Prose to Panels: Seven Comics Based on Novels You Should Be Reading

The novels and prose tales you love are making their way to the comic shop! Best-selling authors and classic tales are being translated into graphic stories that expand and explore the worlds of creators like Stephen King, Chuck Palahniuk, James Patterson, and more!

Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born

Stephen King is one of the most prolific writers of the current era, but his work transcends the novel to become engrossing graphic novels that reader can find at their local comic shops. His magnum opus, The Dark Tower (SEP072167), is just one of his many novels given a second life through comics. Following the eternal battle between The Gunslinger and The Man in Black, Marvel Comics has beautifully illustrated King’s world while staying true to the original story of the novels. With fifteen installments and still counting, The Dark Tower is an amazing and engrossing graphic novel series.

Game of Thrones Volume 1

From A Song of Fire and Ice to Game of Thrones, George RR Martin’s novels have transcended the page to great acclaim; and now his best-selling series is making its way to comic book stores with Game of Thrones volume 1 (JAN121043). This adaptation of the politics of Westeros steers closer to A Song of Fire and Ice than the television series, with great care taken to recreate Martin’s world just as he described it. A must-have addition to any Game of Throne collection Bantam’s graphic novels will shed new light on familiar characters, stock up soon – winter is coming.

A Wrinkle in Time 

While some comic creators might balk at recreating one of the most beloved young adult novels of all time, writer and artist Hope Larson rose to the challenge and created an award winning adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s A Winkle in Time (JUL121085). The classic tale of Meg, Charles, and Calvin sent on a quest by Mrs. Who, Whatsit, and Which to free their father gains new depth with Larson’s heartfelt artistry. Relive the wonder in graphic form as the Murry children and Calvin tesseract through the galaxy in this timeless story for all ages.

Parker The Hunter 

The classic crime caper of Richard Stark’s best-selling Parker has made its way to comic shops, as told by a master of the form – Darwyn Cooke. The first volume in the series, Parker The Hunter (FEB140359), is an Eisner and Harvey Award nominated look at the grim and gritty underworld full of crime and corruption. Parker has been betrayed by the woman he loves and deceived by his longtime partner, the only thing left to do is take his revenge! As he zigzags across the country, Parker must evade his enemies and the law to reclaim what was stolen from him. IDW Publishing brings these classic crime novels to life in a beautiful new format, perfect for fans of the novels and fans of crime noir alike. 

Fight Club 2

Nothing ends, not really – not if Chuck Palahniuk has any say. The critically acclaimed author of Fight Club has given his unorthodox novel an unorthodox sequel with Dark Horse Comics’ Fight Club 2 (FEB160014). Picking up ten years after the end of the first novel, this graphic novel only sequel follows Sebastian, living a sad and heavily medicated married life with Marla and his young son when strange and unexplained things start happening again. How is Sebastian’s son involved and is Project Mayhem really coming back? Well, you know what they say – old habits die hard and friends really are forever.

Dragonlance Legends Volume 1

The prolific and beloved Dragonlance series of books is one of the most adored additions to the Dungeons and Dragons universe. Now, IDW Publishing is bringing the epic Legends trilogy to comic book stores in Dragonlance Legends Volume 1 (MAY160455). The story of the Majere Twins, Raistlin and Caramon, as they battle to save the world from the ultimate evil is even more engrossing with a graphic element. The graphic novel adaptation breathes life in the land of Krynn and the inhabitants who live there, while adding depth and richness to the original novel’s story.

Max Ride: First Flight

Best-selling and highly acclaimed author James Patterson has brought one of his most popular novel series to comics in Max Ride First Flight (JUN160987). Now comic lovers can follow the wild adventures of Max and her extraordinary flock of friends as they elude their creators and learn their true purpose – to save the world! Adapted for comics by writer Marguerite Bennett, fans of Patterson’s fantasy prose can see Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman, and Angel come to life before their eyes. Marvel Comics is continuing to adapt the series as well, so fans can enjoy all of Max Ride as novels or comic books.