Title: The Dark Tower: The Man In Black #4
Writer: Robin Furth / Peter David / Stephen King
Art: Alex Maleev / Richard Isanov
Publisher: Marvel
This was the issue that we’ve wanted since the second chapter of The Dark Tower comic saga, The Journey Begins, was released years ago. The events that take place in The Man In Black #4 are among the most important and heart wrenching events of the epic fantasy-western-scifi series (although we all know it’s much more than that).
So, how did the Marvel team handle this extremely significant marker?
First off, Furth and David have done a few things differently for this arc. This might piss off any long-time Dark Tower reader who cares only for the story as it was originally told. Now, having said that, you should put down your pitchforks and torches because any (slight) additions that the creative team made worked out well. And they didn’t effect the mythology of the story in any way.
So basically, the additions that Furth and David brought forth were actually fun and refreshing.
After noticing a few of the changes, it was hard not to think “what else will they be adding or subtracting from the equation?”. That was the beauty behind the alterations. They’ll keep you on edge, and questioning what comes next. There were a couple pages where it looked like the entire series was about to do a 180 in regards to the original plot, and it was more believable due to the previous changes. Of course, this might not impact a first-time Dark Tower reader who isn’t familiar with the novels. In that case, no harm done either.
Here’s where it gets spoilery folks.
David, Furth, and Maleev did a great job with Jake’s final words and subsequent plummet to the death. We knew it was coming, but that didn’t dishearten against the enjoyment of the execution. Jake’s words “Go then. There are other worlds than these.” still ring out like frightened child giving up all hope for a happy life. No surprise why, either.
The next big thing to look forward to is the campfire sitdown and card reading that will be contained in the next issue. That remains one of my all time favorite reading experience in any novel on my shelf today. Will we get a good look at Eddie and Susanna? Will The Drawing of the Three exist in comic book form in the coming months? Ideally it will, but in less volumes than The Gunslinger.
Another month to wait, and we’ll get to enjoy the conclusion to The Man In Black. Until then, go read all 7.5 books if you haven’t already.
