As a seasoned comic book enthusiast with years of experience under my belt, I must say that Joe Hill’s Locke & Key is an absolute gem in the world of horror-fantasy comics. Having read and re-read the series multiple times, I can confidently say that the Netflix adaptation, while decent, simply couldn’t capture the magic of the original source material. The interplay between the supernatural, family dynamics, and coming-of-age themes is something only a comic book can deliver effectively.
Fans of Stephen King will be thrilled to know that a new, enhanced edition of one of the top graphic novels inspired by his work has hit the shelves this month. Titled “Sleeping Beauties: Deluxe Remastered Edition“, it can be purchased for $34 on Amazon. This graphic novel is an adaptation from the 2017 novel with the same title, co-written by King and his son Owen. While we suggest reading the gripping apocalyptic novel first (it’s a must-read!), you can still appreciate and enjoy this captivating adaption even if you haven’t read the original story beforehand.
PSA: You should read the original novel, too
The comic book version of the novel does an impressive job condensing the extensive storyline into a manageable 280-page narrative, despite being quite substantial for a graphic novel. Originally, a 720-page novel was to be transformed into a two-part series, which required significant reduction in the comic book adaptation. Consequently, it’s inevitable that much of the original novel had to be omitted.
If you decide to read the graphic novel first, it’d still be well-worth your time to dive into the prose novel after you’re done. The hardcover edition of Stephen and Owen King’s Sleeping Beauties is available for only $17 (was $32.50) at Amazon. That’s actually cheaper than the paperback edition, which is going for $20.63 at the moment. It’s also available in audiobook format for $21, or Audible Premium Plus subscribers can use their monthly credit to get the novel, which is wonderfully performed by Marin Ireland and has a runtime of roughly 25 hours.
Stephen King’s and Joe Hill’s Road Rage
Sleeping Beauties marked Stephen King’s unique collaboration with his son Owen, who penned books like Double Feature and The Curator. Interestingly, King has also joined forces with his eldest child, Joe Hill (pen name for Joseph Hillström King), on an exceptional tribute to Richard Matheson’s telefilm Duel. This collaboration ignited the directorial journey of Steven Spielberg in 1971. The novella Throttle, originally released as an audiobook along with Matheson’s story, was later published separately as a short story.
Joe Hill’s book Full Throttle contains a homage to Matheson and the novella he co-authored with his father, In the Tall Grass. This story was later made into a film by Netflix in 2019, although it received poor reviews compared to the original work. Previously, Stephen King’s Duel and Throttle were combined as Road Rage, a comic book series published as a four-issue limited series by IDW Publishing in 2012. You can purchase the hardcover version of Road Rage on Amazon for $20. It is also available as an ebook for $8, with Kindle Unlimited subscribers able to read it for free. Additionally, you can listen to the audiobook for approximately $7.
- Road Rage by Stephen King and Joe Hill (Hardcover Graphic Novel) — $20 (
$25) - Road Rage Audible Audiobook — $7 (
$10.79) - Full Throttle by Joe Hill (Paperback Collection) — $17 (
$19) - Duel by Richard Matheson (Paperback Collection) — $18 (
$20)
The Dark Tower Omnibus
King’s solo works have been transformed into numerous films and television series, yet only a fraction of his over 65 novels and countless short stories have been turned into comics or graphic novels. Regrettably, some of the most memorable adaptations are no longer in print.
It’s great news that Stephen King’s extensive work, The Dark Tower, was reprinted last year following Gallery 13 acquiring the rights to the Marvel comics series. Gallery 13 then published three substantial editions of The Dark Tower comics, which King oversaw creatively. These impressive hardcovers delve into intriguing adaptations and expansions of King’s sprawling dark fantasy saga.
Reading King’s captivating and ambitious novel series first would greatly enhance your appreciation of the comics. If you’re interested, a set of eight original King novels is available on Amazon for $90. Unfortunately, Marvel discontinued the series prematurely, so reading the novels is essential if you wish to discover how the entire story unfolds.
- The Dark Tower: Beginnings Omnibus (Hardcover) — $56 ($
100) - The Dark Tower: Gunslinger Omnibus (Hardcover) — $56 ($
100) - The Dark Tower: The Drawing of the Three Omnibus (Hardcover) — $55 ($
100) - The Dark Tower Complete Series (8-Novel Paperback Box Set) — $90 (
$161)
The Stand’s Comic Book Adaptation
King’s longest single novel, The Stand, also received a comic book series. Unlike The Dark Tower, Marvel finished the unabridged version of King’s novel in six story arcs spread across 31 issues. Unfortunately, The Stand has been out of print for many years, with the last release coming in 2013. Most volumes and the omnibus edition are difficult to find for remotely reasonable prices. But hey, there’s a seller on Amazon willing to part with the omnibus and the series companion book with bonus materials in “acceptable” condition for only $3,686.31 (plus $4 shipping). At the very least, you can pick up the first three volumes for actually reasonable prices from resellers at Amazon. We’ve specified used books, and some of the prices are rather ridiculous after Volume 3.
- The Stand Vol. 1: Captain Trips (Paperback) — $15
- The Stand Vol. 1: Captain Trips (Hardcover) — $25
- The Stand Vol. 2: American Nightmares (Paperback) — $23
- The Stand Vol. 2: American Nightmares (Hardcover) — $26
- The Stand Vol. 3: Soul Survivors (Paperback) — Preowned from $15 and up
- The Stand Vol. 3: Soul Survivors (Hardcover) — Preowned for $5.49 and up
- The Stand Vol. 4: Hardcases (Paperback) — Preowned for $41 and up
- The Stand Vol. 4: Hardcases (Hardcover) — Preowned for $59, New for $70
- The Stand Vol. 5: No Man’s Land (Paperback) — $34
- The Stand Vol. 5: No Man’s Land (Hardcover) — Preowned for $33 and up
- The Stand Vol. 6: The Night Has Come (Paperback) — Preowned for $60 and up
- The Stand (Novel, Hardcover) — $31 (
$55) - The Stand (Novel, Paperback) — $14 (
$22) - The Stand 2-Series Collection (Blu-ray) — $35 (
$45)
In two different instances, the television series adaptation of one of Stephen King’s novels, titled “The Stand,” has been produced – first in 1994 and then again in 2020, each time as a miniseries. You can purchase a Blu-ray compilation that includes both versions of this adaptation on Amazon for $35 (originally priced at $45).
The Stand is widely regarded as one of King’s best novels. If you’re a fan of apocalyptic fiction, the Complete and Uncut Edition is absolutely worth the time it takes to read King’s 1,100-plus page opus. The paperback edition is only $14 at Amazon, and the hardcover (with an awesome dust jacket) is available for $31.
The Talisman by Stephen King & Peter Straub
Beyond the extensive adaptations of The Dark Tower and The Stand, Stephen King’s comic book and graphic novel universe remains relatively limited. Apart from his full-length novel, The Talisman, co-authored with the late horror maestro Peter Straub, there have been few other comic book adaptations. The Talisman, being the first book in their duology, saw a six-issue adaptation between 2009 and 2010, including a Comic-Con-exclusive Issue 0. This series was compiled as “The Talisman: The Road of Trials“, which can still be purchased directly from Amazon for approximately $16. Unfortunately, the publisher Del Rey chose to cancel the planned sequel, A Collision of Worlds, leaving fans disappointed since The Talisman and its sequel, Black House, are highly acclaimed novels.
- The Talisman: The Road of Trials (Paperback) — $16.50
- The Talisman (Novel, Paperback) — $18 (
$21) - Black House (Talisman Sequel, Paperback) — $17 (
$20)
American Vampire by Scott Snyder and Stephen King
I find it fascinating that timeless classics such as The Shining, It, and Salem’s Lot haven’t been transformed into graphic novels yet, even though they have graced our screens on TV and in films numerous times. In fact, a new adaptation of Salem’s Lot is set to debut on Max this year!
Although ‘Salem’s Lot isn’t available as a comic, Stephen King contributed his writing skills to a different vampire tale from DC Comics. Specifically, he penned the first five issues of Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque’s American Vampire. It turns out that DC is planning to republish the initial 11 issues of American Vampire as part of its new Compact Comics Edition series, which will be available starting October 1. If you’re keen on this vampire story and would like to pre-order American Vampire: Book One for a special price of $10 from Amazon, that’s an option. After King’s five-issue stint, he stepped away from the series, but if you’re intrigued by the concept of vampire evolution throughout American history, consider picking up the sizeable omnibus editions at substantial discounts on Amazon: American Vampire Omnibus 1 costs $61, and Omnibus 2 is priced at $78.
- American Vampire: Book 1 – DC Compact Comics (Paperback) — $10 | Releases October 1
- American Vampire Omnibus 1 (Hardcover) — $61 (
$125) - American Vampire Omnibus 2 (Hardcover) — $78 (
$125)
Stephen King’s N. Graphic Novel
King’s less popular short stories and novellas are often used as inspiration for movies and TV shows, to the point where you might have seen adaptations without realizing it. However, unlike these mediums, his works have seldom been translated into comic books. One of the rare instances is a novella titled “N.”, which is a 123-page intricate story revolving around a psychiatrist who has recently passed away and one of his patients, who battles delusions and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
It might seem surprising that “N.” was chosen for a graphic novel adaptation, given its unusual origins. In fact, the animated series based on it was produced before the book was even published in Stephen King’s 2008 collection titled “Just After Sunset”. This limited edition DVD of the animated adaptation came included with the print version. Marvel Comics released a comic book adaptation in 2010, but unfortunately, the compilations of all four issues are now out of print, making them quite expensive. However, you can find pre-owned hardcover copies of “N.” for approximately $10 on Amazon.
Creepshow Graphic Novel
From 2007 to 2022, all the Stephen King comics and graphic novels that have been discussed so far fall within a 15-year span. However, King’s initial venture into this medium dates back to 1982 with “Creepshow”. King penned the screenplay for the horror-comedy anthology film directed by George Romero. Just a couple of months following the film’s premiere, a graphic novel adaptation of King’s script was released. This graphic novel, partially based on two of King’s short stories, can be found in paperback at Amazon for $15.
The classic anthology movie has seen several updated versions throughout time, such as a 4K Blu-ray packaged in a sleek steelbook container.
Two films following the Creepshow series were produced, but neither received positive reviews. Fortunately, the franchise regained its footing with a TV show on Shudder, which currently has 25 episodes spread across four seasons. Similar to the original and the graphic novel, this Shudder series follows an anthology structure, presenting two distinct horror stories in each episode. If you don’t have a Shudder subscription, you can still watch the anthology series on Blu-ray.
The comic book series from Image Comics was sparked by the Shudder series. Fittingly for this horror anthology franchise, the comics feature contributions from various guest writers and artists, including Garth Ennis (known for The Boys, Punisher, and Preacher) and Joe Hill, whose father penned the original. King is not part of the project. So far, two miniseries and several standalone issues have been released, with a new series starting on September 25.
The first two sets of the miniseries, consisting of five comics each, are compiled in “Creepshow Volume 1” and “Volume 2“. Additionally, there are two standalone comics, “Joe Hill’s Creepshow comic” and “Holiday Special 2023“, that aren’t part of those volumes but can be found in digital format. You have the option to purchase all 12 issues of Creepshow for Kindle individually at $2 each, or get them altogether for a total of $25.
- Creepshow (Graphic Novel, Paperback) — $15 (
$20) - Creepshow (1982) Limited-Edition Steelbook (4K Blu-ray) — $33 (
$40) - Creepshow (1982) Collector’s Edition (4K Blu-ray) — $26
- Creepshow 2 (Blu-ray) — $15
- Creepshow 3 (Blu-ray) — $30
- Creepshow: Season 1 (Blu-ray) — $25 (
$35) - Creepshow: Season 2 (Blu-ray) — $20 (
$35) - Creepshow: Season 3 (Blu-ray) — $14.79
- Creepshow: Season 4 (Blu-ray) — $15.39
- Creepshow Volume 1 (No. 1-5, Paperback) — $13.39 (
$15) | $8 for Kindle - Creepshow Volume 2 (No. 1-5, Paperback) — $15 | $12 for Kindle
- Creepshow: Joe Hill’s Wolverton Station (Kindle) — $3
- Creepshow: Holiday Special 2023 (Kindle) — $2
- Creepshow Comic Book Series (Kindle, 12 Issues) — $25
The King of comics in the family
I’m really disappointed that many of Stephen King’s comic and graphic novel works are hard to find these days, but luckily, his earliest creation, Creepshow, is still available. And if you’re eager for something fresh, there’s Sleeping Beauties: Deluxe Remastered Edition, his latest work.
If you’re on the hunt for additional comics and graphic novels penned by a contemporary horror maestro bearing the surname King, your search might be more fruitful if you explore the creations of Stephen King’s son, Joe Hill.
Similar to his father, Hill is a renowned author in the horror genre, boasting multiple published pieces under his belt such as Heart-Shaped Box, Horns, NOS4A2, The Fireman, and a compilation of four novellas titled Strange Weather. Notably, Horns was transformed into a film starring Daniel Radcliffe, while NOS4A2 (Nosferatu) was developed into an AMC series spanning two seasons. One of Hill’s stories from his initial collection, 20th Century Ghosts, which was released before his identity became public knowledge, was adapted into the chilling 2021 horror film The Black Phone. In addition to these prose works, Hill has also written numerous comic book series and graphic novels.
Locke & Key Compendiums & Box Sets
During the early stages of his writing career, Joe Hill gained significant success with the supernatural horror comic book series “Locke & Key,” which he co-created with artist Gabriel Rodriguez. The original run of this series spanned 37 issues between 2008 and 2013. A spin-off limited series titled “The Golden Age” consisted of eight issues as well. “Locke & Key” skillfully combines elements of supernatural horror, fantasy, and mystery. The story revolves around three siblings who, after their father’s tragic death, move into the family’s ancestral home known as Keyhouse. This peculiar place holds the power to open portals to both wondrous and terrifying realms.
The popular streaming service Netflix produced an excellent series based on Locke & Key, wrapping up in 2022 following three seasons. However, similar to many other adaptations, the original comic book source material stands out as superior. You can purchase several versions of this comic from Amazon with discounts.
To fully experience the mainline series as originally published across all three editions, you’ll want the complete package. However, for the most current content in the Locke & Key universe, it’s recommended that you also obtain “Locke & Key: The Golden Age.” Released as a hardcover in 2022 before the final season of Netflix adaptation, The Golden Age encompasses self-contained stories set within the Locke & Key world, including a fresh three-issue prequel. Additionally, there’s a deluxe edition titled “Locke & Key: Heaven and Earth,” which consists of three standalone one-shots.
- Locke & Key: Keyhouse Compendium (Hardcover) — $84 (
$125) - Locke & Key: Slipcase Set (Paperback) — $74 (
$100) - Locke & Key: Master Edition Vol. 1 (Hardcover) — $27.49 (
$50) - Locke & Key: Master Edition Vol. 2 (Hardcover) — $33.49 (
$50) | Third-party seller - Locke & Key: Master Edition Vol. 3 (Hardcover) — $34.39 (
$50) - Locke & Key: The Golden Age (Hardcover) — $23 (
$30) - Locke & Key: Heaven and Earth (Hardcover) — $14 (
$15)
Joe Hill: The Graphic Novel Collection
If you’ve finished reading Locke & Key or have no intention of diving into a story you’ve already experienced, Joe Hill’s graphic novel collection is worth exploring by horror enthusiasts. Joe Hill: The Graphic Novel Collection, which gathers five standalone graphic novels and miniseries, offers a fresh read for those seeking something other than Locke & Key. This 484-page paperback is somewhat elusive, with new copies priced around $50 on Amazon and Walmart. However, preowned copies in excellent or good condition can be found at competitive prices as low as five to ten dollars on these platforms.
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2024-09-11 18:11