Stephen King had some good news for fans, so he delivered it in person. Sort of.
An animated "virtual" version of the writer appeared Monday on his Web site to announce that he'd completed the final three installments of "The Dark Tower" series, which fans have long awaited.
"People have been asking one question above all others over the past nine years: When are you going to finish 'The Dark Tower'? Well, guess what — it's done. So do me a favor and spread the word," he said.
"The Gunslinger," the first "Dark Tower" book, was published in 1982, followed by "The Drawing of the Three" in 1987, "The Waste Lands" in 1991 and "Wizard and Glass" in 1997.
"Wolves of the Calla" was to go on sale Tuesday, followed by "Song of Susannah" next summer. The final installment, "The Dark Tower," will be released next November.
King said the books, published by Donald M. Grant Publisher Inc., will cost about $35 each in hard cover.
"It's steep but worth every penny," he said.