The best Neil Gaiman books, comics, and more

This week, Netflix’s adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman makes its debut. It’s been a long, long road for the adaptation of the legendary comic, and Gaiman’s involvement helped keep the adaptation true to his intent while making some key changes.

Gaiman’s writing is featured in almost every writing medium. Now it’s time to honor him with the release of the series. Below are some of the most beloved novels, short stories and TV episodes by Gaiman. SandmanWe’re going to pick our top stories from this comic.

Image: Neil Gaiman, Mike Dringenberg/DC Comics

The question is not whether The Sandman is Neil Gaiman’s best work is a matter of debate, I emphatically maintain that it is the Most Neil Gaiman work. As Susana Polo (my colleague) so succinctly explained, it’s because Neil Gaiman works. The SandmanThis was not only the result of an extraordinary moment in comics publishing, it was also the result of a young writer who put all of his creativity into this work to avoid losing the chance.

It was not only one among the greatest cult hit superhero comics (if it wasn’t the largest), but also a guide for what type of stories Gaiman would continue to write through his entire career. Gaiman’s quarreling deities as well as modern anthropomorphic elements of American Gods? That’s in The Sandman. Urban fantasy elements, far-flung folklore and urban fantasies. Never again Stardust? That’s in The Sandman. A whimsical, horror-humorous comedy Coraline? You guessed it — The Sandman. If you don’t mind, The Sandman is a perfect entry point for any potential reader to acquaint themselves with Neil Gaiman’s particular style of writing. The SandmanIt feels as if Gaiman is the Ur-text to every story he might write. —Toussaint Égan

Workman Publishing

Good Omens is one of those pop culture things I had heard about but never really fully known what the heck it was about — till I finally read the book and absolutely fell in love with it and understood all the hype. It was written by Terry Pratchett (later Neil Gaiman). Good OmensSomehow, the Apocalypse becomes a humorous and delightful reflection of the human joys.

At its core, it’s about Aziraphale and Crowley, an angel and a demon, who’ve spent the last few thousands of years cycling in and out of each other’s lives, and as such have grown rather fond of each other and living on Earth. Even though their infernal and celestial bosses would prefer that the apocalypse never happens, they team up to keep it from happening.

The television adaptation, which stars Michael Sheen and David Tennant, is just as delightful — and fleshes out Aziraphale and Crowley’s relationship even more. It’s getting a second season. Gaiman has a lot of input in it and it will incorporate bits of the sequel he and Pratchett never got to write, so here’s hoping it holds up. —Petrana Radulovic

HarperCollins Image

Gaiman is an incredibly versatile writer. In addition to comics and novels, he’s penned works as diverse as one of the most beloved episodes of Doctor Who and the English screenplay for Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke. But for my money, there’s nothing that Gaiman does better than short stories.

Published for the first time in 1998. Smoke and MirrorsThis collection contains pieces that date back to 1984. You will discover erotica and a Christmas card as well as dreamy scifi, fairy tales retellings, deconstructions by the greatest fantasy authors, poetry, and even some poetry. But above all, they’ll discover Gaiman’s talent for the short, fantastical horror yarn that winds you up with unease and ends with — well, if you don’t hear the Cryptkeeper cackle as if from a great distance, maybe you’re not paying attention. —Susana Polo

Image: Charles Vess/DC Comics

Favorite trivia facts about Stardust is that Neil Gaiman and Diana Wynne Jones once compared notes on John Donne’s “Song” — and in response to that poem, Gaiman wrote Stardust Jones wrote Howl’s Moving Castle.

Both the movie and original book versions of the novel are included in the collection. StardustPlay with fairytale conventions in a similar manner. Howl’s Moving Castle does). It follows Tristran Thorn (Tristan in the movie), who promises to fetch a fallen star for the most beautiful girl in his village — only to find out that the fallen star is actually a headstrong young lady. There’s faeries, witches, pirates on floating ships — it’s a fun romp and a compelling romance. The film version somehow captures all the magic. However, it has a few adjustments that make the movie more cinematic and have a happier ending.

However, the original book ending is one of the most poignant, bittersweet endings I’ve ever read and it holds a special place in my heart for just how devastated it makes me feel. —PR

HarperCollins Image

Coraline is a children’s horror masterpiece. It was a book I found in my local library. The illustrated cover featured a cartoon character wearing buttons that could be used to make eyes. After making the leap from middle-grade chapter books to the early readers section, I began to judge books by the covers. This iconography would stay with me for many weeks. This iconography made me an early Neil Gaiman aficionado.

The last time I was so quick to read a book, I can’t remember. The conceit is genuinely frightening, even if you’re adult, and incredibly relatable as a child. Much like other portal-to-another-world children’s suspense (see also: Get Spirited Away), CoralineA young girl stars who hopes her new life will bring her happiness. Through a tiny door, she enters another world, where Other Mother makes her favourite foods and allows her to have all the adventures that she wants. What’s the catch? She can’t ever leave. Her eyes will also be replaced by buttons like the rest of us in this universe.

Excellent movie adaptation. In a beautiful coincidence, I had just become obsessed with stop motion, particularly that era of campy Tim Burton horror — especially anything directed by Henry Selick. CoralineLaika, an animation studio that made it years later, adapted the story. Kubo & the Two StringsIt is an amazing animation masterpiece. Selick directed CoralineThe movie is wonderful and whimsical. It’s also terrifying. When I was sixth grade, I saw it and had nightmares for many weeks. It gave me everything that I wanted, and it still does. —Nicole Clark

His 2012 “Make Good Art” commencement speech

When I started college in 2012 as a junior, I was nearing the end of my education, and about to start a job in an unpredictable industry. After a friend posted it to Facebook, I found this commencement speech that had an enormous positive effect on me. It was just what I needed.

While the whole thing is valuable, one particular part is well worth mentioning.

People keep working, in a freelance world, and more and more of today’s world is freelance, because their work is good, and because they are easy to get along with, and because they deliver the work on time. And you don’t even need all three. It’s fine to have two of each. If your work is quality and delivered on time, people will be able to tolerate you being unpleasant. They’ll forgive the lateness of the work if it’s good, and if they like you. And you don’t have to be as good as the others if you’re on time and it’s always a pleasure to hear from you.

It’s a valuable life lesson, especially as work creeps more and more into every part of our lives. I’m grateful I heard it at a time I really needed it. —Pete Volk

His Tumblr Presence

Before I elaborate — yes, people still use Tumblr and it’s far more popular than most people think. Neil Gaiman is an active Tumblr user from 2011, and continues to use the microblogging platform. It is noteworthy because Tumblr has been known to bully celebrities. Neil Gaiman, however, has managed to outlive them all while watching through the darkness of his dashboard.

His ask box is always open so he can answer questions from his fans. He offers advice on writing and life. He talks about the various adaptations of his works, giving information he is able to give and answering with a signature “wait and see” when he cannot. He laughs at dumb jokes, and adds to reblogs. He helps fans track down obscure lines he’s written. And as is the reality of the internet, he deals with his share of haters and trolls, but he’s always remarkably graceful toward them.

He also reblogs posts, adding on new information, providing funny commentary, or giving helpful tips (this usually causes some surprise from people who organically stumble upon a comment from Neil Gaiman in the wild, and it’s always really amusing to see).

He’s just a good presence on the internet, which is exceedingly rare to see these days. —PR

Neil Gaiman? Is that you?

I’d be remiss if I did not mention the episode of PBS Kids series ArthurNeil Gaiman meets Sue Ellen and offers advice on how to write her own graphic novel. She meets Gaiman at the book reading, where he gives her a copy. CoralineGraphic novel. When she attempts to write her own book and gets discouraged by her friends’ feedback and her own self-doubts, an imaginary version of Gaiman appears to give her some good advice! It’s a lovely episode about the creative process — but also offers the hilarity of a tiny catlike Neil Gaiman sitting in falafel. —PR