NEW YORK – Wednesday, February 7, 2007 – World Fantasy Award-winning writer Stephen King, long acknowledged as the master of modern horror, and Marvel Comics have joined forces to launch a ground-breaking new comic book series adapted from King's magnum opus, The Dark Tower. The highly anticipated first issue of The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born hits shelves nationwide today.
Under the direction and guidance of Stephen King, the creative team of Dark Tower expert Robin Furth (Stephen King's The Dark Tower: A Complete Concordance), The New York Times-bestselling author Peter David, Eisner Award-winning artist Jae Lee and fan-favorite Richard Isanove, the seven issue series will expand the saga of King's epic hero, Roland Deschain, whose quest to save the Dark Tower is captured in seven best-selling novels published over the course of twenty-five years. The first arc of the Dark Tower comic series will delve into the life and times of the young Roland, revealing the trials and conflicts that lead to the burden of destiny he must assume as a man, the last Gunslinger from a world that has moved on. The comics will work in conjunction with the novels, further supplementing and defining the saga's mythology.
"As a lifelong fan of Marvel comic books, and as an adult reader who's seen comics 'come of age' and take their rightful place in the world of fantasy and science fiction, I'm excited to be a part of Roland's new incarnation," said Stephen King.
"Stephen King is a true literary master. We are thrilled beyond words to have him join Marvel on this exciting project -- the first visualization of The Dark Tower characters and stories in the sequential arts medium. The millions of Dark Tower fans are in for a real treat, and I'm sure many more will soon be hooked on this epic series through this historic comic project," said Joe Quesada, Marvel Entertainment's Editor-In-Chief and Chief Creative Officer, Publishing.
"The level of excitement and talent that Stephen King brings to the world of comic books is electrifying. We're proud and honored to be a part of what promises to be an industry-defining event," said Dan Buckley, President and Publisher of Marvel Entertainment, Publishing.
King will also join a special panel to discuss The Dark Tower comic series at New York Comic Con on Saturday, February 24, 2007.
Pocket Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, released the last three novels in the Dark Tower series (Wolves of the Calla, Song of Susannah, and The Dark Tower) in 2006. Available in paperback from Scribner is a two-volume concordance to the novels compiled by Robin Furth, who is also contributing to the Marvel comic project. Two new Stephen King novels were also released by Scribner in 2006—CELL (with a protagonist who just happens to be a comic book artist) in January, and LISEY'S STORY in October. 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.
To learn more about The Dark Tower: Gunslinger Born comic book series please visit www.marvel.com/darktower
Marvel Comics is a division of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel's operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel's strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com.
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