Neil Gaiman Week: An Introduction

Ana and I are huge fans of Neil Gaiman–who isn’t? If you haven’t read one of his novels, graphic novels, short stories, children’s books, or seen his movie and/or tv adaptations, chances are you’ve at least heard the name. He has been called the most important post-modern author of our generation, and has won multiple awards (in multiple genres)–3 Hugos, 2 Nebulas, 1 World Fantasy Award, 4 Bram Stoker Awards, 6 Locus Awards, 2 British SF Awards, 1 British Fantasy Award, 3 Geffens, 1 International Horror Guild Award and 1 Mythopoeic. (Award count courtesy of NeilGaiman.com).

Well…hmph. With all those accolades, you would think Mr. Gaiman might be content to rest on his laurels and develop a bad case of inflatedegoitis (or at least a very, very cluttered trophy shelf that requires a copious amount of dusting)–but he continues to put out a steady stream of excellent work, and at least from his frequent blog updates seems to have an ego of normal proportions (although, the status of his trophy shelf, clutteredness or dustiness-wise remains a mystery).

And thus, we here at the Book Smugglers would like to welcome you to our very own Neil Gaiman Appreciation Week!!!

For the duration of the week, we will be bringing you reviews and discussion of our favorite works by Neil Gaiman, across formats and genres.

First we’ll give an introduction and in-depth look at The Sandman–the epic comic book series, spanning 7 years in the making, and 10 Graphic Novels. Ana will give a detailed overview of Dream and the Endless, and Thea will share her favorite issue of the classic series.

Then we’ll take a look at another Gaiman graphic novel classic, as Ana will talk about the art and magic of 1602–where some of our favorite Marvel superheroes are adapted to the Elizabethan era.

Thea will review Good Omens, the collaborative ineffable effort of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett at documenting the…er…Apocalypse. In all its righteous hilarity.

Ana will take a look at some of Neil Gaiman’s short fiction with Smoke and Mirrors, while Thea will do a From the Page to the Screen special on Stardust (coincidentally, Thea’s first ever Gaiman novel).

We’ll then have a day to discuss Neil’s “children’s” works as Ana takes on The Day I Swapped my Dad for Two Goldfish and Odd and the Frost Giants, while Thea delights in the wicked fun creepiness that is Coraline* (how wonderfully appropriate is it that Teri Hatcher will be voicing the Other Mother? Oh sweet delight!).

Then we shall then round out the week with a joint review of American Gods (on the American Independence Day–4th of July–how fitting! We know. We planned. Well…not really.), and what exactly we think of this bajillion award winning novel.

So, we invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy as we present you…the one and only, the ineffable** Neil Gaiman.

*We might need to do a special on the Incredible Dave McKean as well–since his artwork truly is wonderful.

**P.S. I just finished reading Good Omens (Hence the asterisked footnotes). So, if my humor seems a little quirky, don’t mind me.