Graphic Novel Review – The Man in Black (Dark Tower Graphic Novel Series, Book 10) by Peter David and Stephen King (4/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Graphic Novel/Fantasy
Length: 136 pages
Publisher: Marvel
Release Date: January 15, 2013
ISBN-13: January 15, 2013
Stand Alone or Series: 10th book in the Dark Tower Graphic Novel series
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 4/5 stars

This is the tenth book in the Dark Tower Graphic Novel series and does a decent job of wrapping up the story arc. There is one more graphic novel in this set called Last Shots which is a compilation of Dark Tower stories. I enjoyed this volume and the artwork as well; it does a good job of wrapping up the story arc for the Gunslinger Born full length novel.

Roland and Jake journey under the mountain in Roland’s continued search for the Man in Black. At first Jake decides not to accompany Roland because the Man in Black says he will die if he follows Roland. Then Jake changes his mind and he and Roland journey through these dark tunnels together. They encounter rats and bats along with the more deadly Slow Mutants. However, the biggest peril both to Roland and Jake is when Roland must decide what he wants more; to build a life with Jake or to continue to follow his obsession.

I remember this part of the book being depressing and it was again depressing in graphic novel format. This is the book where we finally learn the depth of Roland’s obsession with the Dark Tower and learn that maybe he isn’t the hero we thought he was.

The artwork throughout is in beautiful full color and very well done. I love reading these graphic novels partly because of the beautiful and detailed illustration.

There are some very intriguing parts to the story as well. We learn more about how Jake’s world straddles Roland’s. In Roland’s discussion with the Man in Black we learn more about the Dark Tower and how it relates to space and time.

I really do enjoy the relationship between Jake and Roland. They are both tragic characters but still find some comfort in the father/son type of relationship they develop.

This was another excellent volume in the Dark Tower graphic novel series. I continue to enjoy the illustration, the complex characters, and the convoluted plot involving the Dark Tower. That being said this is one of the most depressing books of the bunch. I would recommend to those who enjoy dark fantasy graphic novels. I look forward to wrapping up the Gunslinger Born story arc with the final collection of stories; Last Shots.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– Graphic Novel Reading Challenge
– You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge