The Dead Zone is an American science fiction crime novel written by author Stephen King. It was first published in hardcover edition by Viking Press in August, 1979. The book tells the story of Johnny Smith - a New England school teacher who gets into an automobile accident that puts him into a coma. When he awakens, he develops the ability of clairvoyance, which warns him about the escalating rise to power of a corrupt politician named Greg Stillson. If Johnny's visions are to be believed, Stillson will become President one day, and his actions will incite global Armageddon.
This book was first adapted into a film in 1983 by director David Cronenberg. It starred Christopher Walken in the role of Johnny Smith, with Brooke Adams as Sarah Bracknell and Martin Sheen as Greg Stillson.
Reference is made to Carrie in this book, which was Stephen King's first novel, written in 1976. It told the tale of another person who was likewise gifted with psychokinetic abilities.
One of the names next to Johnny Smith's grave is Marsten. This could be a reference to Hubie Marsten from Stephen King's 1975 novel Salem's Lot.
Another surname on a tombstone in the cemetery is Bowden. There is a character named Todd Bowden, who will appear in the 1982 novella Apt Pupil, which will be made into a movie in 1998. The character will be played by late actor Brad Renfro.
