Fine I'll start the Neil Gaiman thread
I'm surprised there isn't a thread about the discussion of Neil Gaiman's works. I don't think i'm the right kind of person to make this board because i only own one of his graphic novels (Preludes and Nocturnes) and havent read it (although I have read three of his normal books), nor am i a big comic fan. But i felt he needed a thread, so discuss his works in the graphic novel area (ie Sandman).
What's great about these big names Gaiman, Miller, Moore, and so on is that they elevate the amount of interest in graphic novels. Any good library should have one or two books from any of these guys.
he's written plenty of really great comics. there was one series he wrote with Alice Cooper, called Last Temptation, which has cooper portraying a quasi-phantasm who offers a frightful child a way to stop being afraid. it's well written, and cooper's visage brings the character a certain quality only he can add.
[img]http://images.amazon.com/images/P/156971455X.01._PE_PI_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg[/img]
Mr. Punch was another good graphic novel of his i've read. [img]http://www.esensja.pl/magazyn/2001/07/img/ilustr/10_05c.jpg[/img]
I've only read a couple of his other ones, some from Sandman, some from Violent Cases, some of his character novels (like batman, etc..) and a couple of the other series and singular comics.
Murder Mysteries is a really well written graphic novel based on a short story he wrote of the same name. [img]http://www.universohq.com/quadrinhos/images/murder_mysteries_hc.jpg[/img]
Neverwhere and Ramadan are my personal faves of his
i don't think there's anything he's written that i haven't read. neverwhere owns all.
Death: The High Cost Of Living, a three part series that I believe was a sort of spin off of the Sandman stuff, Death being Sandman's sister or something, is the very first comic I purchased ever. I had all three until I let my kid brother borrow them and never saw them again, but I remember enjoying the story.
My attraction to it (back then) is pretty obvious, gloomy looking girl with an ankh for a necklace, turns out to be the embodiment of death...perfect for a disillusioned teenage chick.
I tried to get into the Sandman series after that, but there was too much catching up do do, and I moved on to other things.
Like drinking...
[IMG]http://www.comune.modena.it/glamazonia/comicsengine/comics_html/dc_comics/dc_comics_presenta/cover_originali/death_the_high_cost_of_living_01.jpg[/IMG]
Oh, man. I can't believe I forgot I actually have read a Gaiman book: The Wolves in the Walls, his kids' book I bought for my nephew. It's really quirky and has a few scares for the kids, and the illustrations are fab.
Has anyone read Coraline?
A Vendetta production. <3
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[QUOTE=fullmetalbrak]Oh, man. I can't believe I forgot I actually have read a Gaiman book: The Wolves in the Walls, his kids' book I bought for my nephew. It's really quirky and has a few scares for the kids, and the illustrations are fab.
Has anyone read Coraline?[/QUOTE]
I have, and that's a pretty good description for it to, he's trying to get em young and have fans for life, me thinks
All I've read of Gaiman's is American Gods.. and it's definitely one of my favourite books. I just wish I'd gotten the one with the cover which is in karbunkle's signature.. that's a great cover.
Just another cycle.
I wish I had that one to , damn europeans gittin all the cool covers!
[QUOTE=fullmetalbrak]Oh, man. I can't believe I forgot I actually have read a Gaiman book: The Wolves in the Walls, his kids' book I bought for my nephew. It's really quirky and has a few scares for the kids, and the illustrations are fab.
Has anyone read Coraline?[/QUOTE]
yea, coraline is pretty good too. it's a funky twist on the alice in wonderland idea.
and Big S, Neverwhere does own all.
Anyone else seen the Neverwhere tv series ?
i havent, but it would be interesting to see the origin of the book, although i hear the series isn't all that spectacular
as long as you can get past the incredibly low production values, it's pretty cool to see it translated to tv
reminded me alot of like early 50's live dramas/twilightzone-esque stuff
there was supposed to be a movie using jim henson's company but nothing's happened as far as i know. neil is one of those writers who's had trouble with hollywood.
by the way, that babycakes story in smoke and mirrors is the most disturbing thing i've ever read i think.
i take that back. i just finished all of guts. where's my mommy...
[QUOTE=karbunkle]as long as you can get past the incredibly low production values, it's pretty cool to see it translated to tv
reminded me alot of like early 50's live dramas/twilightzone-esque stuff[/QUOTE]
it was a tv series first right? i read that somewhere.... i'll have to find it
I think they were released tandomly
and Babycakes definately gives Guts a run for its money on the disturbing scale
I've been reading Gaiman's works for over 10 years. If you haven't read Sandman yet, seek out the reprinted stories in graphic novel form at your local comic store. You won't regret it.
And if you need further convincing, read this book, "The Sandman Companion" by Hy Bender. It's a collection of interviews and essays with Hy and Neil talking about the Sandman series. Highly recommended.
I've been into comics on and off for years, but I haven't read much Gaiman up until the last year or so. After finally picking up the first Grapic Novel of the Sandman series, I was hooked. After that it was the next five in the collection, followed by Neverwhere and American Gods. Both books are excellent. I've yet to read any of the "Death" one-shots, but I look foreward to it.
He's a great author who's done a lot for the comic book industry, like Miller and Ross(artist), these guys help to give a spectacular medium the recognition it deserves.
[COLOR=White]In the end, we all get lobotomies. - K[/COLOR]
[COLOR=Red]Now I'm all alone. Kept the pain inside.
Wanna torch the world, cuz I'm breathing fire.[/COLOR]
[QUOTE=karbunkle]as long as you can get past the incredibly low production values, it's pretty cool to see it translated to tv
reminded me alot of like early 50's live dramas/twilightzone-esque stuff[/QUOTE]
I couldn't get past the homage to Dr. Who's budget constraints.
I was here. Then I wasn't. Then I was again.
[QUOTE=Manic Oppressive]I've been into comics on and off for years, but I haven't read much Gaiman up until the last year or so. After finally picking up the first Grapic Novel of the Sandman series, I was hooked. After that it was the next five in the collection, followed by Neverwhere and American Gods. Both books are excellent. I've yet to read any of the "Death" one-shots, but I look foreward to it.
He's a great author who's done a lot for the comic book industry, like Miller and Ross(artist), these guys help to give a spectacular medium the recognition it deserves.[/QUOTE]
For me Gaiman is truly someone who elevates comics to an art form. his stories are multilayered, mystical and tough on the esoteric aspects and not so esoteric, of the human experience. Sandman stands out as the definitive achievemnet of this in his work.
His novels, while I enjoy, are not so poignant as his comics and perhaps that is an aspect of his prose, which I think reads less favorably on the page of a book. Perhaps it is that you expect a little less from a comic's prose style, I don't know. Of those he has written American Gods is my favorite and the most ambitious.
Now is a good time for graphic novels and many of the artists cited elsewehre in this forum are really pushing the industry again. Maybe its time for a comeback from the early to mid nineties glut of titles, special edition covers and way too much Todd McFarland empire building that crippled sales at that time. I hope so. It is a medium that has a lot to offer.
I was here. Then I wasn't. Then I was again.
I agree about his awesomeness. I only own Mr. Punch (it was nice seeing someone mention it, often times its overlooked) but Ive also read a decent amount of teh Sandman. He definitly is an icon, not in the Hollywood sense of teh word, but in the Artist sense of the word. Graphic novels in general have created a new age and era for comic books. They are reaching new heights in material, ideas, and quality. Because of this, not only are more people being drawn to them, but more are investing in them. It's a big boost, and its beautiful
"i look so nicely dressed in my suit for Death
even she commented on my handsome appearance"
[QUOTE=Parkaboy]Now is a good time for graphic novels and many of the artists cited elsewehre in this forum are really pushing the industry again. Maybe its time for a comeback from the early to mid nineties glut of titles, special edition covers and way too much Todd McFarland empire building that crippled sales at that time. I hope so. It is a medium that has a lot to offer.[/QUOTE]
What crippled sales is the comic industry making comics unaccessible to 95% of the potential audience by not selling them in convenience stores, markets, newsstands, etc.
As long as they keep only selling them to comic shops, sales will be anemic.
It's not easy having a good time.
Even smiling makes my face ache.
Neil Gaiman didn't like the final version of the TV show, he thought it cut out a lot of his ideas, so he wrote the book to get back at the producers.
[QUOTE=Manderley]Neil Gaiman didn't like the final version of the TV show, he thought it cut out a lot of his ideas, so he wrote the book to get back at the producers.[/QUOTE]
Well the TV show was terrible.
I was here. Then I wasn't. Then I was again.
Is it really? I want to see it to compare it to the book. My friend bought the dvd, but we never watched it like we planned.
Neil Gaiman in [URL=http://www.bookslut.com/features/2005_07_005981.php]Bookslut[/URL]
I started reading American Gods about a year ago, got half way through it and just stopped for no particular reason. It's a fine piece of fiction and a wonderful adventure full of mysteries and lessons on modern abstract god-figures. I'm going to have to pick it up again soon and start from the beginning, if that says anything.
[IMG]http://www.shadowlegiongames.com/users/edge386/images/EqSigTxT2.jpg[/IMG]
is this gaiman the same as the one who co-wrote "Good Omens" w/ pratchett?
i apologize if this is in the thread somewhere, i started reading it....but then didn't really want to.
[QUOTE=JKuhlmann]is this gaiman the same as the one who co-wrote "Good Omens" w/ pratchett?
i apologize if this is in the thread somewhere, i started reading it....but then didn't really want to.[/QUOTE]
Same guy
in that case i am familiar with his work and i like it. after i've had my fill of miller (who i just started reading) i'll pick up some of his comics.
why are some peoples user names coming up yellow in the forum?
[QUOTE=JKuhlmann]in that case i am familiar with his work and i like it. after i've had my fill of miller (who i just started reading) i'll pick up some of his comics.
why are some peoples user names coming up yellow in the forum?[/QUOTE]
haven't noticed that.
maybe its just the computer i'm on.......look at smartazboy adn popcultjunkie
[QUOTE=Eq]I started reading American Gods about a year ago, got half way through it and just stopped for no particular reason. It's a fine piece of fiction and a wonderful adventure full of mysteries and lessons on modern abstract god-figures. I'm going to have to pick it up again soon and start from the beginning, if that says anything.[/QUOTE]
I really liked AG, but Gaiman really isn't a great writer in my estimation. Great comic writer but not novelist.
I was here. Then I wasn't. Then I was again.
[QUOTE=JKuhlmann]maybe its just the computer i'm on.......look at smartazboy adn popcultjunkie[/QUOTE]
because we used to sponsor this website back when few wanted to cough up the green.
[URL=http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9780060515225&itm=1]Is this a surprise to anyone else or have I just not been paying attention? [/URL]
[QUOTE=karbunkle;881237][URL=http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9780060515225&itm=1]Is this a surprise to anyone else or have I just not been paying attention? [/URL][/QUOTE]
I saw a damaged copy sitting on the rack back when Chuck was on his paperback tour of Haunted. I was going to purchase it but I didn't want to dish out all the money for a book that had a torn dust jacket and some odd stains on the book itself.
[QUOTE=karbunkle;311368]Neverwhere and Ramadan are my personal faves of his[/QUOTE]
Ramadan is the best story Neil's ever written, in my opinion. I can't wait for that one to get the DC Absolute treatment - should be in Absolute Sandman Volume II.
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[QUOTE=Jason Rodriguez;898507]Ramadan is the best story Neil's ever written, in my opinion. I can't wait for that one to get the DC Absolute treatment - should be in Absolute Sandman Volume II.[/QUOTE]
i was going to reply saying yeah its mine also then I saw you had quoted me in the first place saying that
anyways, whats this DC Absolute business? just a reprinting in a prestige format or something?
Neverwhere, American Gods, Anansi Boys, and Stardust are my faves. I'm looking forward to the stardust movie coming out 
And I have the neverwhere series. A fan? Yeah you could call me that. And of course a fan of Sandman, my fave character Death of course. And yeah there is a movie of Mirrormask, with Jim Henson, it's amazing
[B]Fun Fact:[/B] A friend of mine had [I]The Works of Neil Gaiman [/I]as his specialist subject in the Mastermind semi-final last year. Or quarter final. I can't really remember because he didn't win.
You know who should have his own thread (that I am evidently doing nothing to make)? Warren Ellis. Now that man is ace.
Has anyone read The Day I Swapped My Dad For Two Goldfish? Yeah, I know, it's a children's book...but it's actually really clever and funny.
Do not speak- unless it improves on silence.
Neil Gaiman is probably the best graphic novelist out there, in my opinion. I've read the first three volumes of "The Sandman", which I intend to collect in their entirety, and also "The Books of Magic" (a terrific journey into the world of the occult).
I've tried recommending him to so many people, whether it be his comics or novels, but... I guess there aren't very many out there that can identify with his work. I tried to get my friend to read "The Sandman" the other day. He read half of the first volume, came to me and said, "I don't get it."
Ah, but Gaiman is a genius. Stephen King said, "Gaiman is a treasure house. We are lucky to have him." I agree.
I'm curious to see how he does with this Beowulf movie coming out.
[QUOTE=nathaniel parker;1011105]I'm curious to see how he does with this Beowulf movie coming out.[/QUOTE]
fkeiiiiiiiiiiiiiiijdkaljndfn!
I'm sorry, my heart just stopped.
gaiman is one of my influences, first enticing me with Neverwhere. the Sandman series is damn good stuff, even for the not so avid graphic novel fans.
I have God in my pants. Really, I do.
yes, i have to agree.
that movie was shit. and i am now plunged back into the deep, dark place of regret for losing my life during those precious minutes.
goddamn gerard butler.
I have God in my pants. Really, I do.
i really enjoyed american gods and ananzi boys, and stardust was good too
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Unfortunately, I don't have anything constructive to add about his writing at this time, either, since I haven't read any of his works yet, but Sandman is on my list. I do know Mr. Gaiman is apparently a really nice guy, though, because a woman I know, who is treated like a goddess in the comic-book world herself, is friends with him. Maybe after I actually read one of his graphic novels I'll ask her if she can get him to autograph it for me.
A Vendetta production. <3
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[SIZE=1]Sitting like a princess perched in her electric chair[/SIZE]