Marvel Takes The Stand

If you have never read The Stand, let me forewarn you: it is a Victorian novel. The reason I say this is because, if you do not know this and you do not know what this means, you are going to hate the ending.

It wasn't until years after I'd read The Stand that I came to appreciate it, though I never read it again; when I first read it back in highschool, I absolutely hated it. I felt so cheated by the ending, mainly because of the breadth of the book. However, when I learned more about writing and learned the tenets of Victorian novels, I realized The Stand is, point-by-point, a quintessential Victorian novel.

Further, a whole lot of people really love it, so this Apocalyptically-official press release from Marvel Comics should thrill them:

NEW YORK – Through a licensing agreement with The Doubleday Broadway Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc., Marvel Publishing joins forces this fall with World Fantasy Award-winning writer Stephen King, long acknowledged as the master of modern horror, to bring to life in the graphic fiction format one of the most revered and influential novels ever published: The Stand. A strong influence on every major pop culture genre from Top 40 songs to the hit TV show LOST -- this seminal work has been translated into twenty-two languages and has sold more than 4.5 million copies in the U.S. alone since its publication in 1978.

Critically acclaimed as one of King's greatest works, The Stand presents a post-apocalyptic world in which a band of unlikely heroes must come together to fight one of the most memorable villains in any genre: Randall Flagg. After a super-flu virus escapes a military station, the epidemic wipes out 99.4% of the world's population. As the remnants of humanity try to find their way to the safe haven known as "the Free Zone" to rebuild society, they find themselves opposed by a group led by Flagg. The two surviving camps must face off for the fate of the human race.

"There's nothing more interesting--and more fun--than seeing an old work take on new life in a new medium." states Stephen King. "I've enjoyed working with Marvel on The Gunslinger series, and am excited about this collaboration regarding The Stand, which will bring Stu Redman, Frannie Goldsmith, Lloyd Henreid, and Randall Flagg to a new audience."

The comics will be presented as a limited series based on The Stand: The Complete & Uncut Edition to give the most depth and detail possible in this first ever graphic visual adaptation. The comic series will be available in comic book stores across the country with the first installment available in September, 2008. As with previous partnerships, the entire saga will be overseen by King as the Creative and Executive Director on the comic book series.

"Having the opportunity to visualize another Stephen King epic in the comic book format for both new and old readers is incredibly exhilarating," says Marvel's Editor-in-Chief, Joe Quesada. "And it's just an absolute thrill for Marvel -- and for me -- to be associated with one of the greatest authors to have walked this green earth!"

The series will be adapted by award-winning playwright and writer of TV's Big Love, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Marvel's Fantastic Four and Sensational Spider-Man). Harvey award-winning Captain America artist Mike Perkins will be illustrating the series.

"The Stand being adapted as graphic fiction is truly a momentous event for both Marvel Publishing and reading audiences alike!" exclaims Ruwan Jayatilleke, Vice President of Development, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. "While we continue to publish compelling fiction with our iconic Super Heroes, Marvel is also applying that same skilled storytelling, creative energy and tremendous momentum to intellectual properties like The Stand — resulting in groundbreaking works in the comic book format."

Having written over 40 novels, Stephen King is one of the most popular writers of all time, and is undoubtedly the world's leading horror writer. His books have been translated into 33 languages and published in over 35 countries. Currently, more than 300 million copies of his novels are in print.

© C Harris Lynn, 2008