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Stephen King's The Dark Tower #2
The Long Road Home
The second collection of the best-selling comic-book series, inspired by Stephen King's epic The Dark Tower! Gunslinger Roland Deschain has seen the death of his lover Susan Delgado. And the Big Coffin Hunters who burned her at the stake are now in pursuit of Roland and his ka-tet Cuthbert and Alain. The friends are forced to flee into the desert with the deadly posse in hot pursuit....and Roland is in a coma! Don't miss the next chapter in the saga of the Gunslinger whose quest for the Dark Tower will shake the foundation of reality itself!
Collecting DARK TOWER: THE LONG ROAD HOME #1-5.
Collecting DARK TOWER: THE LONG ROAD HOME #1-5.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published October 7, 2008
153 people are currently reading
4277 people want to read
About the author
Robin Furth
220 books208 followersRobin Furth is the personal research assistant to Stephen King and the author of Stephen King's The Dark Tower: A Complete Concordance, which was published by Scribner on December 5, 2006. It is a compilation of her two previous encyclopedic books dealing with King's magnum opus, The Dark Tower: A Concordance, volume I - which explores the first four books in King's series - and A Concordance II, which gives the reader definitions and explanations of pivotal terms used over the course of the final three books of The Dark Tower. She is now currently working on the graphic novel adaptation of the Dark Tower for Marvel Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 400 reviews
June 17, 2021
Robin Furth's wonderful adaptation takes full reign of this series with lots more extra content not found in the books, as Roland's original Ka-tet makes its long journey home from Mejis after the shocking climax of the previous volume.
There's lots of gap filling from the books in this volume as we get a lot more detail of Roland's time in the Grapefruit and Sheemie's story ism continued throughout. Essential the non-linear mode of the books is made linear in the graphic novel series. Also - Jae Lee's artwork ->I'm loving it, loving it, loving it, loving like this! 8 out of 12.
There's lots of gap filling from the books in this volume as we get a lot more detail of Roland's time in the Grapefruit and Sheemie's story ism continued throughout. Essential the non-linear mode of the books is made linear in the graphic novel series. Also - Jae Lee's artwork ->I'm loving it, loving it, loving it, loving like this! 8 out of 12.
May 2, 2018
“Don’t forget the face of your father”
I loved the Dark Tower books. This graphic novel series is, so far, doing it great justice! The story, the writing, the artwork – all of it is amazing!
I am loving how this series is filling in some of the gaps from the story before the books. But, at the same time it is obvious that the writers did their research as there are shades of the origin material throughout.
The art in this book is spoiling me. It is slightly impressionistic, but very specific and horrifyingly epic. After reading this I may have a hard time going back to other artwork
Dark Tower fans – read!
I loved the Dark Tower books. This graphic novel series is, so far, doing it great justice! The story, the writing, the artwork – all of it is amazing!
I am loving how this series is filling in some of the gaps from the story before the books. But, at the same time it is obvious that the writers did their research as there are shades of the origin material throughout.
The art in this book is spoiling me. It is slightly impressionistic, but very specific and horrifyingly epic. After reading this I may have a hard time going back to other artwork
Dark Tower fans – read!
March 20, 2017
The second volume of The Dark Tower graphic novel series is as visually stunning as the first, but I felt the story quality was slightly below that of the first volume.
Our boy Sheemie, after his transformation:
It's a real treat to see the artist's renderings of these characters, but it's even better to see the settings and the Crimson King. There is so much detail in the art, that I could gaze at these images for hours and never get bored.
Sheemie is a badass now:
Based on the two volumes I've read of this series so far? I'm in love with Jae Lee and believe that he's a comic God.
That is all.
You can buy your copy by clinking the link below, or you can check your local libraries as I have. Either way I highly recommend this series!
Dark Tower: The Long Road Home
Our boy Sheemie, after his transformation:
It's a real treat to see the artist's renderings of these characters, but it's even better to see the settings and the Crimson King. There is so much detail in the art, that I could gaze at these images for hours and never get bored.
Sheemie is a badass now:
Based on the two volumes I've read of this series so far? I'm in love with Jae Lee and believe that he's a comic God.
That is all.
You can buy your copy by clinking the link below, or you can check your local libraries as I have. Either way I highly recommend this series!
Dark Tower: The Long Road Home
February 15, 2024
This second volume in Marvel's long-running series of associational volumes to King's Dark Tower books is another excellent addition to the mythos. Lee's art is great and really captures the flavor of the world. The story is again by long-time King associate Robin Furth and adapted by Peter David. It's set in Roland's younger days and gives great background information on the character and world.
January 28, 2020
There is so much to love in these Dark Tower comics, and while I've only read two at this point, the artwork is absolutely brilliant. Shocking, evocative, colorful, crazy, and simply gorgeous.
The stories have so far retold and filled in aspects of Dark Tower #4, Wizard and Glass, which is Roland's young days and his initial tragedies, but I should point out that there is MORE story and less. Aspects are filled in that are freaking amazing while a lot of the palaver and mystery from the original book are streamlined nicely in the comic. :)
That's all great. No problems here. I would, however, recommend reading these AFTER you've read the original books. The spoilers are mild for the most part, EXCEPT in one specific way.
After the comic, proper, there are short stories. These shorts carry us back to the days of Eld and give us a glorious look into Arthur, his Ka-Tet, the birth of the Crimson King, and even some rather fantastic insights into the North Central Positronics Corporation. The bestiaries are quite nice, too. :) In other words, we are glutted with great information. It really DEEPENS your understanding of King's worlds. :)
I am tempted to say that these extras are somehow more important and impressive than the glorious artwork.
The stories have so far retold and filled in aspects of Dark Tower #4, Wizard and Glass, which is Roland's young days and his initial tragedies, but I should point out that there is MORE story and less. Aspects are filled in that are freaking amazing while a lot of the palaver and mystery from the original book are streamlined nicely in the comic. :)
That's all great. No problems here. I would, however, recommend reading these AFTER you've read the original books. The spoilers are mild for the most part, EXCEPT in one specific way.
After the comic, proper, there are short stories. These shorts carry us back to the days of Eld and give us a glorious look into Arthur, his Ka-Tet, the birth of the Crimson King, and even some rather fantastic insights into the North Central Positronics Corporation. The bestiaries are quite nice, too. :) In other words, we are glutted with great information. It really DEEPENS your understanding of King's worlds. :)
I am tempted to say that these extras are somehow more important and impressive than the glorious artwork.
July 21, 2014
So this is the second collection in Marvel's graphic novel adaptation of King's Dark Tower series. While I LOVE reading about Roland again, and the art work is gorgeous, I'm deeply conflicted as well. There's something here that isn't quite working for me, that seems off. I think the problem is that I'm comparing it to the source material too much, when I should be enjoying the work as its own unique experience (like a film adaptation).
It's also very much focused on young Roland. And I guess that's what's troubling me; Roland young is interesting, but Roland old is a literary legend. I long for the mature, wise, mean Roland, merciless and calculating Roland, courageous and flawed, cool and temperamental. Oh how I miss him.
The young, impetuous, impulsive, rebellious Roland is starting to be kind of a letdown by comparison. I remember feeling this way when I got to Book 4 Wizard and Glass; I enjoyed it immensely once I reconciled myself to the fact that we were going way back in the story to young Roland, but that doesn't mean I wasn't chomping at the bit to return to the "real" Roland. So the creators have decided to tell young Roland's story instead of mature, grizzled Roland. I would never have thought this could matter so much, but it does, it really does.
One more thing: when you read the novels, there is so much you DON'T know for a long time. It's like a puzzle, a really addictive puzzle. King metes out answers morsel by morsel and it's not until the last book and thousands of pages on that the full picture emerges (likely because King himself didn't know how it was all going to finally come together). But here's the thing: the graphic novels have already let so much out of the bag already...about Roland's origins, his destiny, even the Crimson King and his intentions, and what the Dark Tower is and why it's so important. It's too much too soon. I realize that the authors are working on a smaller canvas but where's the mystery? So far the story is very straightforward with uber-heroes vs. uber-villains.
My advice: Read the books first!!! There's a method to King's madness in how the Dark Tower plot unfolded over the course of three decades and thousands of pages. The reward at the end is indescribable. The graphic novels will steal that experience from you even though that is not the authors' intent. It's clear that the graphic novels are a labour of love and Peter David and Robin Furth have my utmost respect and gratitude for keeping Roland's story going.
It's also very much focused on young Roland. And I guess that's what's troubling me; Roland young is interesting, but Roland old is a literary legend. I long for the mature, wise, mean Roland, merciless and calculating Roland, courageous and flawed, cool and temperamental. Oh how I miss him.
The young, impetuous, impulsive, rebellious Roland is starting to be kind of a letdown by comparison. I remember feeling this way when I got to Book 4 Wizard and Glass; I enjoyed it immensely once I reconciled myself to the fact that we were going way back in the story to young Roland, but that doesn't mean I wasn't chomping at the bit to return to the "real" Roland. So the creators have decided to tell young Roland's story instead of mature, grizzled Roland. I would never have thought this could matter so much, but it does, it really does.
One more thing: when you read the novels, there is so much you DON'T know for a long time. It's like a puzzle, a really addictive puzzle. King metes out answers morsel by morsel and it's not until the last book and thousands of pages on that the full picture emerges (likely because King himself didn't know how it was all going to finally come together). But here's the thing: the graphic novels have already let so much out of the bag already...about Roland's origins, his destiny, even the Crimson King and his intentions, and what the Dark Tower is and why it's so important. It's too much too soon. I realize that the authors are working on a smaller canvas but where's the mystery? So far the story is very straightforward with uber-heroes vs. uber-villains.
My advice: Read the books first!!! There's a method to King's madness in how the Dark Tower plot unfolded over the course of three decades and thousands of pages. The reward at the end is indescribable. The graphic novels will steal that experience from you even though that is not the authors' intent. It's clear that the graphic novels are a labour of love and Peter David and Robin Furth have my utmost respect and gratitude for keeping Roland's story going.
March 26, 2017
Με αυτό το βιβλίο νομίζω ότι τον Ρόλαντ τον αγάπησα για τα καλά και ίσως βάλω άμεσα στο πρόγραμμα να συνεχίσω με τα κανονικά βιβλία!
Η συνέχεια του προηγούμενου graphic novel, το οποίο συνεχίζει ακριβώς από το σημείο που μας άφησε το προηγούμενο, με τους ήρωές μας, το Ρόλαντ και το κα-τετ του, να προσπαθούν να γυρίσουν στο σπίτι τους, περνώντας από χίλιες δυσκολίες, τις οποίες τους δημιουργεί ένα καταραμένο γκρέιπφρουτ(!). Λάτρεψα το μαύρο χιούμορ, με ατάκες φωτιά (πχ "όταν έλεγα να συνέλθεις δεν εννοούσα ενώ είμαστε πάνω στη γέφυρα και σίγουρα όχι για πέντε δευτερόλεπτα. Μείνε ξερός μέχρι να μας σώσω καλύτερα" ή "να φύγουμε προτού οι λύκοι βρεθούν στην πόρτα μας"-"εννοείς κυριολεκτικά ή μεταφορικά"-"μεταφορικά, γιατί;" και ένα σωρό λύκοι τους περιτριγυρίζουν).
Για τους λάτρεις της ιστορίας του Μαύρου Πύργου και όχι μόνο (αν και θα πρέπει αναγκαστικά να διαβάσετε το πρώτο μέρος πρώτα, το οποίο εγώ το βρήκα χειρότερο...), η ελληνική έκδοση είναι πολύ προσεγμένη με σκληρό δερματόδετο εξώφυλλο και χαρτί ιλουστρασιόν, ενώ το σκίτσο και τα χρώματα εννοείται ότι είναι υψηλής ποιότητας!
Η συνέχεια του προηγούμενου graphic novel, το οποίο συνεχίζει ακριβώς από το σημείο που μας άφησε το προηγούμενο, με τους ήρωές μας, το Ρόλαντ και το κα-τετ του, να προσπαθούν να γυρίσουν στο σπίτι τους, περνώντας από χίλιες δυσκολίες, τις οποίες τους δημιουργεί ένα καταραμένο γκρέιπφρουτ(!). Λάτρεψα το μαύρο χιούμορ, με ατάκες φωτιά (πχ "όταν έλεγα να συνέλθεις δεν εννοούσα ενώ είμαστε πάνω στη γέφυρα και σίγουρα όχι για πέντε δευτερόλεπτα. Μείνε ξερός μέχρι να μας σώσω καλύτερα" ή "να φύγουμε προτού οι λύκοι βρεθούν στην πόρτα μας"-"εννοείς κυριολεκτικά ή μεταφορικά"-"μεταφορικά, γιατί;" και ένα σωρό λύκοι τους περιτριγυρίζουν).
Για τους λάτρεις της ιστορίας του Μαύρου Πύργου και όχι μόνο (αν και θα πρέπει αναγκαστικά να διαβάσετε το πρώτο μέρος πρώτα, το οποίο εγώ το βρήκα χειρότερο...), η ελληνική έκδοση είναι πολύ προσεγμένη με σκληρό δερματόδετο εξώφυλλο και χαρτί ιλουστρασιόν, ενώ το σκίτσο και τα χρώματα εννοείται ότι είναι υψηλής ποιότητας!
September 6, 2021
This wasn’t quite as good as the first volume in the series but I still really enjoyed it. It was just missing that extra spark to make it five stars and I think it’s because Roland wasn’t himself for much of it. And Roland is what makes the story for me, without him my interest wanes a bit. I know it’s an important part of the story and needs to be shown to stay true to King’s original but I’m just not super into it. That being said, I did still love reading this because being a true Dark Tower junkie any chance I get to revisit the Tower is a chance I’ll take and enjoy despite minor complaints along the way. And getting to see it translated into graphic novel form will always be something truly special because it’s like seeing what I had imagined in my head for so long brought to life in the most beautiful images!
January 9, 2020
Otra gran entrega.
Cuthbert y Alain tienen un mayor protagonismo en este número, incluso Sheemie protagoniza buena parte de los capítulos.
También conocemos la visión que tiene Roland y su primer encuentro con el Rey Carmesí.
Al igual que el volumen anterior, las ilustraciones son brillantes.
Cuthbert y Alain tienen un mayor protagonismo en este número, incluso Sheemie protagoniza buena parte de los capítulos.
También conocemos la visión que tiene Roland y su primer encuentro con el Rey Carmesí.
Al igual que el volumen anterior, las ilustraciones son brillantes.
May 14, 2011
This is the second graphic novel to feature young Roland and his ka-tet, which I found to be not as good as the first one, THE GUNSLINGER BORN.
Allow me to elucidate. The story starts off strong, Roland peers into Maerlyn's Grapefruit, sees something he disagrees with and then shoots the pink orb. Bad move on Roland's part. The orb transmogrifies and becomes an eye with tentacles, sucking Roland's soul into its surreal End-World pit. Okay, this is all wicked. I hardly even took the time to really look at the art during this time because I really needed to know what was going to happen to Roland. But after a few pages (let's say 25 for clarity) the same story was told over and over and over and over. It kind of felt like when you are in Max Payne's nightmare and walking the blood tightrope and a baby is crying in the background, eerie, yes, but eeriness soon turns to frustration and annoyance. There are a few scenes during this part that are cool, but they seemed rushed. I know this is a graphic novel, but that does not excuse it from ignoring the most important aspect of a novel--STORY.
From there, Roland comes face to face with the Crimson King, which I think could have been way scarier than he was, but that's just the way my mind works. Roland and the Crimson King talk relations for a bit and then...well, I won't spoil the whole story.
I will say that this arc (five comics) does move the plot along, but it still felt inadequate in some way. Perhaps I am being unfair. I been known to be concerning stories that I really care about. Even with all my gripes, I will definitely be reading the next graphic novel in this series, TREACHERY.
RECOMMENDED
Allow me to elucidate. The story starts off strong, Roland peers into Maerlyn's Grapefruit, sees something he disagrees with and then shoots the pink orb. Bad move on Roland's part. The orb transmogrifies and becomes an eye with tentacles, sucking Roland's soul into its surreal End-World pit. Okay, this is all wicked. I hardly even took the time to really look at the art during this time because I really needed to know what was going to happen to Roland. But after a few pages (let's say 25 for clarity) the same story was told over and over and over and over. It kind of felt like when you are in Max Payne's nightmare and walking the blood tightrope and a baby is crying in the background, eerie, yes, but eeriness soon turns to frustration and annoyance. There are a few scenes during this part that are cool, but they seemed rushed. I know this is a graphic novel, but that does not excuse it from ignoring the most important aspect of a novel--STORY.
From there, Roland comes face to face with the Crimson King, which I think could have been way scarier than he was, but that's just the way my mind works. Roland and the Crimson King talk relations for a bit and then...well, I won't spoil the whole story.
I will say that this arc (five comics) does move the plot along, but it still felt inadequate in some way. Perhaps I am being unfair. I been known to be concerning stories that I really care about. Even with all my gripes, I will definitely be reading the next graphic novel in this series, TREACHERY.
RECOMMENDED
June 12, 2019
Not so keen on this volume regarding the story but the art work is still terrific.
May 12, 2013
This continues directly on from the graphic novel The Dark Tower Volume 1 The Gunslinger Born. Roland and his Katet are pursued by the Big Coffin Hunters and their posse after destroying the oil fields that Farson wanted for his war.
In the main series, Wizard and Glass, Roland looks into the pink looking glass and is changed, but we don't really know exactly what he sees. Well, this fills that gap. We also get more of Sheemie's story and the role he plays while Roland's mind is imprisoned in the Maerlyn.
Again the art and interpretation of the main story is pretty cool. Fans of the main series will really appreciate the extra lore we get regarding the Crimson King, his origins, and his relationship to Roland. Having said that, the plot is pretty lite on, and for those unfamiliar with the series and have yet to be enamored with the mystery surrounding the Crimson King, I think this might struggle to get 3 stars. Worse yet, it might spoil some of the process of discovery in the main series.
But for me, its 4 stars.
In the main series, Wizard and Glass, Roland looks into the pink looking glass and is changed, but we don't really know exactly what he sees. Well, this fills that gap. We also get more of Sheemie's story and the role he plays while Roland's mind is imprisoned in the Maerlyn.
Again the art and interpretation of the main story is pretty cool. Fans of the main series will really appreciate the extra lore we get regarding the Crimson King, his origins, and his relationship to Roland. Having said that, the plot is pretty lite on, and for those unfamiliar with the series and have yet to be enamored with the mystery surrounding the Crimson King, I think this might struggle to get 3 stars. Worse yet, it might spoil some of the process of discovery in the main series.
But for me, its 4 stars.
September 17, 2013
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths Reviews
I was killing some time at a Barnes & Nobles bookstore the other day and picked this graphic novel up. I’m a sucker for anything dealing with Roland the Gunslinger, especially back story regarding his younger years, so I figured this was a “can’t miss” for me. Unfortunately, I was wrong.
The story itself begins right after the death of Susan Delgado, as told so hauntingly by Roland the Gunslinger in “Wizard and Glass,” Dark Tower IV. Here, an emotionally devastated Roland and his friends have slipped into the town of Hambry to cut down Susan's charred body from the Charyou Tree, as Alain and Bert argue about whether this was an idiotic idea. Naturally, things turn toward the supernatural quickly as Roland “loses” it, firing at Maerlyn's Grapefruit, which instantly turns into an eyeball with tentacles. Said running eyeball attacks Roland, enthralling his soul, even as it incapacitates him. Of course- at this moment - a bunch of local thugs and the last Big Coffin Hunter appear, beginning a chase of our three friends, which drives the frenzied plot forward the rest of the book.
In my opinion, "The Dark Tower: Long Road Home" should best be viewed as a tribute to Stephen King's original story. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this graphic novel, because it is enjoyable, the fondness a reader feels while viewing it is mainly nostalgia from the return to King’s Mid-World, not an enjoyment from the story itself. No doubt, this tale was meant to be a “filler” of the events narrated in Wizard and Glass and the first Dark Tower book, but Peter David's narrative really just bounces around through events already mentioned in the Dark Tower novels without adding anything new to them. Well . . . in fairness to Mr. David, it does add one new tidbit: what became of poor, old Sheemie from Hambry. But even this bit of lore, which was the most interesting story arc in my opinion, was merely okay, nothing more than that.
As for the artwork, many of you will no doubt love the scenes created by Jae Lee and Richard Isanove here. Truly, the images spring off the page at a reader, bringing the story to life in a world filled with bright, bloody, red mist and shadowy twilight. All around, the reader sees shadowy faces, barren landscapes, fierce pursuers and vicious beings of techno-magic. Even during the dream-like sequences, Roland is shown trying to maintain his grip on sanity while existing in a hazy landscape full of withered trees, or “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” on acid as I viewed it.
Now, there is nothing inherently wrong with the backdrop that Lee/Isanove created for this story to move upon. No doubt, it arguable captures the horrid situation Roland the Gunslinger is experiencing internally at the death of Susan, his one true love, but it grew repetitive and overblown to me. After a few pages, the red, brooding background faded away as I tried to focus on the story, and in a graphic novel, this is not a good outcome for an artist. When reading a graphic novel, I personally want the artwork to both compliment the story and evoke some feeling within me, make me stop reading to soak in the backdrop, in awe of what the artist has created here. I never felt that in “Long Road Home,” just a constant sense that everything is red and dead.
If you're a Dark Tower junkie you probably should pick this up. If nothing else, it will satisfy your need for another “hit” of Roland the Gunslinger. On the other hand, if you've never read the Stephen King novel, I doubt this one would interest you at all.
I was killing some time at a Barnes & Nobles bookstore the other day and picked this graphic novel up. I’m a sucker for anything dealing with Roland the Gunslinger, especially back story regarding his younger years, so I figured this was a “can’t miss” for me. Unfortunately, I was wrong.
The story itself begins right after the death of Susan Delgado, as told so hauntingly by Roland the Gunslinger in “Wizard and Glass,” Dark Tower IV. Here, an emotionally devastated Roland and his friends have slipped into the town of Hambry to cut down Susan's charred body from the Charyou Tree, as Alain and Bert argue about whether this was an idiotic idea. Naturally, things turn toward the supernatural quickly as Roland “loses” it, firing at Maerlyn's Grapefruit, which instantly turns into an eyeball with tentacles. Said running eyeball attacks Roland, enthralling his soul, even as it incapacitates him. Of course- at this moment - a bunch of local thugs and the last Big Coffin Hunter appear, beginning a chase of our three friends, which drives the frenzied plot forward the rest of the book.
In my opinion, "The Dark Tower: Long Road Home" should best be viewed as a tribute to Stephen King's original story. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this graphic novel, because it is enjoyable, the fondness a reader feels while viewing it is mainly nostalgia from the return to King’s Mid-World, not an enjoyment from the story itself. No doubt, this tale was meant to be a “filler” of the events narrated in Wizard and Glass and the first Dark Tower book, but Peter David's narrative really just bounces around through events already mentioned in the Dark Tower novels without adding anything new to them. Well . . . in fairness to Mr. David, it does add one new tidbit: what became of poor, old Sheemie from Hambry. But even this bit of lore, which was the most interesting story arc in my opinion, was merely okay, nothing more than that.
As for the artwork, many of you will no doubt love the scenes created by Jae Lee and Richard Isanove here. Truly, the images spring off the page at a reader, bringing the story to life in a world filled with bright, bloody, red mist and shadowy twilight. All around, the reader sees shadowy faces, barren landscapes, fierce pursuers and vicious beings of techno-magic. Even during the dream-like sequences, Roland is shown trying to maintain his grip on sanity while existing in a hazy landscape full of withered trees, or “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” on acid as I viewed it.
Now, there is nothing inherently wrong with the backdrop that Lee/Isanove created for this story to move upon. No doubt, it arguable captures the horrid situation Roland the Gunslinger is experiencing internally at the death of Susan, his one true love, but it grew repetitive and overblown to me. After a few pages, the red, brooding background faded away as I tried to focus on the story, and in a graphic novel, this is not a good outcome for an artist. When reading a graphic novel, I personally want the artwork to both compliment the story and evoke some feeling within me, make me stop reading to soak in the backdrop, in awe of what the artist has created here. I never felt that in “Long Road Home,” just a constant sense that everything is red and dead.
If you're a Dark Tower junkie you probably should pick this up. If nothing else, it will satisfy your need for another “hit” of Roland the Gunslinger. On the other hand, if you've never read the Stephen King novel, I doubt this one would interest you at all.
February 22, 2022
This book made my top 10 fantasy reads from 2021, check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9pwG...
I love this world and the artwork is phenomenal but the first volume was superior. The story here just isn’t as interesting as what was delivered in volume 1.
What we get is Roland in a coma and his mates fleeing from the Big Coffin Hunters. We get some wacky Sheemie dark Pokemon evolution, and some dialogue from the Crimson King, but not much else.
I own volume 3 so I’ll keep reading, and hopefully the story picks up momentum.
I love this world and the artwork is phenomenal but the first volume was superior. The story here just isn’t as interesting as what was delivered in volume 1.
What we get is Roland in a coma and his mates fleeing from the Big Coffin Hunters. We get some wacky Sheemie dark Pokemon evolution, and some dialogue from the Crimson King, but not much else.
I own volume 3 so I’ll keep reading, and hopefully the story picks up momentum.
March 22, 2015
I love the Dark Tower series - let me just say that up front. If you haven't read it, you should. When I haven't read it in a while, I miss the characters, I miss the journey, I miss Mid-world. It's King's magnum opus for a reason, and I cherish every word.
I was a bit disappointed with The Gunslinger Born, the first of the series of Dark Tower graphic novels, simply because I was looking for something to add to what we already knew of Roland's journey, and the first graphic novel didn't do that. But thinking back on it now, I'm glad that we have a place marker to start us off so that we can fill in the gaps in this new medium.
I mentioned before that I cherish King's series, and I mean that literally. I've read them several times and I'm jonesing for a re-read right now. But with that being said, I'm always a little bit leery of other peoples' interpretations, especially visual ones, of a story I love so much. It can go horribly, horribly wrong, and since what has been seen cannot be unseen, I'm always afraid that my mind will forever equate the horribly wrong fanfic or whatever it is with my cherished story. That would be a tragedy.
But, luckily, these graphic novels do not have that problem. Yes, the characters are interpreted differently than I see them in my head. 14 year old Roland looks a little bit like a 45 year old Marlboro Man, and 14 year old Alain looks like he's 50-possibly-going-on-90. Because these are what really comes down to pen and ink drawings with high-tech coloring, simple lines can make a huge difference in an image. They aren't supposed to look like portraits.
One of my favorite images is Roland looking into Maerlyn's Grapefruit. He looks wistful, determined, angry and sad, lonely and accepting all at the same time. In just a simple drawing of him looking down. But it's deceptively simple, because these guys can do much with very little.
I loved the depiction of Cuthbert. In fact, I think I love Bert more in the graphics than I do in the books, hard as that may seem with all my gushing fan-girl drooling above. He plays such a small (but important) role in the books, and here he takes center stage more frequently. He is witty and charming and funny and has balls the size of boulders and guts of steel. The drawings of him were amazing. Again, so simple, but beautiful. At one point, and I promise I'm not lying because this is kind of embarrassing, I found myself just looking into one of the pictures where you just see a golden glint of eye in the shadows, and I was just... drawn in. I don't know how they do it, but these guys just come alive on these pages.
The one thing that I didn't care for is what I call the Peach-Fuzzy-Face-Effect. It seems like rather than giving the guys a bit of maybe a 5 o'clock shadow, their wispy peach-fuzz was kind of drawn on and blurred out, making their faces look distorted and strange. But that's just a small nitpick when it comes to the artwork.
Regarding the writing, I mostly loved it. I found myself laughing at times, between Bert and Alain's witty back and forth and the narration. I loved the narration. It felt as if I was sitting on a porch with a wily old grandpa who just loves to tell a good story and make it interesting, not tedious. So you WANT to sit there with some lemonade and hear what he's got to say, rather than waiting for someone to free you so that you can go do anything else. The narration was wry and humorous, like you could just see the narrator hoisting an eyebrow in the air while he spoke, but wise and honest too, so while you feel like he might be half-kidding, you don't dare question him, because deep down you know he's not. Unless he is.
Some of the dialogue between Bert and Alain sounded a little formal and illogical, like when they were attacked by mutant wolves and Alain says:
"Bert... If you were wondering WHEN would be a good time to get out of my line of fire... NOW would be good." (May not be the exact wording - I'm quoting from memory.) But the point is - If I was being attacked by wolves, and I had a gun and someone was standing between said gun and the wolves, I'd probably just say "MOVE!!!" or something equally succinct, not a soliloquy expounding the merits of not standing in the line of fire and in the way of some hungry mutant wolves.
But that's just me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this, and can't wait to get to the next one. :D
I was a bit disappointed with The Gunslinger Born, the first of the series of Dark Tower graphic novels, simply because I was looking for something to add to what we already knew of Roland's journey, and the first graphic novel didn't do that. But thinking back on it now, I'm glad that we have a place marker to start us off so that we can fill in the gaps in this new medium.
I mentioned before that I cherish King's series, and I mean that literally. I've read them several times and I'm jonesing for a re-read right now. But with that being said, I'm always a little bit leery of other peoples' interpretations, especially visual ones, of a story I love so much. It can go horribly, horribly wrong, and since what has been seen cannot be unseen, I'm always afraid that my mind will forever equate the horribly wrong fanfic or whatever it is with my cherished story. That would be a tragedy.
But, luckily, these graphic novels do not have that problem. Yes, the characters are interpreted differently than I see them in my head. 14 year old Roland looks a little bit like a 45 year old Marlboro Man, and 14 year old Alain looks like he's 50-possibly-going-on-90. Because these are what really comes down to pen and ink drawings with high-tech coloring, simple lines can make a huge difference in an image. They aren't supposed to look like portraits.
One of my favorite images is Roland looking into Maerlyn's Grapefruit. He looks wistful, determined, angry and sad, lonely and accepting all at the same time. In just a simple drawing of him looking down. But it's deceptively simple, because these guys can do much with very little.
I loved the depiction of Cuthbert. In fact, I think I love Bert more in the graphics than I do in the books, hard as that may seem with all my gushing fan-girl drooling above. He plays such a small (but important) role in the books, and here he takes center stage more frequently. He is witty and charming and funny and has balls the size of boulders and guts of steel. The drawings of him were amazing. Again, so simple, but beautiful. At one point, and I promise I'm not lying because this is kind of embarrassing, I found myself just looking into one of the pictures where you just see a golden glint of eye in the shadows, and I was just... drawn in. I don't know how they do it, but these guys just come alive on these pages.
The one thing that I didn't care for is what I call the Peach-Fuzzy-Face-Effect. It seems like rather than giving the guys a bit of maybe a 5 o'clock shadow, their wispy peach-fuzz was kind of drawn on and blurred out, making their faces look distorted and strange. But that's just a small nitpick when it comes to the artwork.
Regarding the writing, I mostly loved it. I found myself laughing at times, between Bert and Alain's witty back and forth and the narration. I loved the narration. It felt as if I was sitting on a porch with a wily old grandpa who just loves to tell a good story and make it interesting, not tedious. So you WANT to sit there with some lemonade and hear what he's got to say, rather than waiting for someone to free you so that you can go do anything else. The narration was wry and humorous, like you could just see the narrator hoisting an eyebrow in the air while he spoke, but wise and honest too, so while you feel like he might be half-kidding, you don't dare question him, because deep down you know he's not. Unless he is.
Some of the dialogue between Bert and Alain sounded a little formal and illogical, like when they were attacked by mutant wolves and Alain says:
"Bert... If you were wondering WHEN would be a good time to get out of my line of fire... NOW would be good." (May not be the exact wording - I'm quoting from memory.) But the point is - If I was being attacked by wolves, and I had a gun and someone was standing between said gun and the wolves, I'd probably just say "MOVE!!!" or something equally succinct, not a soliloquy expounding the merits of not standing in the line of fire and in the way of some hungry mutant wolves.
But that's just me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this, and can't wait to get to the next one. :D
October 17, 2019
The "Long Road Home" takes up where "The Gunslinger Born" left off. Roland and his ka-tet are on the run from the Hamby crew. Roland has Farson's grapefruit sphere and is drawn into it, to fight Marten and the Crimson King. That's it without getting too spoilery.
The Dark Tower comics consistently impress. Well written, in keeping with the novels and gorgeously illustrated these comics are at the top of their game. If you are a fan of the Dark Tower series, you can not go wrong with this wonderful comic. It also helps that Lee's wonderful art gives you a view of what these characters look like.
An impressive achievement and a must-read for any Dark Tower fan.
The Dark Tower comics consistently impress. Well written, in keeping with the novels and gorgeously illustrated these comics are at the top of their game. If you are a fan of the Dark Tower series, you can not go wrong with this wonderful comic. It also helps that Lee's wonderful art gives you a view of what these characters look like.
An impressive achievement and a must-read for any Dark Tower fan.
February 26, 2017
The second volume of the Dark Tower graphic novel series focused on Roland, Alain, and Bert does not disappoint. This story picks up where we left off in the first novel.
What really made this one so amazing to me is that Roland
The art is still fantastic and adds to my own imagination of certain characters and places in this universe. I very much appreciated the map of End World at the end of the series.
It's also wonderful to get new material on Roland and his ka-tet. We are outside the 4th novel of the series at this point in the graphic novel. With the rest of this series, I look forward to new discoveries about Roland and filling in the gaps of what I know from the books. I can't wait to read more.
What really made this one so amazing to me is that Roland
The art is still fantastic and adds to my own imagination of certain characters and places in this universe. I very much appreciated the map of End World at the end of the series.
It's also wonderful to get new material on Roland and his ka-tet. We are outside the 4th novel of the series at this point in the graphic novel. With the rest of this series, I look forward to new discoveries about Roland and filling in the gaps of what I know from the books. I can't wait to read more.
November 14, 2022
I’ve read The Dark Tower series in novel form and wanted to continue my love for this story with the graphic novels. I read the first book in this graphic novel series a while back and have finally picked up book two.
Book two: The Long Road, starts out with the death of a woman. I will refrain from naming her to control spoilers. Roland and his ka-tet are fleeing a town with a vengeful posse at their back. With them they carry a powerful orb. A looking glass connected to the Crimson King. However before long, Roland is swept up by the magic of the evil orb. Time is running out. He and his brother gunslingers must hurry back to Gilead before Clay Reynolds and the Big Coffin Hunters. They must warn Steven, Roland’s father that a war is coming.
Love being back in this world and having illustrations to go with the story is fun too.
Book two: The Long Road, starts out with the death of a woman. I will refrain from naming her to control spoilers. Roland and his ka-tet are fleeing a town with a vengeful posse at their back. With them they carry a powerful orb. A looking glass connected to the Crimson King. However before long, Roland is swept up by the magic of the evil orb. Time is running out. He and his brother gunslingers must hurry back to Gilead before Clay Reynolds and the Big Coffin Hunters. They must warn Steven, Roland’s father that a war is coming.
Love being back in this world and having illustrations to go with the story is fun too.
April 8, 2015
And so the sage continues - I will admit that the story kicks off right after the conclusion (and shocking that it was) first volume. Now I know that sounds obvious but I am still finding my feet with graphic novels especially ones which not only have a strong story arc but in fact rely on it.
The events portrayed in the book take part over a relatively short period of time - which suggests that unless this is a one off there will be plenty of action and plenty of material. The artwork as ever is atmospheric - giving what I think is the right mix of familiar and yet utterly alien - once you know the back ground to the Dark Tower series you start to realise why it is as such.
The events portrayed in the book take part over a relatively short period of time - which suggests that unless this is a one off there will be plenty of action and plenty of material. The artwork as ever is atmospheric - giving what I think is the right mix of familiar and yet utterly alien - once you know the back ground to the Dark Tower series you start to realise why it is as such.
October 22, 2023
Well this is the first time I have read anything in the Dark Tower story line, graphic novel or otherwise. This is vol 2 in the graphic novel series and covers Roland and his 2 friends as the head back home to Gilead.
The story is interesting and the villain The Crimson King, whom rumors abound is none other than Randal Flagg is engaging as well as obviously evil. But for me there are plenty of gaps, which I know are due to my not being more familiar with the characters, their story lines and the primary plot of the story.
The artwork I will say is fabulous as it gives a very clear picture of the hell that is End World. I also have Vol 4 which is Fall of Gilead, not sure when I will get to it but I will.
The story is interesting and the villain The Crimson King, whom rumors abound is none other than Randal Flagg is engaging as well as obviously evil. But for me there are plenty of gaps, which I know are due to my not being more familiar with the characters, their story lines and the primary plot of the story.
The artwork I will say is fabulous as it gives a very clear picture of the hell that is End World. I also have Vol 4 which is Fall of Gilead, not sure when I will get to it but I will.
December 23, 2013
The first entry in this series took Stephen King’s Wizard and Glass and converted it to the graphic novel format. That was a huge success, and The Long Road Home takes the next step by carrying the Dark Tower story into unknown territory. Writer Robin Furth fills in the white space following Roland’s adventures in Mejis, inventing a new story about Roland and his Ka-Tet as they fight their way back home to Gilead. The gunslingers deal with external dangers, while Roland battles the internal demons haunting him after the tragedy he experienced at Mejis.
The artwork in the first graphic novel was truly inspired, and the sequel is just as strong (especially the book’s depiction of the Crimson King). The Dark Tower universe is an illustrator’s dream, and Peter David really went all out and delivered some of the finest work I’ve seen in the medium. As for the story, Robin Furth had a lot to live up to in following Wizard and Glass, which is one of the best Stephen King tales I’ve read. I didn’t think the plot of The Long Road Home was quite as powerful as King’s Mejis arc. But I did think it was true to the source material – it definitely felt like a Dark Tower story – which is critical. And Furth’s plot had plenty of cool moments that kept me turning the page, particularly the sections focused on the Crimson King and his hellish realm.
Overall I really enjoyed this collection. The artwork is fantastic, and if the story feels like it’s setting up bigger and better things to come at times, that only whets my appetite for future installments. Dark Tower fans should definitely check out this graphic novel series, which through the first two story arcs feels like something special. 4 stars, recommended!
The artwork in the first graphic novel was truly inspired, and the sequel is just as strong (especially the book’s depiction of the Crimson King). The Dark Tower universe is an illustrator’s dream, and Peter David really went all out and delivered some of the finest work I’ve seen in the medium. As for the story, Robin Furth had a lot to live up to in following Wizard and Glass, which is one of the best Stephen King tales I’ve read. I didn’t think the plot of The Long Road Home was quite as powerful as King’s Mejis arc. But I did think it was true to the source material – it definitely felt like a Dark Tower story – which is critical. And Furth’s plot had plenty of cool moments that kept me turning the page, particularly the sections focused on the Crimson King and his hellish realm.
Overall I really enjoyed this collection. The artwork is fantastic, and if the story feels like it’s setting up bigger and better things to come at times, that only whets my appetite for future installments. Dark Tower fans should definitely check out this graphic novel series, which through the first two story arcs feels like something special. 4 stars, recommended!
July 16, 2015
2015- There is no denying the loveliness of the art work here, even the Criy, oh why did Lee decide to draw Susan as a 70's disco rollergirl? That small complaint aside, I feel these GNs really explain the orbs in a more elaborate way because of the visuals than the novels did.
2008-I'm not sure that the characters are depicted quite the way I pictured them in my mind, but they are very good renditions. Good enough not to detract from the story. I was a little put off by the speech patterns in the first installment, but having read the first five volumes of the Dark Tower series, I am more comfortable reading it. It seems to flow better, especially after reading Wolves of the Calla.
I'm looking forward to reading the next volume, and I guess that means the writers and artist did their job, right?
2008-I'm not sure that the characters are depicted quite the way I pictured them in my mind, but they are very good renditions. Good enough not to detract from the story. I was a little put off by the speech patterns in the first installment, but having read the first five volumes of the Dark Tower series, I am more comfortable reading it. It seems to flow better, especially after reading Wolves of the Calla.
I'm looking forward to reading the next volume, and I guess that means the writers and artist did their job, right?
September 7, 2010
3.5 stars. A good but not great second installment of the Dark Tower graphic novel series that began with The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born, which I thought was superb. I was hoping for better in this installment as Peter David, who I like as a writer, finally got a chance to write new material into the Dark Tower story. While interesting, the story lacked the emotional resonance of the first installment. Overall, it was pretty good, just not quite good enough for me to rate higher.
April 28, 2014
The thing with licensed comics was that most comic publishers tend to give it to their not quite A-List creators because they didn't want to pay premium money on talent especially if they've shelled out for the license. It wasn't the case here. Marvel put one of its best writers in Peter David and a magnificent art team in Jae Lee and Richard Isanove for the first two volumes of its The Dark Tower prequels.
I just finished the second volume and it made want to dig out my issues of the first arc so that I could read it again.
I just finished the second volume and it made want to dig out my issues of the first arc so that I could read it again.
November 17, 2017
People come and go, but the journey never ends! That's what happens in the follow-up to The Dark Tower. Even a boy, Sheemie, (re)joins the team, after meeting a Frankenstein-like figure inside a lab. I LOVE THIS BOOK!
December 17, 2017
Me ha spoileado gran parte de la saga... pero me ha dejado satisfecho a pesar de que el dibujo y la letra minúscula dejaba mucho que desear.
August 4, 2014
NOTE: the first part of this review is about the series, in general, and the last part covers this particular volume.
FROM MY REVIEW OF THE FIRST GRAPHIC NOVEL
I never got into the novel series but after reading this particular graphic novel I just might give it another try. This volume focuses on the Gunslinger before he became a legend in this post apocalyptic Spaghetti Western Fantasy tale. It covers the legends of his home realm life, how he earned his guns at an early age and his first mission which led to him meeting his first love.
King was creatively involved in the making of this graphic novel. I suspect this will be a spoiler on some level if I ever reach book four of the novel series but that's all right as I wasn't going to give King's series another chance until I picked this piece up.
The tone is dark, gritty and at times brutal and women don't have many options unless they hold a great deal of power. The artwork was impressively done with tight facial shots, focus on shadows and some nice running scenes sometimes all completed on one page. There's a nice map in the back to give you an idea of the overall world which I found very helpful as this was my first time experiencing the world. King was creatively involved in the making of this graphic novel. I suspect this will be a spoiler on some level if I ever reach book four of the novel series but that's all right as I wasn't going to give King's series another chance until I picked this piece up.
BOOK TWO
In this installment Roland (the future gunslinger) and his pals (known as a ka-tet which is something like blood brothers who will die for you) have succeeded in their undercover mission. Now they have to get back home but a good part of their journey is impeded by something similar to a “Seeing Stone” from LOTR and other fables except in this series it's called Maerlyn's Grapefruit and it sucks Roland into an alternate reality in which he deals with his own personal demons and actual demons and possible realities. Roland briefly meets the Crimson King, one of the higher up super villains in this tale.
The first issue topped the March comic sales figures, with an estimated 123,807 sold, 20,000 more than the next comic, New Avengers.
CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B to B; STORY/PLOTTING: B to B plus; ARTWORK: B plus to A minus; SETTING/TONE: B plus; OVERALL GRADE: B plus; WHEN READ: mid May 2012.
FROM MY REVIEW OF THE FIRST GRAPHIC NOVEL
I never got into the novel series but after reading this particular graphic novel I just might give it another try. This volume focuses on the Gunslinger before he became a legend in this post apocalyptic Spaghetti Western Fantasy tale. It covers the legends of his home realm life, how he earned his guns at an early age and his first mission which led to him meeting his first love.
King was creatively involved in the making of this graphic novel. I suspect this will be a spoiler on some level if I ever reach book four of the novel series but that's all right as I wasn't going to give King's series another chance until I picked this piece up.
The tone is dark, gritty and at times brutal and women don't have many options unless they hold a great deal of power. The artwork was impressively done with tight facial shots, focus on shadows and some nice running scenes sometimes all completed on one page. There's a nice map in the back to give you an idea of the overall world which I found very helpful as this was my first time experiencing the world. King was creatively involved in the making of this graphic novel. I suspect this will be a spoiler on some level if I ever reach book four of the novel series but that's all right as I wasn't going to give King's series another chance until I picked this piece up.
BOOK TWO
In this installment Roland (the future gunslinger) and his pals (known as a ka-tet which is something like blood brothers who will die for you) have succeeded in their undercover mission. Now they have to get back home but a good part of their journey is impeded by something similar to a “Seeing Stone” from LOTR and other fables except in this series it's called Maerlyn's Grapefruit and it sucks Roland into an alternate reality in which he deals with his own personal demons and actual demons and possible realities. Roland briefly meets the Crimson King, one of the higher up super villains in this tale.
The first issue topped the March comic sales figures, with an estimated 123,807 sold, 20,000 more than the next comic, New Avengers.
CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B to B; STORY/PLOTTING: B to B plus; ARTWORK: B plus to A minus; SETTING/TONE: B plus; OVERALL GRADE: B plus; WHEN READ: mid May 2012.
December 15, 2008
This is the graphic novel I've been waiting for in regards to the Dark Tower series. It's the first book to delve into the events that happen between "Wizards and Glass" and "The Gunslinger" chronologically speaking.
The good news is that the dialogue is worlds improved in this installment. What amazed me about the first graphic novel was how ham-fisted King's folksy Mid-World dialogue sounded when it was left by itself in little bubbles. Now that Peter David is writing without the training wheels of existing text he's doing a great job.
The story itself is very well done, with some fine poignant moments and really powerful imagery in spots. Seeing how Roland escaped the sinister sphere and what happened to the mentally disabled Sheemie filled in some interesting blank spots in the Dark Tower universe.
But the art is also an issue. I don't know if I've ever read a comic book with so many splash pages and other pages with no more than 2 or 3 panels. At times I really felt like they could have packed twice as much story if they'd simply used a less breezy layout style. Seeing a big fancy page showing the Crimson King's domain is nice and all, but some of us have been waiting a decade or more to read this story, so a little expediancy would be nice when it comes to pacing.
If you've read the Dark Tower books, and enjoyed even the first few, you'll enjoy this book. Everyone else is advised to stay the hell away. Even reading the graphic novel that precedes it won't help you understand what's going on very well since this is the sequel to the adaption of the 4th book of a series.
Otherwise, give it a look, it's more cohesive than the work of the author who created the series has been putting out in the last few years.
The good news is that the dialogue is worlds improved in this installment. What amazed me about the first graphic novel was how ham-fisted King's folksy Mid-World dialogue sounded when it was left by itself in little bubbles. Now that Peter David is writing without the training wheels of existing text he's doing a great job.
The story itself is very well done, with some fine poignant moments and really powerful imagery in spots. Seeing how Roland escaped the sinister sphere and what happened to the mentally disabled Sheemie filled in some interesting blank spots in the Dark Tower universe.
But the art is also an issue. I don't know if I've ever read a comic book with so many splash pages and other pages with no more than 2 or 3 panels. At times I really felt like they could have packed twice as much story if they'd simply used a less breezy layout style. Seeing a big fancy page showing the Crimson King's domain is nice and all, but some of us have been waiting a decade or more to read this story, so a little expediancy would be nice when it comes to pacing.
If you've read the Dark Tower books, and enjoyed even the first few, you'll enjoy this book. Everyone else is advised to stay the hell away. Even reading the graphic novel that precedes it won't help you understand what's going on very well since this is the sequel to the adaption of the 4th book of a series.
Otherwise, give it a look, it's more cohesive than the work of the author who created the series has been putting out in the last few years.
June 30, 2020
4.25 stars. Another great installment. Picking up from the last issue, Roland and his friends are dealing with the terrible fallout from the last book. During that moment, something happens with the pink orb they have and Roland is taken off the table for awhile. Rolands friends, Cuthbert and Alain now have to carry his body as they escape the reinforcements that are coming after them. The art crew continues to impress as this book is just as gorgeous as the last one. While trapped in the orb, Roland meets the main antagonist. Man they made that guy creepy as hell. Sheemie, the slow servant kid from vol 1 has some really cool moments here. This series so far has been awesome. Ready for the next book.
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