Stephen King has written dozens of novels, both recent and from decades ago. The Dead Zone is one of King’s oldest books, as it was written in the late 1970s. The main character is John Smith, who gains clairvoyant abilities after recovering from an accident, and the story focuses on him and his powers.

Although the name John Smith is the most clich and overused named in literary and historical history, the character is quite unique. At a young age, Johnny fell on his head playing ice hockey, which partially unlocked his power to see in to the future, as well as see events that are happening presently but he is nowhere close to.

It takes a four-and-a-half year coma to finally release all of Johnny’s abilities, as he is unfortunately in a car accident with a truck. After waking up, Johnny discovers he has lost his former life and love, Sarah Bracknell, but he has also gained a power that he sees more as a curse.

Whenever Johnny touches an object or person, he receives a vision related to that object or person. For example, his first true experience comes when he touches his physical therapist, and has a vision of her house burning down. He warns her about it, and she calls the fire department and they save her home. Despite this display, many people still have a hard time believing Johnnys powers are real.

Although Johnny initially, and never fully does, understand his abilities, he does put them to good use. His first significant achievement is catching Frank Dodd, the long-running serial killer of Castle Rock. Smith also foresees an apocalyptic future, and takes it upon himself to stop it.

Johnny’s most destructive enemy is Greg Stillson, who is introduced in the beginning of the novel when he kills a dog after being consumed with anger. In the present day, he has become a charismatic politician who is on his way to the Presidency. After Johnny encounters him at a promotional event, he finds out Stillson will inadvertently destroy the world.

Johnny’s plan is to kill Stillson during one of his speeches, and what happens is one of the best climaxes of any King novel. The ending is a genius and satisfying conclusion that is both exciting and interesting. The Dead Zone is certainly a good novel for anyone who is a fan of Stephen King.

In the movie, Johnny is portrayed by Christopher Walken, and by Anthony Michael Hall in the television show. Also of interest is the fact that portions of The Dead Zone are mentioned in another fantastic King novel, Needful Things. The novel has also been parodied on a few shows, including South Park.

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