The Stand # 1 Review

The Stand #1
Stephen King’s The Stand won readers over with its scripture-like telling of a plague that sweeps across the world, killing everyone, expect those fortunate enough to experience the utter chaos of good vs. evil. As a novel, The Stand is an American classic, creating a crystal clear picture of the events and characters strewn throughout its 1200 pages.

Now, with Marvel’s latest 5-part comic adaptation of the timeless tale, readers now have those pictures already drawn out for them in pristine detail – all the blood, guts and goo one can imagine, and then some.

Unlike other adaptations that fail to stay true to the main highlights of the original text, one should not worry about this comic’s continuity. There is only one big difference in the first issue’s opening scene compared to the opening chapter of the book.

Perhaps the series script writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa felt that a bit of back-story was necessary, showing the origins of the plague that runs rampant throughout The Stand. And if it’s any consolation, Stephen King, the master of horror himself, is both the Creative Director and Executive Director for the series.

The main characters of The Stand are all admirable in their own ways. Stu Redman, the series’ hero, doesn’t say much, only interjecting himself when needed. Readers may notice early on that Redman is the ultimate badass, though. His quiet, yet powerful presence is the only hint one needs to assume a future, epic showdown.

Frannie is another character worth following. An unexpected, life-changing event alters the course of things before the plague hits, perhaps setting things up for the future. It seems that Frannie is good at keeping her composure, able to keep her cool and see things for what they are; she is a straight shooter who just so happens to be a bit confused as well.

And then there is Larry Underwood, the drug-addled rock star struggling with the pressures under the spotlight. Readers may root for Larry as the story develops, since he runs to his mother when no one is left to umbrella his downfall. He tries to weather the storm by himself until he realizes His scene is quite unique. Readers who have read the novel will be amazed by the continuity of his story. The images in the comic are spot on to what would be formed in the mind while reading the original text.

The art and color is fantastic throughout the book. The Mike Perkins-Laura Martin duo does the scary nature of the text justice, making truly horrific scenes nearly jump out, bopping steady noses everywhere. Plague victims are hard to ignore when their puss-filled growths are oozing across the page.

Comic fans have much to look forward to if the first issue of The Stand is any hint of what is to come.

4.5/5 stars