Stephen King and comic book fans: take a heart. Marvel recently announced several up-and-coming partnerships with the modern master of horror. According to Marvel Comics, in November of last year after its September release, their acclaimed Gunslinger Born Series , detailing the quest of young Roland Deschain, topped the graphic novel industry. Its rich back story and stunning visual art work provide a further glimpse into the life of the eternal gunslinger.

Dark Tower: Treachery #1 will go on sale at 12:01 midnight on September 10 at participating comic book retailers across the nation. Detailing Roland’s homecoming back to Gilead, the story will focus heavily on Roland’s struggle with the evil crystal known as Maerlyn’s Grapefruit, and, perhaps, with the nature of existence itself.

For those of you who cannot get enough of the Walkin’ Dude or Captain Trip, you’re in for an unholy treat. Marvel has officially announced the release of its comic book adaptation of one of King’s most widely celebrated works: The Stand. According to The Stand comics editor Bill Rosemann, the project will bring to life King’s “Unedited and Uncut” version, published in 1990. As with the Gunslinger Born Series, many iconic graphic artists and talent will be attached to the project, including Roberto Aguirre-Scasa (Sensational Spider-Man), Mike Perkins (Captain America), and cover artist Lee Berjemo (Daredevil). Like the characters of his magnum opus, King is again in close partnership with the writers and artists of the project, having direct input into the storyline and the overall production of the project.

Since 1978, The Stand has stood the test of popular novel time as the story of a great plague rages through the recesses of modern America. With ninety-nine percent of humanity out of the way, the forces of good and evil stage their “final” showdown amidst a devastated and desperate world.

Marvel has been working closely with King over the past year, as they bring two of his most epic creations to life. It will be interesting to see, as both series progresses, how the folks at Marvel deal with the possibly intertwining stories of the two, particularly since manages to find himself as a major antagonist on both sides of the “wheel,” if you will.

According to StephenKing.com, the first issue of The Stand: Captain Trips will be released in comic stores on September 10, with four more installments to hit the bookshelves between then and January of 2009.

To throw yet another bone at King fans, the new short story collection Just After Sunset, to be released in November 2008, throws out a major teaser in the form of the digitally told, which started premiering in mini episodes in late July and has continued through twenty-five installments.

It’s a great time for King fans. Who knew that his “retirement” could be this much fun?