House of Cards

by Peter David (adapter), Robin Furth, Stephen King

Enter once more the world of Roland Deschain—and the world of the Dark Tower…presented in a stunning graphic novel form that will unlock the doorways to terrifying secrets and bold storytelling as part of the dark fantasy masterwork and magnum opus from #1 New York Times bestselling author Stephen King.

“The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.”

With these unforgettable words, millions of readers were introduced to Stephen King’s iconic character Roland Deschain of Gilead. Roland is the last of his kind, a “gunslinger” charged with protecting whatever goodness and light remains in his world—a world that “moved on,” as they say. In this desolate reality—a dangerous land filled with ancient technology and deadly magic, and yet one that mirrors our own in frightening ways—Roland is on a spellbinding and soul-shattering quest to locate and somehow save the mystical nexus of all worlds, all universes: the Dark Tower.

Now, in the second in the graphic novel series adaptation Stephen King’s The Dark Tower: The Drawing of the Three, originally published by Marvel Comics in single-issue form and creatively overseen by Stephen King himself, the full story of Roland’s saga continues. Sumptuously drawn by Piotr Kowalski, Jonathan Marks, Juanan Ramirez, and Cory Hamscher, plotted by longtime Stephen King expert Robin Furth, and scripted by New York Times bestselling author Peter David, The Drawing of the Three adaptation is an extraordinary and terrifying journey—ultimately introducing a generation of new readers to Stephen King’s modern literary classic The Dark Tower, while giving longtime fans thrilling adventures transformed from his blockbuster novels.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Horror, Epic

128 pages, Hardcover

Published April 21, 2020

About the author

aka David Peters

Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume of the graphic novel adaptation of the Dark Tower from Eddie's perspective capture the more well known and well-read Drawing of the Three tale of Eddie getting trapped with smuggling drugs on an American air flight in a toilet, and how he managed to not only escape but also execute payback on the gangster that forced him into the position. Spoiler Roland Deschain! Despite mostly reiterating the book, this one is so cool in an illustrative portrayal. Yet another Four Star, 8 out of 12 read for this world class adaptation.

2026 read

[Obsidian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again this is definitely a graphic novel for long time readers of The Dark Tower. No real surprises here, it's still "The Drawing of the Three" but now we have the big shootout with Eddie/Roland and Balazar and his gang. The main reason why I gave this four stars is once again I don't like how Roland and Eddie are illustrated in this. Eddie feels/looks too short and not like I had him in my head. I went eh about Roland too. 

So this graphic novel follows Eddie has fallen into Roland's world. He has heroin strapped to him and he has to either believe that Roland is real and so is the door or just go and get caught by the airlines. We quickly follow

So Eddie is getting a little of the groove that we see in the later books. And Roland (our gunslinger) drawing the first that will be his new ka-tet is less than impressed. But we quickly see the grudging respect between them build.

I did feel for Henry in this one. Heck, even Jack (not that much, but just a smidge). 

The writing is great and even though I know what is going to happen, I was still nervous. I will say that the scene we read about in books with Roland/Eddie taking on Balazar was a bit off and then I realized why. Eddie wasn't naked (LOL). 

I don't know why the illustrations are not grabbing me for all of the characters. Maybe because we saw some of these characters depicted in some of The Dark Tower standalone books. I will look up later to see if it is the same illustrators for that or what.

The novel ends with Roland ready to meet the lady of shadows.  

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

The conclusion of the Eddie Dean transition from our world to Midworld starts with Eddie caught between an airplane lavatory and on a beach with a very ill Roland.
Somehow, he must ditch the cocaine that he's carrying and convince the authorities that he's clean, and still deliver that same cocaine to the New York boss, Mr. Balazar.
Murder and tragedy force Eddie to make the fateful decision of staying here or following Roland on his quest for the tower.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Graphic Novel!