The graphics are getting a little more cartoonish but the story is a lot better than the illustrations. In this volume, we read how the Trashcan man get to Vegas to meet Flagg, Mother Abigail disappears, the main characters form a ad hoc committee and we see Harold getting worse with his mind. Love the story and will continue with the graphic novel series. ( )

A look on the darker side, the smiley side of politics, and what one must do to get into the graces of the powerful.

*sigh*

Even after a plague, people will still be people.

Good art, as usual. ( )

Four is slightly better than three since they are finally making their way to Boulder or Vegas. Needing to restart community and society. It's interesting that Flagg wouldn't allow drugs with penalty of death since it distracted anyone from his evil mission. The poor people in Boulder are setting up spies but they aren't thinking there are already spies from Flagg's side.

I'm still surprised that the most suspenseful book I've ever read (no joke) can be such a mystery to me and so unmemorable! It's the thing I hate most about reading: not remembering even my favorite books. There are just some books I remember, I guess. The thing I remember most about this book is the suspense - even on King standards. ( )

I flip-flopped back and forth between what to rate this but ultimately decided on a 4. In fact, I think 2012 has been the year that I've awarded the most 4 star reviews. I guess that's what happens when you stay within the lines of what you're primarily expected to enjoy.

Finally, we've arrived in Boulder and a new United States of America beings to slowly take form. Many are beginning to be made aware of a growing army within Nevada, ruled by The Dark Man, so preparations must be made. In this volume, Aguirre-Sacasa concentrates mainly on the formation of the ad-hoc committee in Boulder as everything from corpse removal to restoring the power must be organized before winter sets in.

Harold Lauder starts to slowly turn to The Dark Man for acceptance and guidance as his hatred flows through him into the pages of his secret ledger. However, Harold isn't the only rotten apple in town as Nadine Cross shows signs that her faith may not be within Mother Abagail but rather that of Randall Flagg.

Hardcases concentrates in the development of the opposing civilizations with the promise of battle on the horizon. Flagg, while a known evil, seems to have happier followers whereas those in Boulder are not without conflict.

I really enjoyed this collection but annoyed that I've now caught up and have nothing else in the series to read. The remaining installments cannot come fast enough. Then again, it's not like I'm not aware of how this ends or anything. ( )