A deadly flu-like virus “Captain Trips” has killed 99% of the world’s population and a handful of survivors, for some unknown reason, are immune.  The Stand, one of Stephen King’s masterpieces, is translating into comic book smoothly.

With each page, it’s ascending an old-wooden rollercoaster, hearing the slow clicks of the gears as you prepare for the drop.  Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa adapts this series with the same deliberate, creepy pace as did King in the original.  Allowing each character to simmer in their own nightmares, it is like watching simple but tasty ingredients bubble in a Crockpot.  Stu Redman befriends an old artist and his dog. Frannie and Harold leave their hometown in search of others.  Lloyd Henreid, imprisoned for murder during the outbreak, is slowly starving to death in his jail cell.  A visit from the Walking Man leads to Lloyd’s escape and a deal with the devil.

Artist Mike Perkins does a fine job creating pages with narrative and no dialogue.  Through a handful for pictures, the American landscape post-Captain Trips is effectively created.  His detailed style captures each character with precision and warmth.

The Stand is a high quality romp through a nightmare that can only come from the mind of Stephen King.

4 out of 5

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