Stephen King's stories are a massive inspiration for many film adaptations, but his work is not solely restricted to the big screen. Many of his novels and short stories have been adapted into the comic book format. Often, King's macabre stories deal with plots that are just too fantastical for films bound by time restrictions, but a comic book perfectly suits the tale.
In fact, you'd be surprised by the quality of Stephen King's stories when they're read through the lens of a graphic novel. Each panel contributes to crafting Stephen King's horrific vision for the readers. Read on if you want to know exactly which Stephen King stories have gotten the comic book treatment.
8 The Dark Tower
Stephen King's epic fantasy series, The Dark Tower, is actually the most prolific of his work to be turned into a comic book. Fans have clamored for more of the Gunslinger's exploits to be transformed from printed word to colored page. There are thirteen novels in The Dark Tower series, and with such a large and expansive foundation to draw upon, it's no wonder that the comic book collection is the largest made of Stephen King's work. The graphic novels follow the adventures of Roland Deschain as he tries to maintain peace in the ravaged land he comes from. If you are at all fond of the original books, then the comic books are not something you should miss out on.
7 Sleeping Beauties
Sleeping Beauties is a collaboration between Stephen King and his son, Owen King. It is a massive book that draws upon the eclectic ideas of both father and son as they tell a harrowing and fantastical tale that is a page-turner. And while this has yet to be turned into a comic book, IDW Publishing revealed quite recently that a 10-issue series would be adapted and released in 2020.
Any fan of Stephen King's adapted works should keep their eye out for Sleeping Beauties when it hits shelves. It is a book that combines Stephen King's experience with the fresh take on horror that his son provides. If you didn't know about this before now, you can at least prepare yourself to purchase it when it comes to comic book stores.
6 The Talisman
Both Stephen King and Peter Straub worked together to write The Talisman, and the fruit of their labor was a fantasy-horror adventure that transports readers to a world that lies right next to their own. The style of each of these successful writers truly contributed to the quality of the novel, as both Straub and King were established writers in their own right before collaborating. With such a fantastical setting, it's no wonder that the decision was made to give The Talisman a comic book adaptation. While the series did not run for long, it's a fun read for any fan of The Dark Tower series.
5 Creepshow
Admittedly, Creepshow is not one of Stephen King's novels, but it is a beloved part of his writing history. Creepshow was a film anthology written by King and directed by George A. Romero (of zombie-horror fame). The film is not considered one of the best in the horror genre, but it's an entertaining watch if you're so inclined to give it a try. Since anthologies work well in a comic book format, a series was created based on the movie. King actually wrote the five stories included in the comic book, and each one delivers on his classic style of creeping readers out. The formatting is especially conducive when reading "The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill."
4 Little Green God Of Agony
Web comics have slowly gained some popularity among comic book readers, and Stephen King's stories have dabbled in this format as well as in regular print comics. Based on one of King's short stories, "Little Green God of Agony" was adapted by Dennis Calero. The web comic tells the same haunting tale of a paraplegic looking to ease his pain by unconventional means. And when dealing with anything Stephen King, fans know that the word "unconventional" soon comes to mean "unnatural" and "dangerous." The web comic will scare you as much as the short story did.
3 Road Rage
Richard Matheson's Duel inspired many, including Steven Spielberg, and it also inspired one of the greatest horror writers of our day and age. Stephen King and Joe Hill collaborated to write "Throttle," a short story that helps to commemorate the spirit of Matheson's Duel. This short story got the comic book treatment in the form of Road Rage.
In the comic, a motorcycle gang has to contend with the murderous, mysterious truck and driver of Duel fame. It's an interesting mash-up, and if you're a fan of Matheson's original work, Steven Spielberg's film adaptation, or King and Hill's short story, then Road Rage should be a good read.
2 Stephen King's N.
Stephen King's cryptically-named novella, N., spawned a comic book adaptation that should frighten anybody out of their wits. A paranoid mental patient who readers only know as "N." believes that a circle of rocks holds a hidden doorway to another world. This short story seemingly draws inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft's work, which should tell you something about where the plot goes. Stephen King's N. was first turned into a graphic video series, but a comic book was later released that used artwork related to the video series. It's a short trip through the horrors that Stephen King can visit upon you, but it's a potent dose of scares.
1 The Stand
Considered one of Stephen King's greatest works, The Stand was also given the comic book treatment. Weaving the intricate tale of an America devastated by a virulent disease and the communities that must be rebuilt afterward, The Stand is a vast story that makes for one of King's largest novels (size-wise). The comic book captures the essence of the novel while also giving readers a clear picture of horrific events they could only imagine before. While we're still waiting for that eventual film remake, The Stand's graphic novels are a good placeholder until that happens.