In this age of cell phones, blackberries, text messaging, the internet, and anything else I may have forgotten that provides citizens of the modern world with instant gratification, it’s sad to say not as many people read us much as they should. Hell, many don’t even read at all.
Too bad for them, because more often than not these days, I’m finding the best horror is on the printed page, not the silver screen.
This brings me to one title that many would consider a daunting read, especially when you factor in its 1200 pages. I’m referring to Stephen King’s magnum opus The Stand. Originally published in 1978, then reissued in its original and uncut form in 1990, King’s tale is the ultimate battle between good and evil in a post-apocalyptic world after a virus has wiped out the majority of the populace, leaving two warring factions, one a benevolent band of freedom fighters, the other a malevolent horde lead by the diabolical Randall Flagg.
The Stand was adapted into a mini-series in 1994, which was directed by King regular Mick Garris. And, folks, it looks like it’s going to be adapted again (sorry, it’s not a trilogy of films). This time Marvel Comics is taking a pass at this classic, and it hits stores tonight. A bit of an early delivery, if you will, one for those fanboys that just can’t wait to get their mitts on it.
So if you’ve always wanted to check King’s story out but found the 1200 pages intimidating now’s your chance to get a great visual interpretation of the yarn. Perhaps after reading the adaptation it’ll inspire you to check out King’s legendary masterpiece.
Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, penciled and inked by Mike Perkins, with covers by Lee Bermejo, The Stand: Captain Trips issue one of five will be going on sale at midnight at the following locations here.
Still on the fence? Check out the preview UGO has posted, and hopefully that will steer you toward picking up the first issue.
For more details check out Marvel’s The Stand site.