The Dark Tower: The Long Road Home

* Bibliographic information
David, P. & Furth, R. Stephen King’s The Dark Tower: The Long Road Home. ISBN: 9780785127093. Art by Lee, J & Isanove, R.

- YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens: 2009


* Plot Summary
In this beautifully drawn tale of adventure and horror, the main character Roland has just watched his love die and he goes into a trance-like state, going after anything that moves. He goes after a grapefruit that turns into a giant eyeball and sucks his consciousness out; putting him in a dream realm called End-World. Roland’s “ka-tet,” or fellow gunslingers; Alain and Bert, grab him and take off before the Big Coffin Hunters arrive to kill him as they did his love, Susan. Alain and Bert journey with Roland’s body as Roland journeys through the End-World. Crimson King, the villain of the story gathers Roland in End-World and tells him they need to join forces with Roland opening the Dark Tower for the King. When Roland refuses, a newly gifted child telepath pulls him from the grapefruit and releases him from End-World. A suspenseful tale of adventure and dark forces that will grab the attention of older teens.


* Critical Evaluation
This is a great stand alone graphic novel. I did not have to do background research to figure out what was happening in the story. The art work is amazingly beautiful even in the scenes of death and torture; the artists are truly talented. The pictures and content is a bit mature so it is better suited for older teens and adults. The storyline of Sheemie is very interesting; it is not usual to have a mentally challenged boy save the hero of the story with his branch new powers of telepathy. The story may have classic themes of good and evil, death and chaos; but there are also some new refreshing aspects to this series like the character of Sheemie.


* Reader’s Annotation
Roland has just watched the love of his life die and now he has been sucked into a dream realm where he will have to face much opposition; including the Crimson King.


* Information about the author
Peter David is an American writer; he does work with comic books, Star Trek novels, television shows, movies and video games. He was born in Maryland but has lived in many states on the East Coast. He has his Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from New York University and he is a big supporter of LBGT equality.
Robin Furth is a personal research assistant for Stephen King and has been so for many years. She was raised on the coast of Maine.


* Genre
Teen/Adult Fiction; Graphic Novel; Horror, Adventure, Science Fiction


* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A


* Booktalking Ideas
1) Roland got himself into a huge mess when he shot at the grapefruit in the beginning. The way he was going do you think he would have done something just as bad sooner or later anyway?
2) Alain and Bert are very loyal to Roland, talk about their relationship with him.
3) How do you feel about Sheemie being the one who saves the day when he releases Roland from his dream prison?


* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 11 and Up / 16 and Up


* Challenge Issues and Defense
Challenge Issues: Violence, Horror, and Language.

Defense Ideas:
1) Ask the patron about the book and issue in question and find out how much they know about the book.
2) Help the patron become more familiar with the book and its content.
3) Show the patron positive reviews for this book, such as this one found on the Comic Book Resources website, http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=user_review&id=382.
4) If available, introduce the patron to people who have read it in the library or tell the patron what you thought of the book if you have read it.
5) Show the patron the collection development policy for that particular library. For example, the one for the San Diego County library, http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
6) If they still want to file a grievance about the book begin the necessary paperwork by giving them the forms they need to fill out. In the San Diego County system, the grievance will then go to The Challenged Materials Team. If the committee cannot resolve the issue, it then goes to the County Library Director for a final decision. http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf


* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
Every time I shelve graphic novels at the library I see the Dark Tower series and think about reading them but of course I never do. This gave me the chance to check one of them out to see how I felt about the series. Now that I have read it I want to read the rest of them. I think older teens will feel the same way; that is why I included this title in my collection. The art is so remarkable; I recommend people pick it up for the pictures alone. Teens will also like the good versus evil and the monsters and gore, also the action and mystery are exciting, especially for young adults.