Stephen King with a comic edge

Novelist Stephen King is joining the growing list of high-profile writers turning their attention to comic books.

King will write a series for Marvel Comics based on his "Dark Tower" books, the company said Friday. It said the comics will explore the early life of King's hero, Roland Deschain. The first issue is due in April.

Marvel has recently announced other comic series by Damon Lindelof, the creator of ABC's "Lost"; Daniel Knauf, the creator of HBO's "Carnivale"; and novelist David Morrell, the author of "First Blood" and "The Brotherhood of the Rose."

From a Times staff writer