‘The Talisman: Road of Trials #0’ – Furth, Shasteen & Ruffino (Del Rey Comics)

Stephen King and Peter Straub’s ‘The Talisman’ is one book that I have never got round to reading. Anyone here read it? If so, what did you think? Is it worth searching out and picking up?
Del Rey are kicking off their new comics line with a monthly serial of ‘The Talisman’ and, for people like me who have never read the book, are taking us right back to just before ‘The Talisman’ began with a six issue mini-series ‘The Road of Trials’. This seemed like the best place to jump on board as far as I was concerned. It’s a very short read but one that I found very attractive visually as well as intriguing in it’s plot. I can see myself being around for the duration of this mini-series which can only mean that I’ll be around for the whole thing. Maybe I won’t need to pick up the book after all…

This first issue of ‘The Road of Trials’ begins to lay the groundwork for what we will eventually find in ‘The Talisman’ itself. Jack Sawyer is able to travel to other worlds but his father was there first, working to keep things stable in both worlds. Others are working to undermine this stability however, the Kingdom of Orris is about to undergo a change in leadership and something similar might just be about to happen in this world too…

By the time we see Jack Sawyer set off on his journey we are beginning to get a better idea of the background that his journey is set against. What follows him out of the cornfield however… Well, that tells us that there is so much more that we’re yet to find out. A really good balance is struck here by Robin Furth’s script, you’re not left with a massive cliff hanger (that demands you come back) but what you do get is a work that eases you into the plot very smoothly. The combination of certain events and the art in the last frame resulted in my never even considering not carrying on and getting the next issue. As someone who is brand new to the world of the ‘Talisman’ however, I was left wondering if things could have been fleshed out a little more. I’m sure that things will balance out as more of the story is told but I think that people who have already read the book will get more out of it than newcomers…

The artwork also had its part to play but somehow came across as a bit ‘hit and miss’ at the same time. Shasteen does a great job of showing the contrast between the two worlds but his characters sometimes come across as posed rather than moving. This made things feel a little contrived at times but the shots of a younger Jack sleepwalking in the other world more than made up for it. I’ll certainly be going back to see how things progress, both visually and plot wise.

This first issue of ‘The Road of Trials’ is geared towards established fans of ‘The Talisman’, leaving newcomers to catch up as best they can, but ultimately comes across as a very strong opening shot for the series. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Eight out of Ten