the main antagonist the devil take me out of the story. It ain't cute, sis, it's distracting.
First, the art. Good lord, that is some of the worst comic art I've ever seen. Not a single person, not even the children, look a day under 36. It's so ugly, and not stylistically ugly. Everyone has extra wrinkles and cheek bulges. You would NEVER guess from the artwork that this was published between 08-12.
And what is with Harold?? By the end, he's no longer supposed to be fat, as stated in the comic itself, but I guess the artist missed the memo that day.
Next, the story. If you were to split this omnibus into thirds, the first two would be pretty good. 4/5 I'd say. There's good pacing, a devastating post apocalyptic landscape, and some interesting character work.
But then we get to the third half and everything falls apart. Characters make the dumbest mistakes and the dumbest plan and I just stopped caring.
For instance, Fran and everyone she trusts thinks Harold is a creep and very suspicious. They don't trust him at all. But when Frannie finds out that he's read her scathing thoughts about him in her diary, right before he started acting strange, and she decides to hide this from Stu? The man she knows he's jealous of and hateful towards? For... What reason? Oh, just for the plot? Oh, okay.
And then, they decide that the evil figure, Randal Flagg, the main magical antagonist who's been reaching through their dreams and into their minds, won't catch them spying. He and Mother Abigail have the ability to sense people. Everyone has the shine in this story, and it's explained to the main characters early on. And I'm supposed to care when two out of the three spies are caught?
Of course, it all ends by the hand of God coming down and blowing up the missle and everyone around it because, hey, the book has gone on long enough and we need to think of a way to end this quick.This unearned victory is sooooo unsatisfying.
And good God, did that Stephen King cameo of calling the main antagonist the devil take me out of the story. It ain't cute, sis, it's distracting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2012
If you have read the book then don't bother with this unless you love the graphic novel. Even then, this isn't the greatest comic i have read. Not a fan of this particular style, and I didn't think the adaptation was particularly well paced - but then, the unabridged novel does tend to carry on itself. what struck me is how dated the book is. I remember reading it when i was a young teen and it seemed relatively normal. Now, it's just so dated - all the gender roles which fit into their neat - women in the kitchen, men doing the work etc sort of thing. very weird.
November 25, 2020
Amazing but still kind of a mess, like I imagine the new miniseries will be.
Perhaps the lesson is, no matter how great the reimagining, the story is just unadaptable. The book stands.
Perhaps the lesson is, no matter how great the reimagining, the story is just unadaptable. The book stands.
September 12, 2025
‘The Stand’ is one of Stephen King’s longest and most beloved novels. Published by Marvel Comics, presented in 31 monthly issues started in 2008. The adaptation was penned by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa with art by Mike Perkins. This is the second of three major adaptations of the work starting with a six hour TV mini-series in 1994 and ending with a nine hour streaming mini-series in 2020. This is the best, by far. It beautifully translates to work, telling the complete story, capturing the feel and accurately depicting the setting.
Not only is this the best adaptation of ‘The Stand’, it is the best novel to comic adaptation which I know of. The mere commitment alone to publish 30 issues of a project like this is massive. “The Stand’ has dozens of characters on largely unrelated journeys for much of the book. To translate this work into a single volume graphic novel would have been challenge enough. But this work is 31 issues divided into five volumes. Not only does the writer need to get the content into the new medium, but he had to pace it out a certain way as to create major climaxes to close each volume and dramatic pause to complete each issue. It works out wonderfully. Largely it feels like an enhanced novel experience and this odd format never feels forced. My favorite creative sequence comes as part of the climax of the first volume. In the book, the President of the United States gives a national address. The book offers a rather lengthy monologue. To be completely literal, the comic would have focused on solely the production and delivery of the speech. What could have been largely dead space is instead used to strengthen the presentation. While there are panels of the address being given, the creators have interspersed this with a shot of each of the lead characters and the adversity they are experiencing at that particular moment. This is the last we would see of each of them in the volume. There are also shots of some of the atrocities being perpetrated throughout the country. All this information, the novel reader knows as some of the scenes are drawn from other parts of the book. But offering these contrasts creates a much more powerful statement.
Oddly, the novel ‘The Stand’ presents itself with three potential settings. King identified specific dates when the events of the book took place. In the original published version it was set in 1980. When the paperback version came out, it was advanced to 1985. Then, in 1990, an extended version of the novel was released with events being moved up to 1990. This volume is presented undated, but contains hints strongly pointing to the year 1991. The primary or maybe even only clues which date the tale come from a single panel. There is a shot of Times Square and a number of movie ads can be seen. ‘Dick Tracy’ is from 1990. But the others we see are ‘Robin Hood’. ‘T2’ and especially ‘Barton Fink’ are 1991 releases. “Barton Fink’ is arguably the most successful film in the history of The Cannes Film Festival. But it is also a film which grossed $6 million. Who knows whether it ever found itself on a billboard. Its inclusion here is an amazing Easter Egg. I assume it shows great love of the film and some nice humor for those in the know. This is probably my favorite thing in the book.
‘The Stand’ adaptation was published in three formats, 31 individual comic books, six collections, and a single “Omnibus” volume. The six volume format would be the easiest and cheapest to obtain at this point and is even carried by some libraries.
This work gets my highest recommendation. People who love the novel would be sure to enjoy this, even if they do not like the graphic medium. This is also a great work for people who have been curious about this massive novel and unwilling to read it. This work will show you just about all there is to know about it.
Not only is this the best adaptation of ‘The Stand’, it is the best novel to comic adaptation which I know of. The mere commitment alone to publish 30 issues of a project like this is massive. “The Stand’ has dozens of characters on largely unrelated journeys for much of the book. To translate this work into a single volume graphic novel would have been challenge enough. But this work is 31 issues divided into five volumes. Not only does the writer need to get the content into the new medium, but he had to pace it out a certain way as to create major climaxes to close each volume and dramatic pause to complete each issue. It works out wonderfully. Largely it feels like an enhanced novel experience and this odd format never feels forced. My favorite creative sequence comes as part of the climax of the first volume. In the book, the President of the United States gives a national address. The book offers a rather lengthy monologue. To be completely literal, the comic would have focused on solely the production and delivery of the speech. What could have been largely dead space is instead used to strengthen the presentation. While there are panels of the address being given, the creators have interspersed this with a shot of each of the lead characters and the adversity they are experiencing at that particular moment. This is the last we would see of each of them in the volume. There are also shots of some of the atrocities being perpetrated throughout the country. All this information, the novel reader knows as some of the scenes are drawn from other parts of the book. But offering these contrasts creates a much more powerful statement.
Oddly, the novel ‘The Stand’ presents itself with three potential settings. King identified specific dates when the events of the book took place. In the original published version it was set in 1980. When the paperback version came out, it was advanced to 1985. Then, in 1990, an extended version of the novel was released with events being moved up to 1990. This volume is presented undated, but contains hints strongly pointing to the year 1991. The primary or maybe even only clues which date the tale come from a single panel. There is a shot of Times Square and a number of movie ads can be seen. ‘Dick Tracy’ is from 1990. But the others we see are ‘Robin Hood’. ‘T2’ and especially ‘Barton Fink’ are 1991 releases. “Barton Fink’ is arguably the most successful film in the history of The Cannes Film Festival. But it is also a film which grossed $6 million. Who knows whether it ever found itself on a billboard. Its inclusion here is an amazing Easter Egg. I assume it shows great love of the film and some nice humor for those in the know. This is probably my favorite thing in the book.
‘The Stand’ adaptation was published in three formats, 31 individual comic books, six collections, and a single “Omnibus” volume. The six volume format would be the easiest and cheapest to obtain at this point and is even carried by some libraries.
This work gets my highest recommendation. People who love the novel would be sure to enjoy this, even if they do not like the graphic medium. This is also a great work for people who have been curious about this massive novel and unwilling to read it. This work will show you just about all there is to know about it.
September 30, 2023
Stephen King is synonymous with Horror. The Stand is a fan favorite, and while my mom was an early adopter of King in the '70s, I have never read the book. I'm not embarrassed to admit that my only prior knowledge of this story came from the Anthrax song Among The Living. I have no idea how well this holds up when compared to the source material, so my review will be based solely on how well it reads as a comic book.
I got a free copy of the Captain Trips Premiere Edition Hardcover a while back, read it, and loved it so much so that I bought this. Anyone who says that free tastes don't work is wrong. The gist of this series, for all four of you that don't know, is that the Army accidentally releases a supervirus codenamed Captain Trips which kills most of the population and causes the collapse of society.
It's through this chaos that an ultimate showdown between good and evil surfaces. On the side of Satan comes a man named Randall Flagg, “The Walkin' Dude”, a supernatural person with no past whose power grows as fear increases due to society's breakdown and the Government's attempts to suppress information. Flagg reaches out to the disenchanted through their dreams, playing on their fears and insecurities. He calls the survivors to Las Vegas, Nevada, where they will make their stand.
On the side of God is the world's oldest woman, Mother Abagail, who lives in rural Polk County, Nebraska. She reaches out through to the survivors through their dreams, with all of them making a perilous cross country journey to her farm. They end up reestablishing society, and the notion of a showdown with Flagg causes them to send spies to find out what is going on in Nevada. One of them, Tom Cullen, a man with special needs, ends up having a God-given shine that Flagg cannot pierce. Cullen ends up being my favorite character in the book, a real feat when you consider how fully formed the entire cast of characters is.
I won't go into the whys and hows of the battle, nor the outcome, nor how the story seems to continue on in an anticlimactic manner only to be saved at the last minute by a clever ending. I realize that my synopsis is vague, but that was done deliberately. I never give a blow by blow of the story when I do my reviews, as I am opposed to spoilers no matter how old the material is. I prefer to offer up an idea of what I have read as well as my thoughts about it. I am all about the joy of discovery. I prefer to turn people onto comic books that they may missed amidst the never ending flurry of releases.
This was an incredibly satisfying read with beautiful artwork and tasteful coloring. It's dense and slow burning but it's a real page turner. It demands that you finish it, becoming more urgent with each passing issue. This material is available across a number of formats (original single issues, Premiere Edition hardcovers collecting each mini-series, softcover trade paperbacks which mirror those releases, this book, and of course digital), so there's no excuse not to check it out. Heck, your local library might even have it.
I got a free copy of the Captain Trips Premiere Edition Hardcover a while back, read it, and loved it so much so that I bought this. Anyone who says that free tastes don't work is wrong. The gist of this series, for all four of you that don't know, is that the Army accidentally releases a supervirus codenamed Captain Trips which kills most of the population and causes the collapse of society.
It's through this chaos that an ultimate showdown between good and evil surfaces. On the side of Satan comes a man named Randall Flagg, “The Walkin' Dude”, a supernatural person with no past whose power grows as fear increases due to society's breakdown and the Government's attempts to suppress information. Flagg reaches out to the disenchanted through their dreams, playing on their fears and insecurities. He calls the survivors to Las Vegas, Nevada, where they will make their stand.
On the side of God is the world's oldest woman, Mother Abagail, who lives in rural Polk County, Nebraska. She reaches out through to the survivors through their dreams, with all of them making a perilous cross country journey to her farm. They end up reestablishing society, and the notion of a showdown with Flagg causes them to send spies to find out what is going on in Nevada. One of them, Tom Cullen, a man with special needs, ends up having a God-given shine that Flagg cannot pierce. Cullen ends up being my favorite character in the book, a real feat when you consider how fully formed the entire cast of characters is.
I won't go into the whys and hows of the battle, nor the outcome, nor how the story seems to continue on in an anticlimactic manner only to be saved at the last minute by a clever ending. I realize that my synopsis is vague, but that was done deliberately. I never give a blow by blow of the story when I do my reviews, as I am opposed to spoilers no matter how old the material is. I prefer to offer up an idea of what I have read as well as my thoughts about it. I am all about the joy of discovery. I prefer to turn people onto comic books that they may missed amidst the never ending flurry of releases.
This was an incredibly satisfying read with beautiful artwork and tasteful coloring. It's dense and slow burning but it's a real page turner. It demands that you finish it, becoming more urgent with each passing issue. This material is available across a number of formats (original single issues, Premiere Edition hardcovers collecting each mini-series, softcover trade paperbacks which mirror those releases, this book, and of course digital), so there's no excuse not to check it out. Heck, your local library might even have it.
November 26, 2023
В отличие от отца, я не ценительница комиксов.
Отец на оных развивался графически, мне рисунки большинства пролистанного доставляют гораздо меньше эстетического удовольствия, чем, скажем, ищущие блох в кисти Креспи, летающие влюбленцы Шагала, обнажённые скелетариумы Дельво или Петров-Ленин после водки. Я (какое-то большое "я" получилось будто) вовсе не недооцениваю значения такого формата и направления изобразительного повествования, но и не нахожу, к сожалению, трети признаков жизни Нарратива Контекстовича (в данном случае, оригинального романчика Кинга, пришедшегося не по нраву, в отличие, на удивление, от 4-серийной экранизации) в изображаемом; если язык неинтересен - у меня (вроде букв больше, а опять "я" чудится, ишь) не возникает желания рассматривать, насколько стильно и изысканно она преподносится. Куда уж проще? Примитивней отношений рецензентки и индустрии комиксов может быть разве что Загальнонаціональний День Легалізації Української Порнографії, або ЗДЛУП.
Признаю, у меня достало усидчивости досмотреть очередное киноубожество 90-х ("Упырь", 1997), отчасти рекомендованное товарищем, временами откровенно мающимся добровольцем-врачевателем в рядах "Збройних", - за 2 вечера и без какого-либо сорта опьянения (на полный желудок ли, не вспомню, значит, простите, вверх по руслу не пошло). Агирре-Сакаса же продукт листался целых полгода. По одному выпуску раз в неделю-два. Не из-за высоты мастерства, каковую следовало бы оценить и в глазах многих не теряющему "сияния" Мастеру Ужасов (Олейников по-гоголевски, может быть, перевернулся в этот самый момент, Стоянов же просто нескромно икнул в по-Шванкмайерски интеллегентном обществе). А потому отношения у (виновной, каюсь) меня с комиксами такие.
С другой стороны, из "Футурамы" можно надёргать душещипательных остроумностей, а у Мило Манары наковырять вульгарные сценки, всегда актуальные в повседневном опыте, ик, пардоньте, леди и гамильтоны.
Отец же, на мой взгляд, переоценивает роль комиксов в культуре мировой, влияние их на его творчество. Это взлелеянный им в себе каприз - своеобразный эполетик творческой натуры, рождённой в СССР. Как иначе объяснить то, например, что Меленский диптих Фуке, обративший на себя внимание листательницы буквально вчера, по столкновении с фамилией в "Письме" Волошина - раскрывает перед возбуждённым или на 2\3 благодушно дремлющим сознанием Вселенский потенциал бессознательной поэтики, в то время как 700 с морковкой страниц Агирре-Сакаса, наконец, однажды освобождают пространство на жёстком диске для каких-нибудь "полевых записей" в обществе коренных народов Экваториалньой Гвинеи?
...
Кстати, почему Оголь не с загривной? Кта загимался недакцией эпой несумятицы? Бозозите ахмедственного, молебленно!
Отец на оных развивался графически, мне рисунки большинства пролистанного доставляют гораздо меньше эстетического удовольствия, чем, скажем, ищущие блох в кисти Креспи, летающие влюбленцы Шагала, обнажённые скелетариумы Дельво или Петров-Ленин после водки. Я (какое-то большое "я" получилось будто) вовсе не недооцениваю значения такого формата и направления изобразительного повествования, но и не нахожу, к сожалению, трети признаков жизни Нарратива Контекстовича (в данном случае, оригинального романчика Кинга, пришедшегося не по нраву, в отличие, на удивление, от 4-серийной экранизации) в изображаемом; если язык неинтересен - у меня (вроде букв больше, а опять "я" чудится, ишь) не возникает желания рассматривать, насколько стильно и изысканно она преподносится. Куда уж проще? Примитивней отношений рецензентки и индустрии комиксов может быть разве что Загальнонаціональний День Легалізації Української Порнографії, або ЗДЛУП.
Признаю, у меня достало усидчивости досмотреть очередное киноубожество 90-х ("Упырь", 1997), отчасти рекомендованное товарищем, временами откровенно мающимся добровольцем-врачевателем в рядах "Збройних", - за 2 вечера и без какого-либо сорта опьянения (на полный желудок ли, не вспомню, значит, простите, вверх по руслу не пошло). Агирре-Сакаса же продукт листался целых полгода. По одному выпуску раз в неделю-два. Не из-за высоты мастерства, каковую следовало бы оценить и в глазах многих не теряющему "сияния" Мастеру Ужасов (Олейников по-гоголевски, может быть, перевернулся в этот самый момент, Стоянов же просто нескромно икнул в по-Шванкмайерски интеллегентном обществе). А потому отношения у (виновной, каюсь) меня с комиксами такие.
С другой стороны, из "Футурамы" можно надёргать душещипательных остроумностей, а у Мило Манары наковырять вульгарные сценки, всегда актуальные в повседневном опыте, ик, пардоньте, леди и гамильтоны.
Отец же, на мой взгляд, переоценивает роль комиксов в культуре мировой, влияние их на его творчество. Это взлелеянный им в себе каприз - своеобразный эполетик творческой натуры, рождённой в СССР. Как иначе объяснить то, например, что Меленский диптих Фуке, обративший на себя внимание листательницы буквально вчера, по столкновении с фамилией в "Письме" Волошина - раскрывает перед возбуждённым или на 2\3 благодушно дремлющим сознанием Вселенский потенциал бессознательной поэтики, в то время как 700 с морковкой страниц Агирре-Сакаса, наконец, однажды освобождают пространство на жёстком диске для каких-нибудь "полевых записей" в обществе коренных народов Экваториалньой Гвинеи?
...
Кстати, почему Оголь не с загривной? Кта загимался недакцией эпой несумятицы? Бозозите ахмедственного, молебленно!
May 15, 2020
I have been King's fans for a quite while and I always wanted to read the stand because it was considered as one of his best works. But I got a mixed feeling bout it after reading. I wanted to read the novel itself but I am really impatient for all kind of long books, so I choose to read the graphic version of the Stand.
Characters was the only thing that really kept motivating me to read, but as usual some charterers are been terminated through out the story. Their was many characters from the first page till the last page and developing a characters is like a piece of cake for SK. I certainly assumed that I will like some characters at the end Nick, Ralph, Sturd, Tom and it was surprise Kojak the dog too had a major potion. Every characters has a purpose but I don't think that the death of some characters was as justified as needed.
Setting for the novel had to be dark and the Roberto Aguirre was well defined to represent it as per the novel. Beginning was too captive and the super-flu part was engaging but when plot moved to the good vs evil my heart felt heavy to see some things happen, how and why it doesn't matter but it just did. The antagonist has so much of build up but all was just boo! The worst part was the ending I really really can't believe that was the ending. Why it has to end so lame?
Characters was the only thing that really kept motivating me to read, but as usual some charterers are been terminated through out the story. Their was many characters from the first page till the last page and developing a characters is like a piece of cake for SK. I certainly assumed that I will like some characters at the end Nick, Ralph, Sturd, Tom and it was surprise Kojak the dog too had a major potion. Every characters has a purpose but I don't think that the death of some characters was as justified as needed.
Setting for the novel had to be dark and the Roberto Aguirre was well defined to represent it as per the novel. Beginning was too captive and the super-flu part was engaging but when plot moved to the good vs evil my heart felt heavy to see some things happen, how and why it doesn't matter but it just did. The antagonist has so much of build up but all was just boo! The worst part was the ending I really really can't believe that was the ending. Why it has to end so lame?
March 24, 2025
While any abridged adaptation is necessarily going to come with its share of deviations, I think the team at Marvel did an excellent job at adapting this epic story. They even included a cheeky King cameo, with “Rich Bachman“, drawn to resemble King, as one of Flagg's lieutenants.
I read another comic recently with art by Mike Perkins, and I'm not particularly fond of his style, which includes a lot of thick shadows. He's not a bad artist, he is solid and consistent throughout the run, and there are some great scenes, it's just not my favorite look.
In general, the Colorado crew got much more attention than the Vegas group. Specifically, I think the character of the Trashcan Man was underdeveloped; however, there was enough to get the story across. I wonder how it would be as a reader's first exposure to the material. As someone who read the novel before, it served as a nice revisit of the story, but also a reminder of how much more there is in the novel.
Now, having read both the original edit and this adaptation, it'll be interesting to one day read the “complete and uncut“ version.
I read another comic recently with art by Mike Perkins, and I'm not particularly fond of his style, which includes a lot of thick shadows. He's not a bad artist, he is solid and consistent throughout the run, and there are some great scenes, it's just not my favorite look.
In general, the Colorado crew got much more attention than the Vegas group. Specifically, I think the character of the Trashcan Man was underdeveloped; however, there was enough to get the story across. I wonder how it would be as a reader's first exposure to the material. As someone who read the novel before, it served as a nice revisit of the story, but also a reminder of how much more there is in the novel.
Now, having read both the original edit and this adaptation, it'll be interesting to one day read the “complete and uncut“ version.
September 3, 2020
I read the original when I was 14 or 15, I think. Not my favourite King but I had a good time and loved so many things and now that I have the comic book adaptation of that behemoth of a novel, I was curious to see how I'd react today (and with a massive pandemic stage in the background, no less). From my end, not too much has changed. It's still a decent and enjoyable story with some really gripping moments and the usual King character treatment and development still works. Perhaps not always, yeah, but there are too many characters too handle here! Also, there are stories about writer blocks and King having some rough times during its writing process, which I think I can spot here given the amount of twists and turns, not always in a good direction, I'm afraid.
This adaptation sticks loyal to the novel and it just works. The creative team makes a decent and sound work here by following King's trail, with few chances to shine but delivering a solid adaptation after all. I guess that makes it the perfect option if you want to get back to the Captain Trips saga in a reasonable time.
This adaptation sticks loyal to the novel and it just works. The creative team makes a decent and sound work here by following King's trail, with few chances to shine but delivering a solid adaptation after all. I guess that makes it the perfect option if you want to get back to the Captain Trips saga in a reasonable time.
August 9, 2020
This is the first graphic novel I've read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I read The Stand by Stephen King a few years ago and it was nice to revisit the story in this format and in a more condensed version than the original 1200 odd original. It was fascinating to see illustrators' takes on the what the characters looked like, a lot of which I agreed with. It felt similar to seeing a film after reading the book first and itching to see how the characters play out compared to what they were like in the book. A great first experience of reading a graphic novel and I hope it won't be the last.
July 24, 2023
3.5⭐️
Main thing that put me off was the drawing style 🤷🏼♀️
Yes, it's supposed to be realistic, but most panels had the characters just making weird faces and that felt very unnatural, also the women were portrayed as always having lipstick-y juicy lips and sometimes doing dramatic poses for no reason (compared to the men) and that didn't add to my enjoyment.
Otherwise a typical King story, I bet I would've enjoyed it much more if I had just read the damn books.
Main thing that put me off was the drawing style 🤷🏼♀️
Yes, it's supposed to be realistic, but most panels had the characters just making weird faces and that felt very unnatural, also the women were portrayed as always having lipstick-y juicy lips and sometimes doing dramatic poses for no reason (compared to the men) and that didn't add to my enjoyment.
Otherwise a typical King story, I bet I would've enjoyed it much more if I had just read the damn books.
November 6, 2017
Truly the first real definitive adaptation brought to life of the epic King read. Gone is network censorship that plagued the 90’s miniseries with Marvel fully realizing the vision of the book: the violence, the sex and the themes are faithfully adapted.
March 10, 2019
4.5 stars. Half a star deduction because Stu doesn't look like Gary Sinise, even though Nick looks like Rob Lowe and the Walkin Dude looks like Jamey Sheridan. Either have everyone look like they did in the miniseries, or no one.
March 14, 2020
197 - 2020
December 26, 2020
Absolute must for any fan of The Stand. Beautiful artwork, amazing story adaptation.
January 24, 2021
The place where you made your stand never mattered. Only that you were there... And still on your feet.
A gas station attendant is the luckiest man on earth
A gas station attendant is the luckiest man on earth
July 16, 2021
4.5 rounded up. Great interpretation, true to story. Illustrations did original story justice. Was long enough to get the story across, only wish there were more books! :)
September 21, 2023
An excellent visual feast depicting the Stephen King classic. Not only a fun read, but an absorbing one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews