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
This issue offers a deeper look into the struggle of two man characters as they struggle to flee New York City. Typically a multiple plot narrative, writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa focuses this issue only on Rita and Larry. This couple, bound together solely by their resiliency to the Captain Trips virus, decides to travel to New Jersey through the ominous Lincoln Tunnel. Their hope is that only the city has been infected.
Playing off of their fears and weaknesses, Aguirre-Sacasa provides insightful character exposition by placing these two in the crucible. Imagine being one of the few survivors of a vicious plague and needing to escape through the Lincoln tunnel in the pitch dark? I like the brave choice of using numerous black panels to create the environment for the reader. The story is written well enough to carry through these moments. This issue gives us a truly horrific episode, yet is remains grounded and subtle.
Mike Perkins art is crisp and detailed. I find myself relishing his panels long after I read the text; that’s always a good sign. He can draw a gentle expression followed immediately by a disgusting image. His style fits great with this story.
For an ADD reader who wants a quick read, The Stand will disappoint you. I am really enjoying this, but it is patient and methodic in its pacing. If you like Stephen King and his heavy emphasis on character exposition, you’ll love this. This is truly an attempt to take a mammoth novel and translate into a comic book. It’s well worth your time, effort and cash.
4 out of 5
