The Talisman, Volume 1: The Road of Trials

The Talisman: The Road of Trials #0-5

by Robin Furth (Adaptor), Stephen King, Peter Straub

The spellbinding saga of The Talisman is now a stunning graphic novel, vividly illustrated by artist Tony Shasteen. Here’s a bold new look at the classic tale of treachery and betrayal that could only have sprung from the imaginations of master storytellers Stephen King and Peter Straub.

In a run-down amusement park on a desolate beach in New Hampshire, thirteen-year-old Jack Sawyer is about to learn some hard truths—about his father’s death, about why he and his mother are on the run from his sinister uncle Morgan, and about the real nature of the mysterious realm Jack once called the Daydreams. Now, with help from his newfound friend Speedy Parker, this young man will reclaim his identity as Travellin Jack and make his first foray back into the Territories to retrieve the magical Talisman, an object of immense cosmic significance. Yet even more important to Jack, the Talisman holds the key to saving his mother’s life. In the Terrorities, where monsters lurk, evil watches, and an unbelievably precious prize awaits, Jack embarks upon a desperate quest to fulfill a destiny he never sought but cannot escape.

The Talisman: The Road of Trials comprises Issues 0 through 5 of the thrilling comic book series and features original, never-before-seen material, including interviews and early sketches. Be warned: Once you’ve seen the Talisman, nothing will ever be the same.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Horror, Fantasy, Comics, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Suspense

160 pages, Hardcover

First published May 4, 2010

About the author

Robin Furth is the personal research assistant to Stephen King and the author of Stephen King's The Dark Tower: A Complete Concordance, which was published by Scribner on December 5, 2006. It is a compilation of her two previous encyclopedic books dealing with King's magnum opus, The Dark Tower: A Concordance, volume I - which explores the first four books in King's series - and A Concordance II, which gives the reader definitions and explanations of pivotal terms used over the course of the final three books of The Dark Tower. She is now currently working on the graphic novel adaptation of the Dark Tower for Marvel Comics.

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Talisman is one of my favorite Stephen King books. I love Jack, and Wolf, and the whole story really. It's a fantastic adventure, quest, coming-of-age, horror story... all rolled into one.

So when I found out that they were adapting it into Graphic Novel form I was very excited about it. Unfortunately, despite many attempts, I've yet to make money grow on trees (or shrubs, bushes, potted plants, flowers or the cats -don't ask-), so I didn't just rush out to buy this one as soon as it hit shelves. But, by a lucky coincidence, I found this available for a fraction of the retail price at a bargain store near me. I snagged it faster than you can say "Alacazam!". I bet that's pretty fast, too.

One thing I love about graphic novels is that the artwork tells its own story. Not only does it fill in details of the story that it's just not practical to spell out textually, but it also can tell a different story - adding in a look, or an expression, or a perspective that might not have been in the original text, but works in this format.

For instance, in the scene on the Outpost Road, where the Kingsland Ale was spilled and all the townspeople were getting plastered, a whore lifts her skirt, and Jack's face is priceless.

I have always seen him as more mature than his years, and yet here he is, gawking up some tart's skirt like the twelve year old he is.

And then there's this. This man has absolutely nothing to do with the story. I think they just wanted to draw a man wearing nothing but his boots and a wolf's head. Wait, wait, no... Be sure not to miss the lower right frame. ;)


Just pure awesome.

I liked quite a bit of the artwork in here, but then there are some drawings that just make everyone look far older than they are. Jack is twelve, but in some of the drawings, he could be 30, or 40 even. If you look in the whore drawing, the "hee hee" whore has lines on her face that make her look old and ragged. Maybe she's supposed to look like that, but a 12 year old boy shouldn't. He's barely even started on his quest at this point.

Other than that, I thought that the adaptation was well done. We have the usual conversational tone of a Robin Furth adapted Stephen King novel. It gives us the jist and moves the story along nicely, without skipping over too, too much.

All in all, I very much enjoyed this one, and can't wait for the next volume. :)

[Kirsten · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really love the novel this comic is based on, so it was disappointing to find that the graphic novel is not very well done, in my opinion. The action feels very slow and lacks the urgency of the novel, which is kind of surprising -- one would think that things would move faster in a comic book, or at least feel more fast-paced. I also really didn't like Tony Shasteen's artwork; people often look oddly proportioned, and their faces and heads in particular seem misshapen, with foreheads looking unnaturally large in one panel, and oddly squished in another. Nei Ruffino and JD Mettler do a workmanlike job with the coloring, although it has a computer-colored, slick look that I also don't particularly care for.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where is Volume 2 Mr. King and Mr. Straub???
Your fans are waiting!

[Sophie Wiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolf! Fantastic book. Black House next.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good start. I wish there was a next volume!

[Alondra Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I miss this story of old Travelin' Jack. I also miss the depth of the DT Graphic novel series. Granted this is the first book in this series; but with DT, we received so much background info that it was almost better than the books. No matter, as a Constant Reader, I will read this entire series, if they ever decide to finish. *sigh*

[Jared · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts with a preview that isn't in the original book. It shows the main character, Jack as a 6 year old child. He is called Travelin' Jack, as he can travel between our world and the Territories. It also shows his father in this world and the other world, and how the conflict started with greedy men trying to gain power in each world. Most characters in the book have a Twinner-one in each world. The reader learns that Jack's dad has died in both worlds. Jack's mother, who is dying of cancer in this world, is the Queen in the Territories, and will not wake up. Men are waiting for her to die so they can take over the Territories. If Jack's mom dies in either world, the Twinner will die too. This volume shows Jack traveling as a teenager to the Territories trying to save his mother and the Queen by finding the Talisman.

The artwork is full color, although the tones are the same. There are panels and the artwork shows the modern world with modern people and items, and the Territories as being older and more medieval-like. There are captions and speech bubbles.

This book was a little confusing at first with all the characters and flipping between worlds. However, it is starting to make more sense. I want to read the next volume to see what happens to Jack.

The theme is good vs. evil and how greed affects people. In the prequel, we see Prince Philip (Jack's dad) speaking to Morgan. Morgan makes a comment about how in debt he is to Philip for teaching him to travel between worlds and make his fortune. Morgan wants to bring modern electricity to the Territories, and Philip won't allow it. Things change and become dangerous when slipping between worlds. Morgan is upset because fortunes could be made. Philip gets killed here and in the Territories. Morgan remains greedy in both worlds, and the rest of the book shows him trying to stop Jack and his mother in this world and the Territories. If Jack gets the Talisman and saves the Queen and his mother, Morgan's plans will be ruined.

[Traci Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Stephen King novels. I own almost everything he's written and have read a great deal of his books. Talisman, however, is one of the few I haven't read. So I wasn't sure I should pick up the graphic novel first... but of course that didn't stop me.

The art in the graphic novel is beautiful... it's got the same quality that drew me to the art of Brian K. Vaughan's Runaways series. Hard to describe, but the characters all have a sort of rounded, soft look to them, and the colors are really vibrant. Simply gorgeous.

The story itself was a little confusing... I'm not sure if this is just because I haven't read the real book, or if it's just a bit of a complex story. But I soon grasped hold of the threads. I was just getting into it when it ended, actually, so I hope the second volume is A) in my library soon and B) doesn't take quite as much time to get into as the first.

Also, having read this, I was inspired to put a request in at the library for the audiobook of Talisman, so that I could read the "real" story as well.

[Marco · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was really terrible.

I've always had a passing curiosity to the depth and design I've perceived in King's Dark Tower books. Reading the plots of some of his books and reviews of them, they seem like the kind of books I would like, but they never are. In fact, they're typically surprisingly hackish.

Is this graphic novel true to the novel by Stephen King and Peter Straub, I'm wondering? Part of me hopes not.

Separate from the story itself, this is bad comic booking right here. As far as sequential art goes, this is just terrible. The art is stilted and paced horrendously. I would think that having King's name on this, Marvel would put a little more talent into this affair, but that's just another thing I was wrong about apparently.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Talisman is my favorite King book of them all - it was such a departure, plus one of the first stories to really delve into the worlds of the Dark Tower. Because of that predisposition to enjoy it, I loved this book - although I feel they crammed far too much into this first book. The horrific happenings at the Oatley Tap - and the length of time Jack was trapped there, were glossed over in just a page or two. Still, even as Talisman light, it was fun and satisfying to see the story I love so much in graphic novel format.

[Matthew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Based on the great novel by Peter Straub and Stephen King, I went in with high expectations on this one. Especially since Robin Furth was/is involved with adapting King's Darktower series to comics. I like the artwork and the basic story (it is pretty much a classic now) but the adaptation felt very clunky to me. It was slow, I felt no connection to the character and I really had to force myself to read it. Maybe I went in with too high expectations, but I say skip this one.

[Johnny Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a fan of this novel originally and then to have it adapted into a comic...awesome is an understatement. My geek level went very giddy when I saw this in the library and it was a no brainer to get it out.

If you've never read the original King/Straub collaboration, shame on you, go read it now! A horror fantasy that just screams epicness.

Now add beautiful artwork, rich and dark, this really does work as a comic, now I have to find and read the rest of them.

[Michelle Morrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, there's a lot more depth and meaning to this now that I've read all the Dark Tower books. I might have to dig out the novel itself, after these graphic adaptations play out.

[Rachel Bridgeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The Road Of Trials’ is the volume 1 bind up of issues 0-5 of what should have been the full length novel adaptation fans were hoping and praying for. Instead, the Stephen King/Peter Straub adapt only lasted for this one, precious volume. I am hopeful , e, there was a massive break in the Dark Tower Graphic novel series and I think there is another one now, so maybe we will all light out for the Territories again soon?

I had totally forgotten that this was a Titan comic, as well as producing beautiful coffee table books about the art and making of movies and tv shows, they create wonderful graphic novels too of well known characters such as ‘Doctor Who’, ‘Blade Runner’ and Benedict Cumberbatch era ‘Sherlock’

As well as comics regularly coming out on a monthly basis, they have graphic novels also and it was whilst I was collating my novels to create an accurate data base of what I have (and don’t have) read (and haven’t read) that I recognised the familiar logo on the side of the Talisman, hiding on my Stephen King bookshlef.

Opening it took me down memory lane, it was such a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon, back in the world of Travellin’ Jack, Speedy Parker and the world of the Territories. I wasn’t sure how , or where they would start this classic story, but knowing that King alumi Robin Furth was involved, as well as illustrator Tony Shasteen, J.D Mettler ,and Nei Ruffino , with lettering by Bill Tortolini, with final approval from King and Straub themselves, you know you are in safe hands.

The feel of this book is gorgeous, the quality of the paper speaks for itself and is reflected in the lush colours, and the clever way which they flip us,and the characters, between the Territories and here.

They manage to cover a fair amount of ground given that there is only a prequel and 5 issues in the world, at present, however, this is a graphic novel which I will keep, in case others will come to keep it company on the shelf with The Stand and The Dark Tower adaptations (both by Marvel).

The writers manage to play a bit loose with the timeline but that really is ok as taking a massive novel and putting it in bite sized chunks isn’t, I’d imagine, an easy task.

They set up the difference between our world and that of the Twinners, explain how Speedy is the conduit for Jack getting to save the life of not only his mother, the dying Lily Cavanagh, ‘Queen of the B’s’ as she is known, and her Twinner, in the Territories, Laura De Loessian. If one dies, the whole world falls and with Jack’s evil uncle trying to stop him, this is a little boy on the precarious edge of teenagerdom, lacking in adults to guide him, who has to grow up pretty damn quick. His quest for the titular Talisman will take him from one coast of America to the other, using Speedy’s magic juice to ‘flip’ over to the Territories should things become difficult here, for a boy travelling on his own.

There are some rules-for example, he cannot flip over water in case he drowns, or in a plane in case he performs a dive Icarus would be proud of.

With alternate covers, as well as pen and ink development sketches, it is quite sad seeing what might have been, however, when you finish the possible final frame of your comic run introducing one of the best characters King (or Straub) ever invented, Wolf, you know that unfinished as it is, you still hold something pretty special!

[Jessika Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic novel made for a quick read that I really enjoyed.

The Talisman is one of my favorite books. It is an AWESOME epic story. Naturally, I was excited to find this adaptation of it, and I loved it.

I think that's where a lot of people struggle with this one. Going in, you've got to remember that this isn't the WHOLE story...it's an ADAPTATION. The Talisman is a very complex tale. If you haven't read it, you probably won't get what's going on here. That's not to say you absolutely won't enjoy it, but don't expect to have it all spelled out for you either. I don't think that is necessarily anyone's fault on the production team, I think that's just what happens when you adapt a comic book series from an 800 page novel. I think you should definitely read the novel before attempting this.

::End of soapbox rant::

Anyway, I really liked this & I was kinda surprised by that. I'm not a huge fan of this style of artwork, but the more I read, the more I thought it was really befitting to this story.

I'm VERY bummed out that the second volume to this appears to be on an indefinite hold, but I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that this will change (soon)!

[Daniel Hruskocy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have this in the single editions (0-5) that published a long tiem ago. Just got around to reading them and was captivated, but now I am quite sadden by the fact that this is essentially one small part of a much more ambitious plan that was never realized... The other parts of the graphic novelization were never made or released and this ends on a comic-style cliff hanger than is essentially going to force me to TBR "The Talisman" novel by King and Straub (and likely "Black House" - the sequel to the same)...
Artwork was OK and Robin Furth was involved in this BEFORE the Dark Tower graphic novels were made, but it is not quite as nice (though still 1,000 X greater than anything I could manage!). I really have owned a copy of "The Talisman" for more than 30 years and moved it at least 6 times (or more) without ever reading it yet...this little graphical novel snack though has stirred a desire to read the source material now that was not previously high on my TBR ambitions...

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars. This thing is an absolute mess. The “Prologue” is a failed attempt to introduce the twin world concept, which is handled with such awkwardness that I imagine some readers who hadn’t read the novel were likely confused. The characters look like the doughy types one would find on King of the Hill (that is to say, comic parodies), which is why I imagine the editor took such pains at the end of the volume to emphasize that several versions were drawn, and the final types were personally selected by King and Straub. This had the not-so-subtle effect of blame-shifting: “Don’t criticize for the goofy character artwork! Blame Steve and Pete!” I’m not surprised they cut the project after the first story arc. Anything more would have been too painful to tolerate.

[Tom Lucas · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had this on my shelf for years. Currently going through a Talisman re-read and so after reading the section of the book that this graphic novel adapts, I thought it would be fun to compare.

Unfortunately, I found it lacking. So much is cut for space that ultimately the charm of the story is lost.

There is mention of how the art will most likely not line up with a reader's expectations as we all create our own vision of the characters and setting.

Their estimation was correct. The art is good enough. The interpretation felt underwhelming. A shame, as there is concept art in the back of the book that shows how hard they worked on it.

[Caitlin Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so confused, if this came out in 2010 where is Volume 2? I've searched online and haven't found it. Has it not been published yet? Is it ever going to be? Oh man, my OCD is kicking in. This is why I don't read online web comics. Because they almost never finish... But this is a physical copy... I kinda feel like I was catfished. We only got as far as Wolf. I hope they finish the rest of the story... starting next year at least. I've gotta finish my reading list for this year still.
Thank you for the stories.

[Ahdom · Rating 4 out of 5]

It really is a shame that this didn't get to complete it's intended run because it is a perfect medium for this story. The book, in my opinion, could have had better pacing. That is something this graphic novel did not have any issues with and was filled with fantastic artwork. Maybe one day we will get to see this adapted again?

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book version of the Talisman and I had no idea there was a graphic novel adaptation as well. Great introduction to the story and stuck fairly close to the source material. Introduction of a memorable character right at the end of volume 1. Can't wait to read more!

[Jim Skypeck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not realize that there were not going to be sequels to this graphic novel when I borrowed it from the library. I loved the book so thought a GN version would be excellent. How disappointing that this volume ends with no follow-up.

[Andreas Acevedo Dunlop Strom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE The Talisman, so I was very sceptical about reading this comic. Turns out it was pretty good, but a shame the next series never came out. I hope it surfaces one day.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why is Del Rey serializing this? Bad move on their part. Decent art. All exposition, like 100%. Didn't do anything for me.

[Tory · Rating 1 out of 5]

No. Really bad adaptation.

[Caroline Thomson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright, it's not the novel but it's by no means terrible...and let's face it, WHO was going to get Wolf right? Did the rest get done as I can't seem to find them?

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the book. Wish they would continue the series though.

[Stéphane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great adaptation. Gorgeous art and a story respectful of the source material. Too bad we’ll never see the rest of it.

[angelofmine1974 · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review of this book can be found on my YouTube Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/kZMTVg8gYKY

Enjoy!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just an ok adaptation for me. Felt very slow and very disjointed.