Summary

Neil Gaimanhas been writing novels , funnies , and screenplays for many twelvemonth and his good Book instance why he ’s become such a fixity of the fantasy and horror genre . He has won legion awards for his piece of work , let in the Hugo Award and the Newbury Medal , but he would have gained fame and acknowledgment disregardless of these accolade . What makes Gaiman a household name is his fantastically realized worlds and fully develop characters that have sparked realization and empathy in the hearts of reader of all generation .

However , even as he delves further into the world of film and telly , writing is clearly Gaiman ’s passion and where his undeniable talents lie .

Throughout his career , Gaiman ’s novels have been adapted for the silver screen , and there ’s hope for aDead Boys Detectivesseason 2with crossovers betweenThe Sandmanand DC Comics . Gaiman has been heavily involved with most of these projects , penning the scripts for movies and telecasting shows that take on his work . However , even as he delves further into the public of film and tv , writing is clearly Gaiman ’s passionateness and where his undeniable talents lie . Thoughmost of his work skirts the edge of the horror and thriller musical style , it ’s in an accessible way that appeals to all readers .

Dead Boy Detectives Jayden Revri George Rexstrew Sandman Death Kirby

10Norse Mythology (2017)

A cohesive story that weaves together the history of Norse Gods

Fantasy is Gaiman ’s land , and his interest in mythology and the legends of gods has been present throughout all his body of work . In one of his most recent Quran , Gaiman take on the vast and far - progress to lore of Norse mythology , characters , and report he briefly examined inAmerican Gods . However , inNorse Mythology , Gaiman takes the individual myth and legend about the origins of the God and their yesteryear and develop a throughlinethat seamlessly tie in the tales while lease each chapter glow individually .

Where another author might take these thrilling stories and reverse them into a dry account statement of the fact , Norse Mythologyis Gaiman ’s honey missive to fantasy . Writing this book in the late 2010s was something of a hazard on Gaiman ’s part asMarvel had developed its own worldbuilding with its films about Thor , Loki , and the realm of the idol . However , Norse Mythologydistinguishes itself as a unequaled oblation that take the familiar quality and places them in their true position of historic phantasy .

9Neverwhere (1996)

An early Gaiman work about a hidden society underneath London

Gaiman ’s aptitude for television was apparent early in his career , as theNeverwhereseries and book were write around the same metre . They also premier and were release in flying taking over as the book is a companion musical composition to the miniseries . However , Neverwherethe novel is a much deep and more expansive version of the story , as that ’s the biggest pitfall of a sieve adaptation . In the story , a young man , Richard Mayhew , falls out of his life in everyday London and finds himself the unwitting resident of London below , a social club hide out from the view of distinctive Londoners .

It get much gravid plaudits than the serial , which stay relatively unknown compare to the novel .

Neverwherecreates the world of London below brilliantly , painting a clear pic of the people , the configurations , and the troubles that Richard face in his adventure . It received much greater acclamation than the serial publication , which remains comparatively unknown compared to the novel . If there is a pitfall inNeverwhere , it ’s that Richard ’s depiction is relatively thin , and other than his desire to render to London above , little drives the patch forward . Despite this , Neverwhereshouldn’t be overlooked when discussing Gaiman ’s work , and there ’s never been a better time for a reboot of the series .

Star Wars Stormtrooper

8Anansi Boys (2005)

The loose sequel to American Gods featuring two new players

Mr. Nancy , AKA Anansi , is one of the most challenging type in Gaiman ’s germinal study , American Gods . In the novel ’s follow - up , Anansi Boys , the lives of Mr. Nany ’s sons are explored . likewise toAmerican Gods , the book discover the protagonist , Charlie , short cast aside into the world of ancient God when he unwrap that his Father-God was one of them . In some slipway , Anansi Boysis easier to travel along thanAmerican Godsbecause it ’s a more contained history about Charlietrying to fix his life-time rather than save the full world .

Though rumour about a screen looping ofAnansi Boyshave circled since its publication , none have come to realization quite yet . Anansi Boyshas all the classic elements of a Gaiman book , feature cheat gods , false identity , and ingest the characters all over the world , and to the beginning of time . The Christian Bible is in the difficult position of being compared toAmerican Gods , but when viewed as a separate entity , its merit is obvious . Through humor and the dependableness of family strife , it cut up out a place in Gaiman ’s salutary work .

7Stardust (1999)

A uniquely Gaiman take on classic British fantasy

Stardustdemonstrates Gaiman ’s power to push fantasy and fairytale into the New era by take their classical features like sprite , kingdom , and illusion , and score them just as relevant to the human world .

The 2007 film edition , Stardust , is a the right way faithful reworking of the novel , but for those who have readStardust , there ’s even more trademark Gaiman duskiness and melancholia . Stardustdemonstrates Gaiman ’s power to drive fantasy and fairytales into the modern epoch by taking their Graeco-Roman features like queen , realm , and magic , and make them just as relevant to the human humans . InStardust , Gaiman recognizes that the rightful legacy of fairytale is one of darkness , greed , and selfishness . However , that does n’t mean he denies the lector a happy ending , or an ending as happy as it could be .

One of his most romantic novel , Stardustfeatures the romance between Tristran and Yvaineheavily , as their unexpected meeting soon blossoms into true love . There are strong elements of wish fulfillment inStardustas Tristran is belittled and short in his normal liveliness , but eventually discovers that he is the long - lose prince of the magical realm of Faerie . In the motion-picture show , this is treat as genuine fate , while in the Word of God , Gaiman treats it as a more humourous plot of land pointedness that pokes fun at the ideology of “ opt one ” narratives .

Cassian in Andor Season 2

6The Ocean At The End Of The Lane (2013)

A man is reminded of his inner child and memories long-forgotten

Gaiman has publish many books that belong purely to the children ’s genre . WhileThe Ocean at the End of the Laneis meant for an adult audience , it deals like a shot with root word of heal the inner child and the suppression of unmanageable memory of puerility . It ’s a deeply emotionally move story that remind the lector of their own experience when they were young , and how there is a inviolable link between oneself as a child and an adult than people believe . The novel was made into a level play in 2019 and ran on the West End .

Of all Gaiman ’s works , it ’s the one that ’s best adapt into a play . This is because of how much fall out inside the champion ’s header since the story ’s conceit is that it ’s a long - blank out memory . When readingThe Ocean at the End of the Lane , it ’s clear that the resourcefulness and wonder that so many grownup go forth behind in puerility have remained with Gaiman his entire life . It ’s peculiarly impactful that the protagonist is unnamedthroughout the story . Though it was initially mean to be a short story , Gaiman easily earns the novel ’s duration by the finis .

5Good Omens (1990)

Gaiman’s hilarious collaboration with Terry Pratchett

One of Gaiman ’s best - roll in the hay and most iconic works was co - write by the fecund fantasy writer Terry Pratchett . Good Omensdoesn’t cover with gods but with holy man instead , or rather , an holy man and a demon who fell from heaven many centuries ago . Aziraphale and Crowley might be on opposite sides of the biblical warfare , but they team up up to stop Armageddonbecause they love biography on Earth so much . There are many locomote piece inGood Omens , but the overall subject matter is easy to discern from the hilarious asides and description of heaven and hell .

None of the persona are delimitate by where they fare from , and they can be anything they take . Ultimately , it is n’t Aziraphale or Crowley ’s actions that preclude the death of the world , but the choice of a immature male child who only wants to be a normal child . The TV serial publication has taken the human race by storm and the anticipation forGood Omensseason 3has been steadily rise . Thoughthe result of the novel only coverGood Omensseason 1,the make up secret plan and storyline of the series do justice to the exist world of the narrative .

4The Sandman (1988 - Present)

The legendary comic series that cemented Gaiman’s multi-medium talents

Netflix ’s late development ofThe Sandmanseries had plenty of material to go on as Gaiman has been putting out installation since 1988 . center Dream , or Morpheus , member of the Endless and lord of the realm of dreams , the series follows his experience trying to fix the damage get in his absence seizure . When Dream is captured by a human being , he returns to his region many years later to find nothing the way he pass on it . For many years graphic novel were n’t treat as important or serious kit and boodle of literatureby mainstream publications and proofreader .

Each installing of the serial publication include hard maturation and development in its characters and delivers lasting consequences for their action mechanism .

whole kit likeThe Sandmanprove that comics can take on mature and hard subjects and are influential works of fiction . The Sandmanisn’t for vernal children or a piece of light-colored reading to pick up and put down . Each installment of the series admit strong ontogeny and development in its character reference and delivers long-lasting consequences for their military action . Though Dream is sometimes denigrate as a less powerful member of the Endless , using the public of the Dreaming as a background was an ingenious ploy by Gaiman , as it open up up the account to infinite fantasy realm .

book-cover-of-American-Gods,-Coraline,-Good-Omens

Image by Yailin Chacon

Dead Boy Detectives ' big two Sandman cameos further connect the two shows and could tease ways to bring them into raw seasons of The Sandman .

3Coraline (2002)

Despite being a children’s book, Coraline delivers plenty of scares and moral lessons

Coralineis one of thegreat halt - apparent movement revulsion movies , but the fact that many audience member have n’t interpret the book is a cataclysm . The original novel is n’t markedly different from the picture , but it does give further insight into Coraline ’s thoughts and feelings , which is instrumental in the story ’s tone . give-and-take of puerility andthe fact that children ’s agency and sapience should be look at seriously feature to a great extent inCoralineand Gaiman ’s work in general . The moments of fear and high stakes within the book speak to Gaiman ’s respectfulness for children and their ability to handle intense subjects .

The movie adds a few type , extending the length and events of the narration , but the heart of the story is maintained . Coraline ’s fearlessness and refusal to back down in the typeface of adversity pep up the children and adults who read the book and see themselves in Coraline . Of the scariest parts ofCoraline , the Other Mother is perhaps one of the most frightening villains ever compose into a tyke ’s tale , and the genuine terror she spark off makes Coraline ’s braveness all the more inspiring and universal .

2The Graveyard Book (2008)

Gaiman’s most enduring and affectionate children’s story

Though it ’s secern through the chilling lens of the eye of growing up in a graveyard , the family and beloved Bod finds with the touch who live there are just as warm as the country of the living .

The Graveyard Bookisn’t quite as terrifying asCoraline , but its stakes and aroused heart are even more compelling than Gaiman ’s earlier foray into children ’s literature . The Good Book was showered with awards follow its issue including the Carnegie and Newbury ribbon , as well as the Hugo Award for Best Novel . It ’s true that awards are not necessarily a direct indication of a work ’s note value , butin the case ofThe Graveyard Book , the cry of congratulations is well - garner . Within the news report , a new boy key out Nobody " Bod " Owens originate up in a memorial park travel along the slaying of his family .

As he grows up , Bod has increasingly dangerous and unbelievable adventure , climax with his opposition with the humankind who killed his family . Though it ’s distinguish through the chilling lens of farm up in a necropolis , the family and love Bod rule with the spook who live there are just as quick as the Din Land of the bread and butter . go after Bod ’s living over many years , The Graveyard Bookis truly a story of coming - of - age and the transition to maturity and independence , even if it ’s full of painful goodbyes .

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman sitting on another book

1American Gods (2001)

Gaiman’s most extensive and definitive work on the realm of the gods

Winning the Hugo and Nebula awards , American Godsis one of Gaiman ’s longest works and is akin to the mystic epics of oldin more ways than one . The protagonist , Shadow walks the line between the world of humanity and the Old Gods as the New Gods claim their soil in the cosmos . Both a testimonial to the mythology of the yesteryear and an indictment of the short computer memory of humanity , American Godstakes the reader all over the world and examines the bequest of gods from all religions and walks of aliveness .

The melodic theme that all graven image and religious belief might exist at the same time and in relative harmoniousness be the philosophical system thatNeil Gaimanimbues throughout this oeuvre . However , the novel is one of the first examples . Aspects of the book are dated when looking back on it , and it ’s of import to read with a critical optic even when giving it kudos . Despite this , its influence and mark on literature make it an of the essence firearm of the writer ’s work . American Godsdidn’t take off as a series , but it ’s difficult to conceive of that any screen iteration could do the sprawling book Justice Department .

The cover of Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

The Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman book cover

The Ocean at the End of the Lane book cover

The Graveyard Book Book Cover