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Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess' Stardust #1
Stardust: Being a Romance Within the Realms of Faerie, Book 1 of 4
Limited edition of 1500 copies signed by Charles Vess, the illustrator of Neil Gaiman's classic novel. This is #30/1500.
48 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 19, 2017
Reading the novel wasn't enough, I had to see the illustrations!
Mr. Neil Gaiman:
Mr. Neil Gaiman:
August 27, 2014
Oh this is good! This is so good. Neil Gaiman you have stolen my heart!
First off, I have not read the novel but I think that everyone needs to read this original 'graphic novel' version because it is a wonderfully magical experience. Personally, I would not consider this to be a graphic novel, though. There are no panels or speech bubbles but the story is accompanied by beautifully whimsical paintings by Charles Vess.
I have very often found myself on the fence about Gaiman, I have loved the stories he has written for Doctor Who but hated The Graveyard Book. This story proved to me that he is awesome and worthy of all the praise people are constantly throwing at him.
This story accomplishes something that is really amazing, it manages to be fresh and different while seeming old and familiar, it should be given 'classic' status. This is a perfectly paced and pieced together adult fairy tale.
First off, I have not read the novel but I think that everyone needs to read this original 'graphic novel' version because it is a wonderfully magical experience. Personally, I would not consider this to be a graphic novel, though. There are no panels or speech bubbles but the story is accompanied by beautifully whimsical paintings by Charles Vess.
I have very often found myself on the fence about Gaiman, I have loved the stories he has written for Doctor Who but hated The Graveyard Book. This story proved to me that he is awesome and worthy of all the praise people are constantly throwing at him.
This story accomplishes something that is really amazing, it manages to be fresh and different while seeming old and familiar, it should be given 'classic' status. This is a perfectly paced and pieced together adult fairy tale.
August 17, 2021
I had read the novel and seen the movie. But this illustrated version took my breath away.
Onto the next voleme, now!
Onto the next voleme, now!
December 12, 2024
Ending a bit rushed, Film ending was better
December 1, 2022
Stardust came to me, highly recommended by a dear friend. I've only just begun my foray into Mr. Gaiman's work, but now I feel I've set the bar too high with this and Sandman!
Although it was the art that captured me first, the words were just as vibrant and eloquent. Language and art work together to bring forward an amazing story full of whimsy.
Looking forward to volume 2!
Although it was the art that captured me first, the words were just as vibrant and eloquent. Language and art work together to bring forward an amazing story full of whimsy.
Looking forward to volume 2!
April 4, 2020
It is magical and beautiful in its own ways.
Not to mention the illustrations make it even more beautiful.
However, it lacked emotional depth.
The characters could have been explored more.
Perhaps the sequels would add more depth to the characters.
Not to mention the illustrations make it even more beautiful.
However, it lacked emotional depth.
The characters could have been explored more.
Perhaps the sequels would add more depth to the characters.
October 29, 2021
Capolavoro di illustrazione e letteratura fantastica.
March 28, 2015
A very gentle read. Beautifully crafted. The faerie world is skillfully described and the world lives with you as you read.
A village, called Walk, holds the entrance to a world where faerie folk live. The entrance is a gap in a wall which is always guarded to stop mortals entering, except once every nine years. When a fair is held. A young man falls in love at the fair and so begins a complex and heart warming story about fate, destiny and family. Where fallen stars, unicorns, witches and sky ships are everyday.
A great read. I felt peaceful and calm after reading and immediately began a second Neil Gaiman book. Highly recommended.
A village, called Walk, holds the entrance to a world where faerie folk live. The entrance is a gap in a wall which is always guarded to stop mortals entering, except once every nine years. When a fair is held. A young man falls in love at the fair and so begins a complex and heart warming story about fate, destiny and family. Where fallen stars, unicorns, witches and sky ships are everyday.
A great read. I felt peaceful and calm after reading and immediately began a second Neil Gaiman book. Highly recommended.
May 1, 2015
Not Gaiman's best but still a great read which was easy to pick up and find where your left off from. That is why I say it is not Gaiman's best as I don't think I have ever put one of his books down before.
June 24, 2019
I’ve read the analog Stardust without the illustrations, and it easily became one of my top 10 novels. WITH the brilliant illustrations of the graphic novel paired with Neil Gaiman’s gorgeous story was almost too much. I love it so much.
April 16, 2021
A fairy tale romance with a sharp edge of wit and harsh realism. Tristran, a boy adopted by a normal family in the heavily guarded town of Wall has a hard time fitting in do to his mysterious origins as an outsider in a town that never allows outsiders to enter. Though clumsy and a bit awkward, he develops a crush on the prettiest girl in the town named Victoria and vows to do anything to win her heart. Victoria jokingly tells him to travel to the Realm of Faerie to bring back a fallen star in return for her affection, only for Tristran to take her joke seriously and he actually sets out on the ridiculous journey.
What ensues is a fantasy adventure reminiscent to The Hobbit and The Princess Bride, a coming of age tale full of comedic wit, danger and the discovery of what true love really means. Tristran finds the star he was asked to find, but things don't play out quite like he expected. And isn't that just like real life? Happily ever afters rarely come about like we expect them to. As a matter of fact, we usually discover our happiness where we least expect to find it. It rarely comes from the people, things or places we thought it would. That's where the edge of modernity cuts in.
What ensues is a fantasy adventure reminiscent to The Hobbit and The Princess Bride, a coming of age tale full of comedic wit, danger and the discovery of what true love really means. Tristran finds the star he was asked to find, but things don't play out quite like he expected. And isn't that just like real life? Happily ever afters rarely come about like we expect them to. As a matter of fact, we usually discover our happiness where we least expect to find it. It rarely comes from the people, things or places we thought it would. That's where the edge of modernity cuts in.
April 9, 2021
I had read Stardust and just finished The View from the Cheap Seats: Selected Nonfiction, where Neil Gaiman said he loved Charles Vess' art so much he would write some things JUST to see the illustrations that Charles would create from his writing because he was THAT fascinated and curious to see what would be produced. And that is how we have this picture book from their great collaboration.
The art is pastel, with crisp comic type lines, but thin lines. It is simple and evokes images of the old English town of Wall. It is so good it actually transports you there. The story begins with Dunstan and the fairy market, and this issue ends when Tristan Thorn, his son, is just about to enter Faerie in order to find a falling star to bring to his love, in exchange for a favor. I only wish the movie had utilized more of the aesthetic Charles Vess employed in the illustrations accompanying this illustrated book.
The art is pastel, with crisp comic type lines, but thin lines. It is simple and evokes images of the old English town of Wall. It is so good it actually transports you there. The story begins with Dunstan and the fairy market, and this issue ends when Tristan Thorn, his son, is just about to enter Faerie in order to find a falling star to bring to his love, in exchange for a favor. I only wish the movie had utilized more of the aesthetic Charles Vess employed in the illustrations accompanying this illustrated book.
December 20, 2025
I read this book because I loved, and still love, the movie for a long time now. But the book and the movie are two totally different worlds. I woudn't specificly say that one is better than the other, but they are very different. I think in the end, when it comes to it I do like the movie better. But that doesn't mean the book is bad.
I think it has mostly to do with the pace and the building of the storyline. The book is more slow. It hasn't got much highs and lows in comparison to the movie. I also liked the characters in the movie more. Although the first half of the book is more diverse, when it comes to characters, it doesn't really explore this, culture wise. The movie is very whitewashed, which was quite normal for that time. But, it does explore in-depth differences between characters. I feel like this is something I miss in the book. Overall, I think I missed captain Shakespeare the most.
Overall my biggest problem reading this book was that I was hoping for the epic events from the movie. But they never came. The storyline just ended, slow, burnt-out. I think this whole story had so much potential... but in the end it just did not hit the spot.
I think it has mostly to do with the pace and the building of the storyline. The book is more slow. It hasn't got much highs and lows in comparison to the movie. I also liked the characters in the movie more. Although the first half of the book is more diverse, when it comes to characters, it doesn't really explore this, culture wise. The movie is very whitewashed, which was quite normal for that time. But, it does explore in-depth differences between characters. I feel like this is something I miss in the book. Overall, I think I missed captain Shakespeare the most.
Overall my biggest problem reading this book was that I was hoping for the epic events from the movie. But they never came. The storyline just ended, slow, burnt-out. I think this whole story had so much potential... but in the end it just did not hit the spot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2019
I've been a fan of the "Stardust" film adaptation since it came out, but I hadn't read the graphic novel until this weekend. It's been sitting on my shelf for years, left behind by an ex that overlooked it as he moved out. I've intended to read it - as I've been meaning to read every book I've collected but been distracted from - but whenever I needed a new story, it hadn't seemed the right time for it.
There are some books you read, close the cover, and move on from. It doesn't matter where or when you read these books; their stories are often lovely, but their significance is middling. And then there are the books that find you, at a specific time and place, and engulf you until you're wholly consumed in the magic they've been waiting to imbue you with.
"Stardust" was patiently waiting for me, for the moment when I was able to step out of my life for a few days and travel alongside its adventurers. It rekindled a sense of wonder with literature that I've been searching for lately, and my only regret is that there aren't more tales from this world to lose myself in again.
There are some books you read, close the cover, and move on from. It doesn't matter where or when you read these books; their stories are often lovely, but their significance is middling. And then there are the books that find you, at a specific time and place, and engulf you until you're wholly consumed in the magic they've been waiting to imbue you with.
"Stardust" was patiently waiting for me, for the moment when I was able to step out of my life for a few days and travel alongside its adventurers. It rekindled a sense of wonder with literature that I've been searching for lately, and my only regret is that there aren't more tales from this world to lose myself in again.
November 6, 2019
This just seemed a little too 'fairytale-esque' and not enough to keep me interested. However, I loved the illustrations! (The reason I picked this up in the first place not realizing it was 1 of 4)
The story was cute and sweet, but predictable (in certain areas). I did like that there were separate stories intertwined in one, but at times it got confusing as there was no separation between the perspectives. I also felt that there was very little in the way of character building, I didn't feel very attached to any character or feel much at all when reading this. That being said, I do plan to continue the series.
The story was cute and sweet, but predictable (in certain areas). I did like that there were separate stories intertwined in one, but at times it got confusing as there was no separation between the perspectives. I also felt that there was very little in the way of character building, I didn't feel very attached to any character or feel much at all when reading this. That being said, I do plan to continue the series.
October 15, 2020
Having watched the movie, then delved into the main book, I am finally returning to where this story originally began with the 4-volume Charles Vess' illustrated beauties of the Stardust story by Neil Gaiman. This is definitely my favorite version of the story even as the others were also satisfying. Seeing the story as Gaiman and Vess' originally imagined it feels a bit more like the the fairy tale that it is. Gorgeous illustrations make the story come alive in an entirely different way. In some ways, I'm glad I am seeing this version last as it is a pleasure to see what Vess' originally created even as my own imagination had constructed its own image.
December 17, 2020
4.5 Stars
I've always wanted to read or watch Stardust and what better idea than to read its adaptation to a graphic novel and what a wonder it is, a beautiful prose and narrative that recalls those tales of yesteryear and the end of this number makes me want to take the next quick to know what adventures await Tristan.
Siempre he querido leer o ver Stardust y que mejor idea que leer su adaptación a novela gráfica y que maravilla es, una prosa y narración hermosa que recuerda esos cuentos de antaño y el final de este número hace que quiera tomar el siguiente rápido para saber que aventuras le depararan a Tristan.
I've always wanted to read or watch Stardust and what better idea than to read its adaptation to a graphic novel and what a wonder it is, a beautiful prose and narrative that recalls those tales of yesteryear and the end of this number makes me want to take the next quick to know what adventures await Tristan.
Siempre he querido leer o ver Stardust y que mejor idea que leer su adaptación a novela gráfica y que maravilla es, una prosa y narración hermosa que recuerda esos cuentos de antaño y el final de este número hace que quiera tomar el siguiente rápido para saber que aventuras le depararan a Tristan.
April 16, 2025
It breaks my heart how much I love this story, how much comfort it brings me, yet how I can no longer listen to the audiobook or hold my novel copy without feeling sick to my stomach by Gaiman’s voice. I am, however, truly grateful to Charles Vess for his stunning addition to this story (and for the fact that I had already bought the copies prior to knowing what we now know, so my conscience is clean about farther supporting the supposed author), and I can, hopefully, still feel somewhat close to this world as I was growing up. It is a beautiful story, and the illustrations are absolutely wonderful.
#VamosJuntas #HearHerVoice
#VamosJuntas #HearHerVoice
November 23, 2022
I actually listened to part of Stardust and read the "plain" print edition before I discovered that this was instantly available on hoopla; I wish I had found this first. I did go through all of the pages and illustrations, and enjoyed the preliminary sketches and illustrations that were included at the end. I am really not a fan of fairy tales and stories with various "creatures," but the illustrations made this a cut above.
February 27, 2025
On the whole, I enjoy most of Neil Gaiman's writing. This was his one book where the movie was significantly better. There is a whole part that's like three sentences but is supposed to encompass a larger amount of time (weeks or months) where it's so vague. 'They all went on a trip and came back different and better' and that was it.
August 29, 2025
I didn’t love the writing style for this book, and I think that’s what I got hung up on the most. I feel like there was an opportunity for a lot of depth into the characters minds and emotional development that didn’t happen. The simplicity of the writing reflected a children’s story book, but with adult scenes and themes that required more depth. I would have liked more out of the whole book.
November 1, 2025
Stardust is a beautifully written tale that blends romance, adventure, and just the right touch of darkness. Neil Gaiman creates a world where stars fall, witches scheme, and love feels both fragile and eternal. I loved Tristran’s journey from an awkward boy to someone brave enough to face the impossible. Loved reading it
August 5, 2018
Another out loud read with my ten year old. (Had to exclude a few parts). It was interesting and the illustrations were beautiful but it wasn’t my favorite Gaiman by a long shot. The simple story line and plot appeals to kids more than adults but too sexual and gruesome to just hand it to a kid.
September 29, 2024
Loved this book really all Neil Gaimen Books, This one in particular i loved the personality of the characters and the way their personality shines through, Gaiman does an incredible job of world building.
August 3, 2020
I'm a big fan of Neil Gaiman but stardust is not one of my favourite books from him.
September 18, 2020
Did I like the movie more? Maybe....certainly parts of it. So fun to read the graphic novel. Loved it.
May 7, 2022
One of my favorites. Beautiful illustrations and fairytale storytelling
May 19, 2022
Absolutely beautiful. I didn't want to put it down.
July 31, 2022
Beautiful!
March 25, 2023
10/10
O (see book 4 review)
O (see book 4 review)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews