New Neil Gaiman book is due out shortly: Anansi Boys. High hopes for that. Gaiman is a hell of a creative guy, and a pretty good writer. Sandman is, I would say, one of the major works of fiction of the late 20th century, despite being just a comic book. But Gaiman’s novel output isn’t […]
New Neil Gaiman book is due out shortly: Anansi Boys.
High hopes for that. Gaiman is a hell of a creative guy, and a pretty good writer. Sandman is, I would say, one of the major works of fiction of the late 20th century, despite being just a comic book.
But Gaiman’s novel output isn’t quite up to that standard. Good Omens was, kindly, not that good (or to put it another way, piece o’ crap). Neverwhere is ok, worth reading, certainly. American Gods is far better, and in some ways brilliant, but it’s got enough flaws that I don’t recommend it to everyone.
I keep hoping Gaiman’s got that truly, truly great novel in him, and didn’t spend it all on Sandman.
His other output is different; his comics, almost to a one, are wonderful and creative. And his kids books are – well, god, just as good as kids books get. Coraline, Wolves in the Walls, The Dad I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish. All artistically and linguistically beautiful.
“No,” said her mother. “There are no wolves in the walls. You must be hearing mice, I suppose.”
“Wolves,” said Lucy.
“I’m sure it’s not Wolves,” said her mother. “For everyone knows what they say… If the wolves come out of the walls, its’ all over.”
“What’s all over?” asked Lucy.
“It,” said her mother. “Everybody knows that.”
I have high hopes for this new novel. I just pre-ordered it; I’m looking forward to hearing other readers reactions to it. I’ll post a review as soon as I finish it, which is likely to be soon after I get it.
I liked the orchestral visuals of NEVERWHERE, but it was AMERICAN GODS that sort of lost me. After a while, I got tired of guessing what had to happen, simply because I have a good education in world myths.
Not sure I’m ready for another ‘real gods’ book. I’ll wait for your review! 🙂
I haven’t seen the BBC version of Neverwhere. I should. Yeah, lotta people didn’t groove to AG; I loved it even though the flaws stuck out. He’s so good when he’s good that I tolerate it when he whiffs one.
I really enjoyed Amercian Gods — it felt a bit distended, but all in all it was a great read. And while Bad Omens was a big ol’ mess, it had some great *parts*. Not a complete waste of time by any means.
Have you read Stardust? Very charming, classic “quest” fairy tale stuff. Definitely worth a glance.
I have the BBC version of Neverwhere somewhere. Good quality video – very funny to watch if you like campy “B” movie style.
I am surprised that you did not mention MirrorMask coming out this Month… the 30th I believe. But that could also be limited release.
Still have to read American Gods… read all of Sandman. I am working on getting Merrick hooked on Neil Gaiman as well…
Oh, and if you see the Wired with his interview with Gorillaz, it is sorely disappointing. Just stock questions, nothing interesting.
I’ll have to look up MirrorMask, I hadn’t heard of it. And do you mean to tell me Merrick’s ever read Sandman? Good lord. That’s just WRONG.
Hey now! Give me a chance! I’ve never been into comic books to begin with, and nobody ever walked up to me and said “You MUST read this!” . Worry not, now that I have access to some I’ll read it ASAP k? This is a wrong easily fixed. 🙂
Merrick — allow me: “You MUST read this.” I turned Karl onto Gaiman and Sandman, now it’s his turn to pass along the favor.
I’m reading American Gods right now and so far it rocks.
Sandman rocks also, I might even get back into comics in general at this point…but at $20 a pop for 12 volumes, it’s a pricey read. So far I’ve only read the first three.
Ray, I’ve got all of The Sandman stuff — let’s set up some time to grab a beer when you’re feeling better and I’ll loan the whole she-bang to you.
Gregg