Understanding Eli

Stephen King Challenge

2011-01-15T18:43:00.000-03:30

When I come across a site that challenges me, I tend to notice. When said challenge revolves around one of my obsessions, it's impossible to ignore.

There is no way that I can not give this challenge a shot. All I have to do after all is just read Stephen King novels; something I already frequently do. The challenge however is to read six of them (or 12 but, there's no way that's gonna happen) in 2011. I have to say that this will indeed be a challenge for me. I do love to read, but tend to do so in spurts so, I'll have to curb that behaviour if I'm going to reach the goal line. I'm sure I can do it. When I dive into Kings mind, it's hard to pull away so this should be a piece of cake... except for the fact that King tends to write books of biblical proportions. That puts a damper on progression from novel to novel but, we'll see how it goes.

I'm starting off with 'Insomnia' and it's mainly because I've already started reading it. I'm hoping that this is not against the rules. The challenge was initiated back in December after all and that's around the time I began this novel. Either way, I can't stop in the middle so for now, it'll be the first in the list of six. :)

Wish me luck!

The World of Stephen King Comics

2010-01-25T19:50:00.000-03:30

To be clear, I'm not going to fill this post full of info on some comedy tour featuring a bunch of funny folk joking about the 'King of Horror'... Or worse, doing impressions of him. The world of comics I'm refering to in the title is of the reading variety. The art to the left may have gave that away, I don't know...

It's actually been quite a while since I dove into the comic lore and I probably wouldn't have even thought if it hadn't of been for a pal of mine. It's funny how simple things happen simply sometimes; he merely happened to mention that he was going to a nearby comic shop one day and I happened to tag along. And now, I happen to have something to talk about here.

Happenstance.

It appears that in my absence from Comic-dom, Stephen King with the help of Marvel has been very busy producing some very lovely looking editions. I did know about the original editions of the Dark Tower material but I had no idea so many more mini's were released. While browsing the shop, I had 3 different sets of random King related titles, plus a one shot... and this was all before I realized 'The Stand' existed. Yes, that's right, there are several comics of that beautiful book as well.

Before long, I had a stack full of comics and funny enough, none of which I bought in the end. In the end I thought to myself that having the full collections in hard cover form would be better addtions to my King book collection than several comics. Plus, I shouldn't waste the money... and you know what? I don't really feel like supporting Marvel in any way now that they sold their souls to Disney...

I'll save that rant for another day. In the meantime, I do want to know more about all these King comics... so off I go to the wonderful world of Google.

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The Dark Tower Done

2009-09-26T12:14:00.000-02:30

Of all the past times that I have, reading is the one that gets left behind most often, and thus also my obsession with Stephen Kings work. That being because it's all I pretty much read when I do get the chance.

The conquest as of late has been Mr. Kings masterpiece 'The Dark Tower'. And by late I mean, for years. I began the journey back in march of 2006, which means it took me over 3 years to read the 7 novels. That seems like a long time, and I guess it is for most readers, but in my defense Kings novels are quite all encompassing and very long. Anyone who has ever read any of his works would know that. Plus, I have tonnes of other things that my mind is constantly obsessed with, as this blog certainly should identify.

Either way, no matter how long it's taken me, I have now reached the end. An end that many who have followed in it's double decade long journey didn't know would actually come; that the writer himself didn't know would actually come. But it has, and I have with it. Many who have also read it have discussed in passing of the end and how they felt. Many warned me that it may not be satisfactory. Many said they were disappointed... and I guess I can agree with that last last one. I'm disappointed that there are not more novels to dive into. I'm sad that there had to be an end, but I am not at all displeased with how it came to pass. I personally believe it was the best ending there could have been for this journey I'm not sure how you felt if you read it, but I was left with a sense that the end didn't come at all and for that I am very happy. I can't see how anyone who has immersed themselves in Roland's world couldn't be. I mean we can all now go on with the thought that this world and Rolands journey is still continuing.

I'll leave things at that just in case a passerby to my blog has not tempted the masterpiece as of yet. If that is the case by the way, I suggest you do. You will not be sad you did.

As for me, I've cracked the spine of another King novel already. Well, King related novel. It's called Haunted Heart and is an autobiography written by Lisa Rogak I'm only 13 pages in (which is a funny place to randomly stop if you've read the biography) but I've already discovered much about the man I admire. I have a feeling I'll get through this one very quickley and when I do, I'll be sure to let you know how I felt.

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Stephen King’s DOLAN’S CADILLAC

2009-05-23T14:46:00.003-02:30

Here's another example of me being caught in another universe whilst things happen. I had no clue that this flick was being made and all of a sudden a trailer for it shows up. Of course, from what I'm reading, there hasn't been much discussion about the movie since it was first announced so maybe many didn't know it was coming and not just me.

I've actually been wanting to talk about this for a while now as it's been about a week that I first saw the trailer, but I just have not had time to post here. Such is life, but the main point here is that another one of Stephen Kings stories is being released as a movie. He has to hold some sort of record for that no? No other novel writer could possibly have had more movies made out of their creations than King. Don't quote me on that but, I have a strong feeling that it's true.

Anyway, the one thing that struck me most about the release of a 'Dolan's Cadillac' movie (a story I haven't had a chance to read yet by the way) is that Wes Bentley is staring in it. This is an actor whom I've admired since 'American Beauty' and actually had the extreme pleasure in meeting during my surprise 'Ghost Rider' trip. Having him in the film is a huge plus!

With that said, I have to agree with most of the others who posted about this trailer (Like CHUD, Dread Central and Geek Tyrant) that the movie looks pretty bad. One site even predicts that it'll go strait to DVD; something I may have to agree with.

Go ahead, check it out for yourself...

Dolan's Cadillac - Trailer
by dreadcentral

What did you think?

If you want more information, check out the Minds Eye Entertainment site.

In the end though, I know that no matter what anyone else says about this film I will eventually watch this film. The King fan in me would not allow me not to.

Stephen King,

Lindelof, Abrams Idol Stephen King

2009-05-12T17:51:00.004-02:30

Last week I posted a news piece surrounding JJ Abrams and Damon Lindelof securing the rights to produce a series of Dark Tower films. Incredible news no doubt, but there is a little more to this story that I happened to come across while surfin' the web last night.

I just happened to come across an article on Bangor Daily News about the teams extreme fandom of Stephen King and his writings. In fact, I learn't from this story that not only did King's writings help Lindelof become the writer in the first place, but also that the hit series Lost was basically modeled after one of Kings books; The Stand. This character driven story which Damon could not put down when he started (like most of us who read it) was what he 'strove to emulate in my own writing.'

What's even more interesting to me than that aspect of the article is discovering that, as much as they are fans of the 'King of Horror' (which they actually show in Lost by way of having connections to King; something I didn't know until now but will certainly look for when I go back to start the show over again), Stephen is equally impressed with them and their achievements on Lost. King points out in the article that he never misses a show which no doubt is a bountiful amount of praise. Having ones idol be equally impressed with your work must be a beautiful feeling. I'm sure Lindelof was thrilled to hear that news. I know I would be.

All in all this article only helps solidify my thoughts that Lindlof, Abrams and their team are the only ones that should be handling the 'Dark Tower' movie franchise and just further excites me for more news on that. It's a good thing that Lost is an incredible show because if it wasn't, I'd be writing them daily to move on to that project now.

In fact, I still might do that...

Stephen King, Damon Lindelof

J.J Abrams to Adapt Dark Tower Series

2009-05-04T22:06:00.009-02:30

Holy sweet mother of god! Did I actually type that headline? Did I actually read this news? Am I dreaming? Is it actually true? Is it April Fools day? Is it actual fact that J.J Abrams (of Lost and the upcoming Star Trek prequel fame) actually going to adapt the Stephen King masterpiece? Is it true? Is it real? Is it fact? Is it... is it... Hold on, I have to take a breath. Give me a sec...

...
...
...

Okay, yeah, my heart is racing here, but I better get on with it before I pass out.

According to an article on the MTV movie blog (and followed soon after on Esplatter and on NewsinFilm and likely countless others) both J.J. Abrams and Damon Lindelof will be tackling the daunting task of adapting the masterpiece that is the Dark Tower Saga after their work on Lost is complete. Apparently there has been whispers of this happening for quite some time (sheesh, where have I been?) but, as MTV reports they indeed have now secured the rights for the film(s):

“Damon Lindelof and I talked to Mr. King,” Abrams told IGN while promoting the upcoming “Star Trek” film. “We got the rights for ['Dark Tower'] as a film. Damon is obviously still on ‘Lost’ and we’ve been working on ‘Star Trek’ together. As soon as ‘Lost’ is done, hopefully we’ll begin tackling that.”

Wowie Mowie!!!

With the hit series Lost not ending until after next season, we're still a year and a bit away from these two even starting to think about the saga, but according to the sites I read this information from, the plan is to work the epic series into a number of films much similar to the hit 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. Of course, how else would they handle it? This story is 7 massive novels long with tonnes of very rich and detailed characters who span over multiple worlds and times. There is no possible way that it could be fairly treated in one 2 hour sitting. In fact, if they even attempted to cram everything into one film they'd have an angry lynch mob after their heads... or worse.

Having said that, the hardest thing about creating a franchise is getting people out to the first movie of the series. One movie may very well be all we ever get in the end, if they're even able to wrap their heads around the task in the first place. Not that I can ever see that happening. With the fame that these two have gained from the ever awesome Lost series (and the further fame they'll no doubt gain from Star Trek) combined with the large population of readers who adore the Dark Tower Saga, there is no way the theatres will not be packed.

The funny thing is, now that I know these folks will be working on it, I truly can't see anyone else being able to handle it. With their history creating the hit series they're currently working on, they have a definite knack for telling engrossing stories involving multiple characters in a multitude of time periods. All we have to do now is wait. I know I'll be following this story closely as it develops. For now, I have to go lay down before my excitement educes a heart attack. Can't have that now can I? I'd never see the films that way.

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Stephen Kings 'Under the Dome'

2009-04-13T17:20:00.004-02:30

If it weren't for fellow Bloggers, I don't think I'd know anything... or maybe it's because I spend so much time in the Blogosphere that there is no chance to learn anything elsewhere. I'm not sure which is true, but I do know that by surfing a few blogs recently, I discovered that Stephen King has a new book coming out in this coming November. It'll be published by Simon & Schuster and will be an epic novel featuring over 100 characters, a la 'The Stand'.

Here's a synopsis released on King's Website:

On an entirely normal, beautiful fall day in Chester’s Mill, Maine, the town is inexplicably and suddenly sealed off from the rest of the world by an invisible force field. Planes crash into it and fall from the sky in flaming wreckage, a gardener’s hand is severed as “the dome” comes down on it, people running errands in the neighboring town are divided from their families, and cars explode on impact. No one can fathom what this barrier is, where it came from, and when—or if—it will go away.

Dale Barbara, Iraq vet and now a short-order cook, finds himself teamed with a few intrepid citizens—town newspaper owner Julia Shumway, a physician’s assistant at the hospital, a select-woman, and three brave kids. Against them stands Big Jim Rennie, a politician who will stop at nothing—even murder—to hold the reins of power, and his son, who is keeping a horrible secret in a dark pantry. But their main adversary is the Dome itself. Because time isn’t just short. It’s running out.

Sounds delicious no? Perhaps by then I'll have The Dark Tower series complete and be able to dive right in. I'm currently on the last of the series with just a few hundred pages to go. I'm both anxious and kinda sad at the same time about reading this final book actually. I really don't want that story, that world, to end but, I know that ll good things must come to one... so they say. I'll keep you posted on how that progresses.

Thanks to GallyKat and Quiet Earth for the heads on up this most awesome news!

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Dark Tower Movie

2008-12-02T18:05:00.003-03:30

I know all of you are anxiously reading this awaiting to find out about an epic film series (a la 'Lord of the Rings') surrounding around Stephen King's opus 'The Dark Tower'. I'm afraid to say at this point that what I'm referring to in this post is no such thing.

Both Fangoria and Shock till you Drop are reporting that John Johnson (who?) is making his own realization of the Dark Tower series, inspired by Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came' and it's not based on King's Novels. The indie directer says that he's been dreaming about the Tower since he was about 5 years old and this feels he must make this film. I can understand that, but if I were Stephen King, I'd be pissed.

Of course, this is only if they actually call it 'Dark Tower'. I have no problem with him making a movie inspired by the Robert Browning poem, but to give it a title the brand that the King of horror has already established is a crime. I can't see them letting this happen, especially considering that talks of an adaptation on King's Saga is already been discussed on numerous occasions. It would be highway robbery if this little ol' director were to cash in on something Mr. King has been working on for so many years.

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"N"

2008-11-15T10:59:00.002-03:30

You gotta love Google News alerts.

I've been subscribing to email updates from this service regarding Ghost Rider for many years now, but a couple days ago I decided to create some new alerts for some of the other obsessions of mine, mainly Pearl Jam and Stephen King...which in this case is where I'm focusing today.

One of the first alerts I got about the master of horror was about a King video getting over 1 million hits. When I read this, I did a double take thinking to myself "King Video? What King video? How did I not know about this video? Where is this video? What is this video?", etc, etc, etc.

Of course, all that happened in my head as I quickly scanned down through the massive amount of alerts to find said video... which I did very soon after. What I discovered is that this video was actually a series of videos released once a week up until August 29th of this year. Yeah, I know it's now November but, this is new to me so maybe it's new to you as well and if it is new to you and you haven't watched it yet, you can do so for free right now. and in fact, it's almost better (well it was for me) that the entire series of videos (25 in total) is now fully released because waiting a week for a 2 minute video would have been hell. Being able to sit down and watch one after the other suits me just fine.

So, sit back, relax and enjoy this incredible animated series, with artwork from the ever awesome Marvel and brilliant story telling from the true master of that artform. Included in the below player is an preview talk from the master himself.

Enjoy!

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Back on Track Towards 'The Dark Tower'

2008-10-29T19:06:00.004-02:30

It has been over two years ago since I last posted about The Dark Tower; since I began my journey with Roland and his 'Ka-Tet': Well, to be more precise; re-began my journey. If you recall (which I'm sure you don't) I went back to the start of this incredible Saga when the first of the last 3 books were set to be released. However, as fate would have it, I'm only getting to the 5th installment now.

I completed (for the 2nd time) 'Wizard and Glass' tonight and I am all too thrilled to continue down the 'path of the beam' with the gang. Now that I know so much more about Roland and how how lust for the Tower began, I just can't stop thinking about where this quest will go.

It was quite refreshing to get this one done actually, as I was truly reading it for far too long... not that I'm a slow reader or anything. I just wasn't really reading it. That's the problem; because my mind works in patterns which causes me to dive into a few things hard for a while, forgetting all other things. In this case, what I was leaving out as I swam in otherthoughts was the quest for the tower.

In all fairness, life did take a dramatic turn creating a few reasons for my shift in focus. I started a new job within this time frame and also, more importantly, discovered 9/11 truth. In essence, it was this focus on the realities of 9/11 that took me away from a lot of things as of late. Not that I'm saying that this attention I gave (and give) to this movement was (is) a bad thing. I'm just saying it ate up some time... a lot of time. In a way, that quest is my Dark Tower...

Regardless, here I am back in the world(s) of Roland (and the mind of Stephen King) once again, enthralled by the story, eating it up page after page. I can't explain how excited I am to crack open Wolves of the Calla for the first time ever and finally finish this legacy once and for all... perhaps just to turn around and read it again.

In the meantime, having said all that, I will be returning to comic lust for a short while to read the Marvel version of the Dark Tower. A friend (and co-worker) of mine let me borrow it and considering the tale is mostly based on what I just finished reading, the timing couldn't be more perfect...

... Lets just hope that my dabble back into the comic world doesn't set off that Ghost Rider lust of mine again. I mean, that part of me is LONG overdue and if that happens, I may never get to the Tower with Roland and his posse ever again.

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Marvel + Stephen King = Awesome

2006-04-12T12:30:00.001-02:30

I'm not really sure why it's taken me this long to talk about this but, here it finally is. This is the kind of news that really gets me going and February of next year is turning out to be a doozy. Of course, the main reason I'm excited about 02/07 is because of the Ghost Rider movie but, this King development is prime as well.

More images here: http://www.marvel.com/king

It was announced early this year that Stephen King is teaming with comic megalord Marvel to create a 30 issue series based on Kings masterpiece 'The Dark Tower'. I've spent time time here talking about the DT series and how brilliant it is. I still haven't finished the latest 3 but, I'm positive they're as brilliant as the first 4 (which I'm currently reading again before moving on to the last).

Marvel Comics has tapped prolific author and veteran comic book writer Peter David to script the first seven issues of the ground-breaking new comic book series adapted from Stephen King'’s magnum opus, The Dark Tower. The first issue is scheduled to debut in February 2007.

The series will expand the saga of KingÂ’s epic hero, Roland Deschain, whose quest to save the Dark Tower is captured in seven best-selling novels published over the course of twenty-five years. The new stories delve into the life and times of the young Roland, revealing the trials and conflicts that lead to the burden of destiny he must assume as a man, the last Gunslinger from a world that has moved on. The comics will work in conjunction with the novels, further supplementing and defining the saga's mythology under the direction of the acclaimed author himself.

Full article here: http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=7046

The series was intended to start this year but it was later decided to wait until 2007 to release it, mainly to give the team enough time to do it right.

Stephen and Marvel have decided to push back the launch of the Dark Tower comic books to 2007. Given the size of the project and all the creative talent involved, I want to give the Marvel series all the room to breathe it needs and deserves,' said Stephen. 'I'’ve got so much else going on in 2006; —two novels coming out, CELL and LISEY'S STORY, and the work with John Mellencamp on 'Ghost Brothers of Darkland County.' The Marvel series is going to be a blast, and I want to have the time to enjoy it."

Full article here: http://www.marvel.com/publishing/stories/showstory.htm?id=51

I'm pretty excited about this project. Having King part of a universe that I'm already so in love with is just brilliant. And now, what I really hope, is that King takes on some of Marvel's horror comics. Even just a mini would blow me away... but, I wont get to ahead of myself. Let's wait until this series comes out first.

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The Dark Tower, by Stephen King

2006-03-06T21:21:00.001-03:30

I started the first of the Dark Tower saga back in 1998, during a time in my life that reading wasn't of interest. I think it was because school turned me off of it... but, that's a story for another time.

It was the first of aforementioned 7 novel saga and Stephen King's work in general that helped develop the love for reading I have now. Of course, there was a lengthy period of time following my first reading of 'Gunslinger' that all I read was King's work. Not that much has changed since then; I read one King book now for every other book I finish. One King, something else, another King, something else, etc, etc, etc. That changes now though as I've reverted back to my all King diet.

Stephen recently finished the last 3 novels of the Dark Tower and I've yet to read how it all ends. Though I do have 2 of the last 3 in my possession, I've decided to go back to the start and follow Roland and his companions once again as they travel towards their end goal of reaching the Dark Tower. I figured it was just as well to get back into the world from the start instead of picking it up 5 novels in, especially considering it's been 3 years since I read the 4th one.

Just yesterday, I finished 'The Gunslinger' and am anxiously awaiting to get a chance to crack open 'The Drawing of the Three' which I remember as being my favorite of the lot (of the one I've read so far). Of course, I also remembered not liking Gunslinger that much the first time around and this time, I loved every second of it. Perhaps that has more to do with my now developed love for reading than the work itself. Who knows?

Either way, I'm sure I'm in for quite the ride as I journey with Roland and his pals once again. This time, I'll finally see how it all turns out... 8 years after starting the journey in the first place. I can only imagine how King must have felt writing it. He was always so unsure of whether or not the story would be finished. It must have been hell to be in the middle of a story without an end in sight.

Anyway, enough of this chit chat; I've got a book to read...

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