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Murder Mysteries A Play For Voices
In Heaven's City of Angels before the fall, the first crime has been committed: an Angel has been murdered.
While the Angelic Hosts labor to create the universe, one of their number is mysteriously slain by one of their own. Raguel, Angel of Vengeance, is commanded to discover both motive and murderer...
While in contemporary Los Angeles, an Englishman learns a dark story of love and consequences.
While the Angelic Hosts labor to create the universe, one of their number is mysteriously slain by one of their own. Raguel, Angel of Vengeance, is commanded to discover both motive and murderer...
While in contemporary Los Angeles, an Englishman learns a dark story of love and consequences.
64 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 1992
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5105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 519 reviews
April 6, 2016
fascinating. Gaiman's short story (and radio play) about a murder investigation amongst angels before the dawn of time finds a perfect new form in this graphic novel. there are so many balls being juggled here: love, death, vengeance, purpose; the true reason for Lucifer's fall; God's design; murder and memory; the mechanics of Creation. and none of those balls drop - each is given a full measure of thoughtfulness and ambiguity. this graphic novel is a master class in layered storytelling; the whole endeavor is so strange and beautiful.
Gaiman has an ideal partner in acclaimed illustrator P. Craig Russell. his imagery, by turns limpid and shadowy, is always put at service to the narrative. his classic style transforms Gaiman's sinister and disturbing story into a lovely, haunting fairy tale. the last third of this book is an absorbing reconstruction of how Russell and Gaiman devised the illustrations.
Gaiman has an ideal partner in acclaimed illustrator P. Craig Russell. his imagery, by turns limpid and shadowy, is always put at service to the narrative. his classic style transforms Gaiman's sinister and disturbing story into a lovely, haunting fairy tale. the last third of this book is an absorbing reconstruction of how Russell and Gaiman devised the illustrations.
October 13, 2019
A beautiful graphic novel, filled with the incredible imagination of Neil Gaiman.
I've said this before, but I really do believe that Gaiman's greatest masterpieces are his graphic novels. His style, his inventions, his worlds seem to be born in his mind to be translated in images with ink and paper.
The story of this one was so original and unespected that I read some sections twice because I didn't want to miss anything. Beautiful!
I've said this before, but I really do believe that Gaiman's greatest masterpieces are his graphic novels. His style, his inventions, his worlds seem to be born in his mind to be translated in images with ink and paper.
The story of this one was so original and unespected that I read some sections twice because I didn't want to miss anything. Beautiful!
July 1, 2017
نمیدونم چطوری توصیفش کنم.
روایت نو ای بود از داستان فرشتگان.
از اینکه چطوری لوسیفر از راه به در شد
از اینکه این ، خود خواسته و برنامه خدا بود ، و او خود باعث وسوسه لوسیفر شده بود.
واقعا داستان والایی بود.
وقتی میخوندم حس خیلی عجیبی بهم دست میداد.
به همه پیشنهاد میکنم
گرچه باید به اینم اشاره کنم که این کتاب و خدایان امریکایی بهم ثابت کردن که بزرگسالا هم برای خوندن بعضی از کتابای این نویسنده هنوز خیلی بچه ان :دی
پ ن : زبان اصلی بخونید
روایت نو ای بود از داستان فرشتگان.
از اینکه چطوری لوسیفر از راه به در شد
از اینکه این ، خود خواسته و برنامه خدا بود ، و او خود باعث وسوسه لوسیفر شده بود.
واقعا داستان والایی بود.
وقتی میخوندم حس خیلی عجیبی بهم دست میداد.
به همه پیشنهاد میکنم
گرچه باید به اینم اشاره کنم که این کتاب و خدایان امریکایی بهم ثابت کردن که بزرگسالا هم برای خوندن بعضی از کتابای این نویسنده هنوز خیلی بچه ان :دی
پ ن : زبان اصلی بخونید
June 10, 2017
Neil Gaiman writes a great Angelic tale. I am a fan of anyone who wants to tackle the Higher Powers (from Mike Carey's Lucifer to Hellblazer comics). In Gaiman's wonderful hands we get a wonderful tale.
A strangely disturbed English writer goes out for a walk in LA. He meets an old homeless man who offers to tell him a tale in exchange for two cigarettes. The tale he tells has to do with murder.
Raguel, the Vengeance of the Lord, is awakened by Lucifer to investigate the murder of the angel, Carasel. What follows is not only a murder mystery, but a look into the mind of the Angels. What do they know of emotions? What is love? Death? Throughout the entire story is always Lucifer, though he is not the rogue here, and his questions. Is God truly just? Why does He do what He does? It's a great look at how each angel, in the end, performs their function. I will not give away any more, this is well worth your time to read.
The illustrations are well done, though not spectacular, and the story is a fine one. A very enjoyable tale of murder and love and questions. Any Gaiman fan will like this. Anyone who likes a good tale will like this.
A strangely disturbed English writer goes out for a walk in LA. He meets an old homeless man who offers to tell him a tale in exchange for two cigarettes. The tale he tells has to do with murder.
Raguel, the Vengeance of the Lord, is awakened by Lucifer to investigate the murder of the angel, Carasel. What follows is not only a murder mystery, but a look into the mind of the Angels. What do they know of emotions? What is love? Death? Throughout the entire story is always Lucifer, though he is not the rogue here, and his questions. Is God truly just? Why does He do what He does? It's a great look at how each angel, in the end, performs their function. I will not give away any more, this is well worth your time to read.
The illustrations are well done, though not spectacular, and the story is a fine one. A very enjoyable tale of murder and love and questions. Any Gaiman fan will like this. Anyone who likes a good tale will like this.
February 2, 2023
4 Stars. The ending of this story hit me like a gut punch and stuck with me for a while after I finished it. Because there is a mystery at the heart of it, it's a story that absolutely rewards a re-read to find the clues that were overlooked or missed. This was originally a short story written by Neil Gaiman that has been adapted to a short graphic novel, illustrated by P. Craig Russell who is a frequent collaborator with Gaiman.
The basic premise is straightforward - A man visiting LA meets up with a former fling and after he leaves her place he encounters a homeless man who tells him a story in exchange for a cigarette.
Warning: I'm about to discuss the ending here so avoid clicking this if you don't want to know.
P. Craig Russell's illustrations are gorgeous. At this point, I support all of Neil Gaiman's short stories being adapted into graphic novels. He truly collaborates with the artists to create something that stays true to the story he told but with images that always manage to elevate the story.
The basic premise is straightforward - A man visiting LA meets up with a former fling and after he leaves her place he encounters a homeless man who tells him a story in exchange for a cigarette.
Warning: I'm about to discuss the ending here so avoid clicking this if you don't want to know.
P. Craig Russell's illustrations are gorgeous. At this point, I support all of Neil Gaiman's short stories being adapted into graphic novels. He truly collaborates with the artists to create something that stays true to the story he told but with images that always manage to elevate the story.
January 22, 2024
Based upon a short story by Gaiman put into a graphic comic. That said this story is not for all ages as Gaiman does not always write for the young ones. The art however does not use gratious nudity as angels are not sexual beings.
A man is having a smoke when an archangel bums a cigarette and tells him the story about the first murder before the creation of men/women and the earth.
A fascinating tale which is quite well drawn, the art suits the story
One loves the adult comics and it is good they are out there.
A man is having a smoke when an archangel bums a cigarette and tells him the story about the first murder before the creation of men/women and the earth.
A fascinating tale which is quite well drawn, the art suits the story
One loves the adult comics and it is good they are out there.
July 19, 2017
ایده ی نو و جالبی داشت ...داستان قتل یک فرشته و "ریئایل" فرشته ی کین خواه خداوند که ماموریت می یابد تا قاتل را بیابد و به سزای اعمالش برساند
نظرم اینه که حتما کتاب زبان اصلی رو بخونید ترجمه ش اصلا جالب نبود
March 22, 2013
At the beginning of Creation, an angel is murdered and Raguel, the Vengeance of the Lord, is sent to discover the culprit. Meanwhile Lucifer, his presence at the crime scene unaccounted for, walks in the shadows as he contemplates Creation and God's ultimate purpose.
I loved the way Gaiman wrote the character of Lucifer. Here he seems much more compelling and interesting a character with the way he tries to understand God's designs and uses his head, rather than the pure evil version many Christians choose to believe in.
The misdirection as to the murderer's identity is a nice addition to the story and a nod to the genre it is written in. It keeps the reader guessing until the reveal at the end. Even then though, the murder mystery solved, the real mystery - God's plans - remain obscured. It's this that is the true mystery. Why would God create evil? Why would God not destroy Lucifer since he has the power to? We never find out.
The framing device is clever and adds another twist to the ending. It makes you appreciate what an accomplished writer Gaiman is that he never lets up with an ending. Just when you feel that he can stop, that he's tied up the loose ends, he keeps going and takes the story to a different place where you're completely surprised again.
Despite this being one of Gaiman's best short stories, it's translated very well into comics form by the masterful P. Craig Russell. His beautiful artwork brings the angels to life and gives you breathtaking visions of Creation. He also does a wonderful job of drawing Death. No, not the skeleton in a black cowl with a scythe, but the concept of Death. Very imaginative, Russell's drawing abilities matches Gaiman's writing and imagination perfectly.
One of the finest of this series of Gaiman adapted comic books, and a brilliant standalone comic book for those who are put off by ordinary prose, "Murder Mysteries" is a fantastic read and will hold your attention from the first page to the last.
I loved the way Gaiman wrote the character of Lucifer. Here he seems much more compelling and interesting a character with the way he tries to understand God's designs and uses his head, rather than the pure evil version many Christians choose to believe in.
The misdirection as to the murderer's identity is a nice addition to the story and a nod to the genre it is written in. It keeps the reader guessing until the reveal at the end. Even then though, the murder mystery solved, the real mystery - God's plans - remain obscured. It's this that is the true mystery. Why would God create evil? Why would God not destroy Lucifer since he has the power to? We never find out.
The framing device is clever and adds another twist to the ending. It makes you appreciate what an accomplished writer Gaiman is that he never lets up with an ending. Just when you feel that he can stop, that he's tied up the loose ends, he keeps going and takes the story to a different place where you're completely surprised again.
Despite this being one of Gaiman's best short stories, it's translated very well into comics form by the masterful P. Craig Russell. His beautiful artwork brings the angels to life and gives you breathtaking visions of Creation. He also does a wonderful job of drawing Death. No, not the skeleton in a black cowl with a scythe, but the concept of Death. Very imaginative, Russell's drawing abilities matches Gaiman's writing and imagination perfectly.
One of the finest of this series of Gaiman adapted comic books, and a brilliant standalone comic book for those who are put off by ordinary prose, "Murder Mysteries" is a fantastic read and will hold your attention from the first page to the last.
December 28, 2022
My first Neil Gelman. And wow. I really loved it.
April 22, 2017
"Murder Mysteries" is probably my favorite short story by Neil Gaiman. I read it for the first time in the "Smoke and Mirrors" collection and I couldn't stop thinking about it for days. I was disturbed, enchanted, heartbroken. This little story haunted me and I told everyone that they just HAD to read it, but when they asked me what it was about, I was at a lost to explain or summarize the story for them. It's about angels, murder (obviously), love, revenge, justice, the creation of the Universe... Only a writer of Gaiman's caliber can take so many complex concepts and weave them together as finely as if they were light gossamer strands, then pack it all into a story that is less than a hundred pages.
When I heard that Gaiman had teamed up with P. Craig Russell to make a graphic novel out of it, I had to have a copy. The story is cinematic enough to be beautifully translated into the illustrated format. While the art can't hope to compete with the ethereal images my imagination had conjured, Mr. Russell's work plays on light and darkness and it's beautiful, subtle and evocative. His pen is perfectly aligned with Gaiman's imagination (as I have seen in many "Sandman" stories) and he brings his words to life perfectly.
The second part of the book is about the adaptation of the short story into a graphic novel. You can skip it if you want, but I always find that process very interesting and I was curious as to how Russell had processed Gaiman's ideas and turned them in those luminous illustrations. It also made me want to see what he did with "The Graveyard Book".
This story is ambiguous, unsettling, rich, moving and unforgettable. Fans of the short story will love it, and people who have only know Gaiman via his "Sandman" series are in for a treat… and maybe a gateway drug to his prose.
When I heard that Gaiman had teamed up with P. Craig Russell to make a graphic novel out of it, I had to have a copy. The story is cinematic enough to be beautifully translated into the illustrated format. While the art can't hope to compete with the ethereal images my imagination had conjured, Mr. Russell's work plays on light and darkness and it's beautiful, subtle and evocative. His pen is perfectly aligned with Gaiman's imagination (as I have seen in many "Sandman" stories) and he brings his words to life perfectly.
The second part of the book is about the adaptation of the short story into a graphic novel. You can skip it if you want, but I always find that process very interesting and I was curious as to how Russell had processed Gaiman's ideas and turned them in those luminous illustrations. It also made me want to see what he did with "The Graveyard Book".
This story is ambiguous, unsettling, rich, moving and unforgettable. Fans of the short story will love it, and people who have only know Gaiman via his "Sandman" series are in for a treat… and maybe a gateway drug to his prose.
December 13, 2020
A short, fantasy story about Angels of God, I wished it was more. Well-drawn characters, an interesting point about them as you can feeling their souls and could sympathies with them. Highly recommended to whom like any genre of stories.
June 16, 2017
Beautiful work.
Short, but rich in story and characters, entertaining and simply... beautiful.
Short, but rich in story and characters, entertaining and simply... beautiful.
March 24, 2014
I received a copy of this ebook from NetGalley.
This was...interesting. It seemed familiar, and I finally realized it had originally been published as a Gaiman short story in one of his collections.
Though, it seemed like it was better as a Gaiman story. This seemed more like an adaptation of a Gaiman story. That is, one of his stories that got adapted by someone who is Not-Gaiman. I believe that is the case, though Gaiman's name is on the cover.
So it brings up one question. First, why does Gaiman need someone else to adapt his stories into comics? Ummm. Sandman ring any bells? Neil Gaiman does comics. He does them well. He always has. Don't fix something that isn't broken.
The art was pretty meh in this. And wouldn't you know it, it turns out the same guy that's Not-Gaiman is also Not-Dave-McKean. Yes, he adapted the story and was the artist. Way to get the double-tap on that one, P. Craig Russell. As I look it up, I see that he's adapted other Gaiman stories into graphic novels too. Wow. Hold me back.
The story ended up falling flat and rather boring. Not horrible, but it did not have that magic Gaiman is known for. This wasn't bad, it just wasn't all that good. And it certainly wasn't Gaiman.
Oh yes. I'm aware that I keep saying "Gaiman" in my review. You might even say there's more "Gaiman" in this review than there is in the graphic novel I'm reviewing.
At least I'm not making people think Gaiman wrote this review...
This was...interesting. It seemed familiar, and I finally realized it had originally been published as a Gaiman short story in one of his collections.
Though, it seemed like it was better as a Gaiman story. This seemed more like an adaptation of a Gaiman story. That is, one of his stories that got adapted by someone who is Not-Gaiman. I believe that is the case, though Gaiman's name is on the cover.
So it brings up one question. First, why does Gaiman need someone else to adapt his stories into comics? Ummm. Sandman ring any bells? Neil Gaiman does comics. He does them well. He always has. Don't fix something that isn't broken.
The art was pretty meh in this. And wouldn't you know it, it turns out the same guy that's Not-Gaiman is also Not-Dave-McKean. Yes, he adapted the story and was the artist. Way to get the double-tap on that one, P. Craig Russell. As I look it up, I see that he's adapted other Gaiman stories into graphic novels too. Wow. Hold me back.
The story ended up falling flat and rather boring. Not horrible, but it did not have that magic Gaiman is known for. This wasn't bad, it just wasn't all that good. And it certainly wasn't Gaiman.
Oh yes. I'm aware that I keep saying "Gaiman" in my review. You might even say there's more "Gaiman" in this review than there is in the graphic novel I'm reviewing.
At least I'm not making people think Gaiman wrote this review...
August 27, 2016
This was my first Neil Gaiman comic. It. could debatably by my last. While I do like Neil Gaiman in general this was trash in my opinion. There is one thing about the thing I liked. That's it. Just one (which I will share down the line). And let me also start off with informing readers-this is NOT for kids!
Let's get the ugly out of the way, shall we? First off, the art. At first, no the city is not too bad. Not good though either. Then, we get into "heaven" and the color choices are atrocious! First the scenes aren't very good but at least good coloring. Then I get blah fading pastels! Take color out altogether would have been better than what was shown. All facial expressions are bland. No emotion was visible, leaving me quite detached from the characters.
Then there is the story. At approx 60 pages for the story, it has no foundation. The first murder in "heaven" and the angel that plays detective.... No character depth, no lessons to be learned, just mystery death and a quest for the vengeance of said death. Included in this story is angel sex. While the angels are "sexless" they are all referred to as male and drawing as men (less the smooth Ken-like nether regions). So I got unexpected m/m relations going on. Not to mention the other sexual scenes and references. While I am very open in my reading, a little warning is nice!
The one thing I like it that after the 60 page story, we get another 50 pages of bonus material! This explains the why and how behind the panels, alternate art and coloring, etc. This was the only reason I don't give it 1 star. Otherwise, this takes the lead for worst graphic novel I have ever read. And I hate saying that being that Neil Gaiman is the creator. I heard this was based on a short story he wrote. I can only hope that was better. While I wills still read Neil Gaiman's work, his graphic novels are on the backseat. This might have had potential but there is too much lacking in this to hold my attention.
**I received this as a review eBook from Netgalley. Special Thanks to them, Diamond Book Distributors, and Dark Horse Comics. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Let's get the ugly out of the way, shall we? First off, the art. At first, no the city is not too bad. Not good though either. Then, we get into "heaven" and the color choices are atrocious! First the scenes aren't very good but at least good coloring. Then I get blah fading pastels! Take color out altogether would have been better than what was shown. All facial expressions are bland. No emotion was visible, leaving me quite detached from the characters.
Then there is the story. At approx 60 pages for the story, it has no foundation. The first murder in "heaven" and the angel that plays detective.... No character depth, no lessons to be learned, just mystery death and a quest for the vengeance of said death. Included in this story is angel sex. While the angels are "sexless" they are all referred to as male and drawing as men (less the smooth Ken-like nether regions). So I got unexpected m/m relations going on. Not to mention the other sexual scenes and references. While I am very open in my reading, a little warning is nice!
The one thing I like it that after the 60 page story, we get another 50 pages of bonus material! This explains the why and how behind the panels, alternate art and coloring, etc. This was the only reason I don't give it 1 star. Otherwise, this takes the lead for worst graphic novel I have ever read. And I hate saying that being that Neil Gaiman is the creator. I heard this was based on a short story he wrote. I can only hope that was better. While I wills still read Neil Gaiman's work, his graphic novels are on the backseat. This might have had potential but there is too much lacking in this to hold my attention.
**I received this as a review eBook from Netgalley. Special Thanks to them, Diamond Book Distributors, and Dark Horse Comics. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.
March 3, 2017
Well, never let it be said the man didn't spin a good yarn. This is, in fact, a good yarn, though maybe not a sweater worth. How to describe this...a celestial homoerotic mystery? a morality tale? a murder investigation? Thing is you don't even have to love the mystery aspect to appreciate the stunningly imaginative world brought to life by a strikingly talented artist. This is one gorgeous book. Brief, a short story adaptation after all, less then an hour worth of entertainment, but well worth the time. Recommended.
March 25, 2023
I actually consider this a very simple work of rather genius and hers why:
Spoilers
A murder mystery wrapped in a murder mystery.
.
The masterful contrast between the two murder mysteries and sex scenes I find fascinating. The edited memories of a dispassionate act and the creation of the first love.
The beginning sex scene was very odd and methodical. Bits are issing. It had complete lack of empathy... it’s edited by Raguel - the bits where ‘protagonist’ committed a triple murder and the pre-cursor and aftermath are gone from the mind of the murderer. This is not an act of passion but of dispassion and methodic violence. Whats his motive for killing? We don’t know. The only clue is that the victim tells him she loves him and he does not reciprocate. But that was then. He degraded her with a blowjob, kills her and - it’s dark - has sex with a he dead body.
Its in stark contrast to the other crime - The angels in the ‘sex scene’‘, they are androgynous and have no sexual organs hence the act is pure love with no sex bits. It’s the original love story quite literally. But here, unrequited love corrupts and results in destruction and death.
The two scenes are absolute polar opposites. Both the will of the lord.
Raguel though, seems in self exile as a patron saint for killers taking their memories from them as they are only victims - as he were, og the master plan. To him, our main character is no less of a pawn than he himself was in gods grand plan, and he gives the victim murderer the gift of forgetfulness. So both the murders were God’s plan. Gods little experiment happens every day. The murderers are but victims.
While questioning gods plan, Raquel never fell - but he more than a wee bit mad due to the war of right vs wrong raging inside his mind. Though Raguel can’t absolve main character of the murders, he sees another victim of the lords unjust force majure plan. We know what gods intentions with the first murder was, to set Lucifer/Samael on his path and To test his free will. Is the main character science experiment 10.0.0.0.01.0.1.00.1.0.0 for same absurd reason?
The cell/elevator in the end? Our main character has a function, he goes back in his sleeper cell of a life he doesn’t relate, untill he has to serve a function again.
Gaiman has a history of questioning religion which I love. He also tells us to think for ourselves and rarely serves a story up plain and simple. I love that about him. Well, that was true for his earlier pre marriage writing - he’s a lot less interesting these days...
Spoilers
A murder mystery wrapped in a murder mystery.
.
The masterful contrast between the two murder mysteries and sex scenes I find fascinating. The edited memories of a dispassionate act and the creation of the first love.
The beginning sex scene was very odd and methodical. Bits are issing. It had complete lack of empathy... it’s edited by Raguel - the bits where ‘protagonist’ committed a triple murder and the pre-cursor and aftermath are gone from the mind of the murderer. This is not an act of passion but of dispassion and methodic violence. Whats his motive for killing? We don’t know. The only clue is that the victim tells him she loves him and he does not reciprocate. But that was then. He degraded her with a blowjob, kills her and - it’s dark - has sex with a he dead body.
Its in stark contrast to the other crime - The angels in the ‘sex scene’‘, they are androgynous and have no sexual organs hence the act is pure love with no sex bits. It’s the original love story quite literally. But here, unrequited love corrupts and results in destruction and death.
The two scenes are absolute polar opposites. Both the will of the lord.
Raguel though, seems in self exile as a patron saint for killers taking their memories from them as they are only victims - as he were, og the master plan. To him, our main character is no less of a pawn than he himself was in gods grand plan, and he gives the victim murderer the gift of forgetfulness. So both the murders were God’s plan. Gods little experiment happens every day. The murderers are but victims.
While questioning gods plan, Raquel never fell - but he more than a wee bit mad due to the war of right vs wrong raging inside his mind. Though Raguel can’t absolve main character of the murders, he sees another victim of the lords unjust force majure plan. We know what gods intentions with the first murder was, to set Lucifer/Samael on his path and To test his free will. Is the main character science experiment 10.0.0.0.01.0.1.00.1.0.0 for same absurd reason?
The cell/elevator in the end? Our main character has a function, he goes back in his sleeper cell of a life he doesn’t relate, untill he has to serve a function again.
Gaiman has a history of questioning religion which I love. He also tells us to think for ourselves and rarely serves a story up plain and simple. I love that about him. Well, that was true for his earlier pre marriage writing - he’s a lot less interesting these days...
May 11, 2008
This is a short graphic novel, so I finished it in less than an hour. However, the story is a wondrous tale of a murder in Paradise and Raguel, the angel made to be the Lord's vengeance, is awoken to find the murderer. It involves the construction of the Universe by various angels and Raguel meeting them and Lucifer. Contrary to what people might expect, Lucifer didn't commit this murder.
It's wonderfully drawn and written, and told by an old man. A Brit stuck in L.A. from an unexpected stop over visits an old friend of his, then goes for a walk and offers two cigarettes and a matchbook for an old man. When he won't take money, the old man offers this tale as his payment, a tale of *his* past.
It's really short, but so rich. I kind of wished it was longer, just so I had more to read and get absorbed in, but at the same time I wouldn't want it to peter out and kind of lose its greatness.
I definitely recommend this book to Neil Gaiman fans and people who have an open mind about God and his plans.
It's wonderfully drawn and written, and told by an old man. A Brit stuck in L.A. from an unexpected stop over visits an old friend of his, then goes for a walk and offers two cigarettes and a matchbook for an old man. When he won't take money, the old man offers this tale as his payment, a tale of *his* past.
It's really short, but so rich. I kind of wished it was longer, just so I had more to read and get absorbed in, but at the same time I wouldn't want it to peter out and kind of lose its greatness.
I definitely recommend this book to Neil Gaiman fans and people who have an open mind about God and his plans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2021
هربار که به کسی معرفیش میکنم دوباره میخونمش و هربار از نو قلبم پارهپاره میشه
March 8, 2023
Forgetfulness can sometimes bring freedom, of a sort.
নিল গেইম্যানের দারুণ একটা উপন্যাসিকা। রহস্য, ফ্যান্টাসি, মিথলজি, গেইম্যানের চিরাচরিত ডার্ক হিউমার, আর শেষে একপশলা বিষণ্নতা।
নিল গেইম্যানের দারুণ একটা উপন্যাসিকা। রহস্য, ফ্যান্টাসি, মিথলজি, গেইম্যানের চিরাচরিত ডার্ক হিউমার, আর শেষে একপশলা বিষণ্নতা।
January 25, 2017
Seeing how the title implies multiple stories...I was disappointed that it was one single story about angels. Seems like so many rated this high just because it is Neil Gaiman...sorry I was not impressed by this.
October 18, 2021
This book puts me in an odd position. I think P. Craig Russell is one of the greatest draftsmen and comic artists. Russell is brilliant in all of his adaptions. I think his Ring of Nibelung is one of the greatest things ever. But I'm not a big fan of Gaiman. Some of Sandman was alright, (what he's doing with the prequel stuff is horrible though).
Ultimately, unfortunately, the story didn't interest me in the least.
Ultimately, unfortunately, the story didn't interest me in the least.
July 11, 2019
If you were ever in doubt that Neil Gaiman loves the idea of sexless angels falling in love, just read this. He clearly has a soft spot for this form of pure love that transcends the body.
Saying too much would be spoiling, but it’s a very strong story about the creation of the world and what roles the angels, who live in a silver city with the universe at the center, have. It’s a really beautiful and powerful idea that moved me quite a lot. Please find it if you can.
Saying too much would be spoiling, but it’s a very strong story about the creation of the world and what roles the angels, who live in a silver city with the universe at the center, have. It’s a really beautiful and powerful idea that moved me quite a lot. Please find it if you can.
May 10, 2024
Library read #9 planning to slowly read through every graphic novel in my local library
I'm a little undecided on this one. The concept is intriguing. A murder mystery story among angels sounds pretty interesting. But the dialogue was a little pedestrian to me and I never got sucked in to what was happening. I will say the author stuck the ending, i finished the book glad I read it. But not sure if I would reccommend.
I'm a little undecided on this one. The concept is intriguing. A murder mystery story among angels sounds pretty interesting. But the dialogue was a little pedestrian to me and I never got sucked in to what was happening. I will say the author stuck the ending, i finished the book glad I read it. But not sure if I would reccommend.
June 19, 2014
This review was originally posted on Avid Reviews: www.avidfantasyreviews.wordpress.com
I have not read many graphic novels in the past, and I had convinced myself that they were simply not “my thing.” Earlier this year I read a graphic novel that was based on part of Joe Abercrombie’s First Law series, and ever since I have made a promise to give more graphic novels a chance. Neil Gaiman’s Murder Mysteries is beautifully written and stunningly illustrated by P. Craig Russell. After reading it I was convinced that my pledge to experience graphic novels had finally led me to something meaningful as well as picturesque.
The plot of Murder Mysteries revolves around some of Neil Gaiman’s favorite themes: gods, the origins of morality, and the shades of gray between good and evil. The story starts with a lonely man in Los Angeles who shares a cigarette one night with a stranger. The stranger tells the man the story of creation from the perspective of an angel of justice. God has given each angel a task, which falls under either the category of maintaining heaven or being the architects of earth. But when the very first crime in existence is committed, the angels of heaven are shocked. Someone has murdered an angel in paradise, and things will never be the same.
Fans of Neil Gaiman’s books will enjoy this graphic novel, as it is one of the most beautiful stories he has ever written. The story is simple, but extremely moving, and the striking artwork makes up for the flowing prose of a traditional novel. This story really struck a chord in me, and made me stand up and take notice more than any other Gaiman story I have ever read.
I do have one note of caution for Gaiman’s fans: though the themes are extremely similar to those in his other works, the tone in this story is much more serious. If you are looking for a fun story with a lighthearted feel similar to American Gods or Stardust, this is probably not the graphic novel for you. This is a serious story full of light and dark, and it leaves the reader feeling slightly melancholy and contemplative. I enjoyed it much more than The Sandman, Gaiman’s other graphic novels, and found them to be both easier to follow and more profound.
Overall, I would rate Murder Mysteries an 8/10, as it touched me in a way that few stories can.
I received a copy of this graphic novel from Netgalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.
I have not read many graphic novels in the past, and I had convinced myself that they were simply not “my thing.” Earlier this year I read a graphic novel that was based on part of Joe Abercrombie’s First Law series, and ever since I have made a promise to give more graphic novels a chance. Neil Gaiman’s Murder Mysteries is beautifully written and stunningly illustrated by P. Craig Russell. After reading it I was convinced that my pledge to experience graphic novels had finally led me to something meaningful as well as picturesque.
The plot of Murder Mysteries revolves around some of Neil Gaiman’s favorite themes: gods, the origins of morality, and the shades of gray between good and evil. The story starts with a lonely man in Los Angeles who shares a cigarette one night with a stranger. The stranger tells the man the story of creation from the perspective of an angel of justice. God has given each angel a task, which falls under either the category of maintaining heaven or being the architects of earth. But when the very first crime in existence is committed, the angels of heaven are shocked. Someone has murdered an angel in paradise, and things will never be the same.
Fans of Neil Gaiman’s books will enjoy this graphic novel, as it is one of the most beautiful stories he has ever written. The story is simple, but extremely moving, and the striking artwork makes up for the flowing prose of a traditional novel. This story really struck a chord in me, and made me stand up and take notice more than any other Gaiman story I have ever read.
I do have one note of caution for Gaiman’s fans: though the themes are extremely similar to those in his other works, the tone in this story is much more serious. If you are looking for a fun story with a lighthearted feel similar to American Gods or Stardust, this is probably not the graphic novel for you. This is a serious story full of light and dark, and it leaves the reader feeling slightly melancholy and contemplative. I enjoyed it much more than The Sandman, Gaiman’s other graphic novels, and found them to be both easier to follow and more profound.
Overall, I would rate Murder Mysteries an 8/10, as it touched me in a way that few stories can.
I received a copy of this graphic novel from Netgalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.
April 13, 2012
I've always liked the text-only version of this, so I was pretty intrigued when I learned there was a graphic novel version as well. The story is pretty much the same, but it's interesting to read it in another medium, and it helped to draw attention to aspects of the storytelling I don't think I'd noticed before. In retrospect, the sting in the tail was obvious from a mile away, but I still like the idea anyway, particularly the story within the story.
The artwork is okay: nothing that stands out from the crowd, but clear and easy to follow.
The artwork is okay: nothing that stands out from the crowd, but clear and easy to follow.
November 28, 2023
Puzzling. And puzzling how puzzling the story is. The longer you think about it, the deeper you get.
November 7, 2021
Esta historia la leí originalmente en el libro de relatos de Neil Gaiman Humo y espejos, y desde aquello es una de mis historias cortas favoritas del autor. Así que verlo en forma ilustrada me ha picado la curiosidad.
Un británico de viaje en Los Ángeles que no puede llegar a casa por el mal tiempo recibe una llamada de un antiguo ligue, y decide acudir a su casa. A la vuelta a su hotel, se topa con un hombre que le pide un cigarro, y como no le acepta dinero por ello decide pagarle con una historia: la del primer asesinato de la historia.
La adaptación está bastante bien, siendo la historia original la que es aquí no se desvía nada. Lo diferente lógicamente es el arte. P. Craig Russell hace un trabajo más que decente para mi gusto, aunque no me acaba de llenar en todo momento, de ahí la estrella que pierde.
Tiene un pequeño giro final que me deja muy desconcertado, pero no de mala manera, todo lo contrario.
Me gustaría mucho ver este relato adaptado a la pantalla, sería algo genial de ver.
---------------
I originally read this story in Neil Gaiman's short story book Smoke and Mirrors , and since that is one of my favorite short stories by the author. So seeing it illustrated has me intrigued.
A British man on a trip to Los Angeles who can't get home due to bad weather receives a call from an old flirt, and decides to go to her home. On the way back to his hotel from there, he runs into a man who asks him for a cigarette, and since he doesn't accept money for it, he decides to pay him with a story: that of the first murder in history.
The adaptation is quite good, the original story being what it is, nothing deviates. What is logically different is art. P. Craig Russell does a more than decent job for my taste, although he does not fill me up at all times, hence the star it loses.
It has a little final twist that leaves me very puzzled, but not in a bad way, quite the opposite.
I would very much like to see this story adapted for the screen, it would be a great thing to see.
Un británico de viaje en Los Ángeles que no puede llegar a casa por el mal tiempo recibe una llamada de un antiguo ligue, y decide acudir a su casa. A la vuelta a su hotel, se topa con un hombre que le pide un cigarro, y como no le acepta dinero por ello decide pagarle con una historia: la del primer asesinato de la historia.
La adaptación está bastante bien, siendo la historia original la que es aquí no se desvía nada. Lo diferente lógicamente es el arte. P. Craig Russell hace un trabajo más que decente para mi gusto, aunque no me acaba de llenar en todo momento, de ahí la estrella que pierde.
Tiene un pequeño giro final que me deja muy desconcertado, pero no de mala manera, todo lo contrario.
Me gustaría mucho ver este relato adaptado a la pantalla, sería algo genial de ver.
---------------
I originally read this story in Neil Gaiman's short story book Smoke and Mirrors , and since that is one of my favorite short stories by the author. So seeing it illustrated has me intrigued.
A British man on a trip to Los Angeles who can't get home due to bad weather receives a call from an old flirt, and decides to go to her home. On the way back to his hotel from there, he runs into a man who asks him for a cigarette, and since he doesn't accept money for it, he decides to pay him with a story: that of the first murder in history.
The adaptation is quite good, the original story being what it is, nothing deviates. What is logically different is art. P. Craig Russell does a more than decent job for my taste, although he does not fill me up at all times, hence the star it loses.
It has a little final twist that leaves me very puzzled, but not in a bad way, quite the opposite.
I would very much like to see this story adapted for the screen, it would be a great thing to see.
July 23, 2017
I loved this story. A man stuck in LA waiting for his grounded flight happens upon a man asking to borrow a cigarette. In exchange the man tells him a story. The story is of the angels as they were preparing the universe before it was spoken into existence. There is a murder to be solved. This is the kind of thing Neil is so brilliant at. You truly feel Neil has knowledge of this he is sharing. It feels so real. Raguel is the angel telling the story we are lead to believe. How this is set up is astonishing. It feels so real. I enjoyed this fun little story.
April 27, 2020
Mr Gaiman never ceases to amaze me ❤️
August 14, 2021
This was a great graphic novel. It’s a short self contained story set within Christian theology. The characterization of certain characters (no spoilers) was really interesting. This story does a good job of justifying some of the more confusing story elements in the motivations of key characters. The world building was really good and the art was beautiful.
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