Roland's longcoat(s): specific quotes/excerpts?

[Isamu Dyson]

Are there any passages in the The Dark Tower novels that mention Roland wearing a duster? I know that the novel illustrations and Marvel comics depict him wearing one, but was this ever outright stated in any of the eight books?

[Bev Vincent]

Not to my knowledge. There was only the deerhide coat that he and Susannah made in the seventh book. In the first book, he's wearing jeans and a shirt. No hat or coat.

[fernandito]

I don't think so, but strangely enough this has long been my defining mental of image of Roland;

http://www.michaelwhelan.com/wp-content/uploads/gunslinger88roland.jpg

[webstar1000]

I don't think so, but strangely enough this has long been my defining mental of image of Roland;

http://www.michaelwhelan.com/wp-content/uploads/gunslinger88roland.jpg

10000000000000000000%

[Isamu Dyson]

http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/12/121851/2989251-4513859830-tumbl.jpg

A few people who appear to be sticklers for realism are upset that cinematic Roland is wearing a duster. Apparently, such an article of clothing would impede his ability to quickly draw his revolvers.

Now, there was always this belief in my mind that Roland has worn at least one longcoat during his many literary adventures, but I did not have any hard references stored in my mental libraries. So...that is why I came here to seek information.

[Bev Vincent]

Now, there was always this belief in my mind that Roland has worn at least one longcoat during his many literary adventures, but I did not have any hard references stored in my mental libraries. So...that is why I came here to seek information.

I've searched through the texts -- no mention of a duster. He certainly wouldn't have needed one crossing the desert, which is where he starts out. It is only fall by the time they reach Calla Bryn Sturgis, so the first time he'd really need a coat would be in the winter, which is when they crossed Empathica. The entire series, remember, takes place during a single year (flashbacks and hiccups in time notwithstanding).

[Isamu Dyson]

Thank you all the same, Bev Vincent.

[BrandoRex]

The art never seems to be consistent in his dress or appearance. I wonder if King just gave everyone liberty to create their own Roland or if he had a purpose behind it.

*Conspiracy Theory Warning*

What if the reason they are all different looking (some look like King, some like Eastwood, some like a mix?) is that they are different Roland's, failing to gain entry because they don't carry the Horn of Eld and cycling back to try again? Could explain the reason behind the movie casting Elba and that the horn is going to be in it.

[Isamu Dyson]

Was the Tower also upset with the myriad Rolands and their various choices of fashion?

[BrandoRex]

Of course. My tinfoil hat tells me it's not just the horn, because that's an accessory, but the right pair of shoes as well :p