The Gunslinger Born (The Dark Tower Graphic Novels, Book 1) by Peter David, Stephen King, Robin Furth
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Book Reviews of The Gunslinger Born (The Dark Tower Graphic Novels, Book 1)
Book Review: It's good, but not great
Summary: 3 Stars
Speaking as a person who hasn't read any of the gunslinger books, nor any of king's novels, but as a comic book guru, this book was just okay. The hype on this book was huge, and countless reviews were in great supply for each single issue. Buying this i thought it'd be a guarentee masterpiece ala Watchmen or Dark Knight returns. What i can say is it's a great work of fantasy/fiction and an interesting look on a world that uses 6 shooters yet metaphysical elements.
The art is quite good, and it gives the book a very dreamlike quality. Some pages are poster worthy, and most are cinematic in tone. They do however show only snippets of this interesting world, and this limits the epic feel of things. It's rather a character piece or introduction than a masterful drop into the pool of king fantasy.
The story is really a coming of age story about our main character, and the fact that there are many books that follow this story, you can tell he's already been prewritten. I'm sure this book only heightens the other readings, but here it feels almost like a story of Jesus as a 12 year old would. You can tell there are great things for him, but you don't know why or what.
The story plays with certain themes, like innocents and responsibilities, and as a whole feels like only the first part of the main characters growth. Sure it ends with some pain and some accomplishment, he's still a very young boy. So, in that regard this graphic novel feels a little slighted in story and development.
For anyone looking for a great read this christmas I'd choose this if you have the buck, but it could be passed if you're looking for something a bit fleshed out more.
Get this if you like the films:
Serenity
Legend
Tombstone
Book Review: Fellow Constant Readers Rejoice!
Summary: 5 Stars
Absolutely loved this graphic novel!! What an amazing experience to see and read about Roland's roots. Stephen King, thank you for your brilliant epic works!!Book Review: I don't understand
Summary: 2 Stars
I really don't understand why Marvel would choose to leave out such a significant part of the stories. As has been mentioned, the individual issues each shipped with a narrative by Robin Furth. This narrative was, in my opinion, the best part of the deal. Rather then simply retelling the novels, these narratives added significantly to the whole gunslinger mythos. It was new material that fit wonderfully into the world and history of our beloved characters. It explained and elaborated upon things that I had been wondering about for years. Without it, despite the beautiful art and great pacing, I feel... well... cheated. I would have been much better off just buying the individual issues rather then waiting for the collection. Needless to say, I'm quite disappointed with my purchase. Book Review: Just Phenomenal
Summary: 5 Stars
Really incredible work by Marvel doing their best to bring the dark Tower's world to life. This graphic Novel tells the tale of Roland's first mission as a full-fledged gunslinger, and is taken almost directly from the pages of "the wastelands". Beautifully illustrated, wonderfully realised, and an absolute must for any fan of King, Bachman, the dark tower series, or just remarkably good fantasy in general.Book Review: Gunslinger born the movie
Summary: 5 Stars
To compare this graphic novel to its paperback predecessor would be unfair. Similar to books that are translated to movies, certain elements won't or simply cannot translate. As someone who has an afinity for reading comics, graphic novels and books I can say I highly recommend this book. When this medium does a good job it sucks you in to its world. From the first turn of the page you will be engrossed in and become part of the world of the gunslinger born. The writing and artwok are amazing. I was never a huge fan of Peter David's writing but his work here is astounding. I have been a huge fan of Jae Lee's artwork since his early days on Namor. This is by far his best work. Richard Isanove completes this story with his beautiful coloring.
This is a great coming of age story with interesting characters, politics and action to spare. You will not be dissappointed with this book.