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The Neil Gaiman Library
The Neil Gaiman Library Volume 1
A deluxe oversized collection of comic stories from celebrated and award-winning writer Neil Gaiman, in conjunction with some of comics' most acclaimed creators.
In these four essential Gaiman tales, a familiar detective finds himself at the heart of a Lovecraftian nightmare on Baker Street, a strange man delves into the heartbreaking mystery of a divine murder in paradise, teenage boys find that approaching girls can lead to more danger than romance, and a verbose gothic writer finds his true calling amidst family duels and drudgery.
Collects the full graphic novels A Study in Emerald, Murder Mysteries, How to Talk to Girls at Parties, and Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread Desire in a single deluxe hardcover volume, along with bonus material from each book.
In these four essential Gaiman tales, a familiar detective finds himself at the heart of a Lovecraftian nightmare on Baker Street, a strange man delves into the heartbreaking mystery of a divine murder in paradise, teenage boys find that approaching girls can lead to more danger than romance, and a verbose gothic writer finds his true calling amidst family duels and drudgery.
Collects the full graphic novels A Study in Emerald, Murder Mysteries, How to Talk to Girls at Parties, and Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread Desire in a single deluxe hardcover volume, along with bonus material from each book.
312 pages, Hardcover
First published June 9, 2020
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552 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 7, 2021
Really nice, library-quality collection of several Gaiman short stories adapted into comics. I'd read "A Study in Emerald" before, a nice Sherlock Holmes pastiche, and probably the strongest of the stories in this volume. "Murder Mysteries" is interesting, but a bit meandering and unfocused, though P. Craig Russell's art is strong. I liked "How to Talk to Girls at Parties" a lot, too, with artwork from Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba, and its odd story full of weird "tourist" girls. The final story, "Forbidden Brides...," seems little more than a trifle. I think I might have rated this volume a bit higher if the content were stronger throughout, but it is still definitely worth a look-see for Neil Gaiman fans.
May 23, 2021
Die großformatige Library Edition beinhaltet vier Graphic Novels von Gaiman:
A Study in Emerald
Murder Mysteries
How to Talk to Girls at Parties
Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread Desire
Die so unterschiedlichen Arbeiten zeigen, in einem Buch versammelt, das breite Spektrum, das Gaiman abdeckt: Ein Sherlock Holmes=Pastiche der andere Art und eine biblische Kriminalgeschichte; die Geschichte zweier noch sehr junger Männer, die auf einer Party landen, wo sie überirdische Begegnungen mit dem anderen Geschlecht haben; und schließlich die GN über einen Schriftsteller, der sich im Genre der Phantastik etablieren will: witzig und klug.
Insbesondere HOW TO TALK TO GIRLS AT PARTIES hat mir großartig gefallen, aber auch die anderen drei GNs waren hochklassig.
Sehr schön finde ich auch, dass die Artwork bei allen Stories komplett anders ist, immer aber überzeugend und die Geschichte bereichernd.
Mein Fazit: Ich habe Gaiman bisher sträflich unterschätzt bzw. kaum beachtet, das sollte sich ändern. Ohne dass ich es genau begründen könnte, hatte ich den Eindruck, dass Gaimans Arbeiten eine gewisse geistige Verwandtschaft zu denen von Ray Bradbury aufweisen.
A Study in Emerald
Murder Mysteries
How to Talk to Girls at Parties
Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread Desire
Die so unterschiedlichen Arbeiten zeigen, in einem Buch versammelt, das breite Spektrum, das Gaiman abdeckt: Ein Sherlock Holmes=Pastiche der andere Art und eine biblische Kriminalgeschichte; die Geschichte zweier noch sehr junger Männer, die auf einer Party landen, wo sie überirdische Begegnungen mit dem anderen Geschlecht haben; und schließlich die GN über einen Schriftsteller, der sich im Genre der Phantastik etablieren will: witzig und klug.
Insbesondere HOW TO TALK TO GIRLS AT PARTIES hat mir großartig gefallen, aber auch die anderen drei GNs waren hochklassig.
Sehr schön finde ich auch, dass die Artwork bei allen Stories komplett anders ist, immer aber überzeugend und die Geschichte bereichernd.
Mein Fazit: Ich habe Gaiman bisher sträflich unterschätzt bzw. kaum beachtet, das sollte sich ändern. Ohne dass ich es genau begründen könnte, hatte ich den Eindruck, dass Gaimans Arbeiten eine gewisse geistige Verwandtschaft zu denen von Ray Bradbury aufweisen.
September 8, 2020
This is a fun, varied collection, both in story and art style. An enjoyable mix of stories I had read in other formats and a couple that were new to me. There’s something about Gaiman's work that comforts me, even in the darker of his writings.
December 28, 2020
A collection of stories by Gaiman
The first is great..kind of a mix of Sherlock and cthulu 5*. Great story and art
The second seemed too short to tell in comic style about an angel etc. 3*
Really dug the party/girls one..Bas art is great 4*
The last was pretty avg if not boring to some degree. Glad it was short 2.5*
The first is great..kind of a mix of Sherlock and cthulu 5*. Great story and art
The second seemed too short to tell in comic style about an angel etc. 3*
Really dug the party/girls one..Bas art is great 4*
The last was pretty avg if not boring to some degree. Glad it was short 2.5*
March 22, 2021
(Zero spoiler review)
My first taste of Gaiman's jaunts in the graphic novel medium was one of the stories collected here (and an absolute gem) 'How to Talk to Girl's at Parties'. I picked it up from my local library, seeing the Gaiman name and its short length, I thought, what the hell. Half an hour later, I had read it and fallen in love with it. It was something special, and one of my favourite moments within this medium thus far. I had yet to buy myself a copy, although when I saw it as part of this collection, I jumped on it. It was lovely reliving that story, though the remainder of the stories are something of a mixed bag. I would suggest reading my individual reviews, which I will post below, but A Study in Emerald, was wonderfully absorbing, sucking me into a world I absolutely love. That of Victorian horror. Throw in some Lovecraft influences and I'm in heaven, or hell as it were. It was every bit as good as 'Girls... albeit an entirely different beast. The remaining two stories failed to come close to the brilliance of the first two. Forbidden Brides had promise, and some lovely artwork, although was too short and confused to be anything but average, or ever so slightly above. Murder Mysteries was the biggest disappointment on offer, more so as I was so thoroughly engaged, and expecting a story of special magnificence, but the first quarter of the book was a disappointing epitaph to what the story soon became. A boring, bloated, rambling tale, that was the last thing I wanted when I thought I was getting a crime noir du jour. A motley mixed crew if ever there was one. But the indomitable strength of the first two stories carried the day, despite the lacklustre showing from the remainder. 4/5
OmniBen.
My first taste of Gaiman's jaunts in the graphic novel medium was one of the stories collected here (and an absolute gem) 'How to Talk to Girl's at Parties'. I picked it up from my local library, seeing the Gaiman name and its short length, I thought, what the hell. Half an hour later, I had read it and fallen in love with it. It was something special, and one of my favourite moments within this medium thus far. I had yet to buy myself a copy, although when I saw it as part of this collection, I jumped on it. It was lovely reliving that story, though the remainder of the stories are something of a mixed bag. I would suggest reading my individual reviews, which I will post below, but A Study in Emerald, was wonderfully absorbing, sucking me into a world I absolutely love. That of Victorian horror. Throw in some Lovecraft influences and I'm in heaven, or hell as it were. It was every bit as good as 'Girls... albeit an entirely different beast. The remaining two stories failed to come close to the brilliance of the first two. Forbidden Brides had promise, and some lovely artwork, although was too short and confused to be anything but average, or ever so slightly above. Murder Mysteries was the biggest disappointment on offer, more so as I was so thoroughly engaged, and expecting a story of special magnificence, but the first quarter of the book was a disappointing epitaph to what the story soon became. A boring, bloated, rambling tale, that was the last thing I wanted when I thought I was getting a crime noir du jour. A motley mixed crew if ever there was one. But the indomitable strength of the first two stories carried the day, despite the lacklustre showing from the remainder. 4/5
OmniBen.
August 21, 2020
- A Study in Emerald
I’m not very familiar with the works of the authors to whom Gaiman pays tribute here. Yet I was completely absorbed in the atmospheric, dark artwork by Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire) who brings this Hugo Award-winning short story to life. ‘A study in Emerald’ reads like the first chapter of a much larger epic tale. Unfortunately, we will not get any sequels.
- Murder Mysteries
Just like in ‘A Study in Emerald’, gaiman serves the readers a true mindfuck. It is a multi-layered story told by 2 very different narators. P. Cregg Russell’s style and the colouring look very nineties, a bit dated.
The mysteries of ‘Murder Mysteries’ kept haunting me for some time after reading it.
- How to talk to girls at parties
Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon do an incredible job at bringing this short story to life. The beautiful watercolours make the artwork even more lively. The story itself reads more like a poem to me...
- Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread Desire
Very confusing tale accompanied by very confusing artwork... When I got to the end it was finally clear to me what the purpose of it all was, but by then I had almost lost all interest.
- Murder Mysteries
Just like in ‘A Study in Emerald’, gaiman serves the readers a true mindfuck. It is a multi-layered story told by 2 very different narators. P. Cregg Russell’s style and the colouring look very nineties, a bit dated.
The mysteries of ‘Murder Mysteries’ kept haunting me for some time after reading it.
- How to talk to girls at parties
Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon do an incredible job at bringing this short story to life. The beautiful watercolours make the artwork even more lively. The story itself reads more like a poem to me...
- Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread Desire
Very confusing tale accompanied by very confusing artwork... When I got to the end it was finally clear to me what the purpose of it all was, but by then I had almost lost all interest.
January 6, 2022
I received this as a Christmas present, and dove into it as soon as I could. The various art styles, the storytelling, and the immersive experience I had engrossed me in the pages in the likes a comic/graphic novel hasn't done since I was in high school. I loved the read. From the pipe smokers of old London, to the tormented writer in the last story, I connected to all the characters, and I can't wait to collect the rest!
September 23, 2020
Probably 3.5 stars if I could give half stars on goodreads.
This is a collection of four tales from Neil Gaiman.
A Study in Emerald is an interesting horror version of Sherlock Holms from a Mirror Universe from the point of view of the person that may actually be a villain.
Murder Mysteries was more Angles in Heaven / Hell Gaiman seems to love but this story is so oh so very pretentious in a painful way. Not up to normal standards.
How to Talk to Girls at Parties is amazing and super classic Gaiman, a great story of a young man dragged by a friend to the wrong party. Lucky to find that the nerdy one gets the best if incomplete adventure. In typical Gaiman fashion we are left with an incomplete ending.
Forbidden Brides, well might have been better but the art was drek and so dark as to make the story unreadable. Some kind of humors take if Edgar Allen Poe had written vampire stories. I guess some kind of tribute to horror. But not that good and holding the whole collection rating down.
This is a collection of four tales from Neil Gaiman.
A Study in Emerald is an interesting horror version of Sherlock Holms from a Mirror Universe from the point of view of the person that may actually be a villain.
Murder Mysteries was more Angles in Heaven / Hell Gaiman seems to love but this story is so oh so very pretentious in a painful way. Not up to normal standards.
How to Talk to Girls at Parties is amazing and super classic Gaiman, a great story of a young man dragged by a friend to the wrong party. Lucky to find that the nerdy one gets the best if incomplete adventure. In typical Gaiman fashion we are left with an incomplete ending.
Forbidden Brides, well might have been better but the art was drek and so dark as to make the story unreadable. Some kind of humors take if Edgar Allen Poe had written vampire stories. I guess some kind of tribute to horror. But not that good and holding the whole collection rating down.
January 22, 2022
- A Study in Emerald 4.5*: Sherlock Holmes in a Lovecraft universe, what more could you ask for?
- Murder Mysteries 4.5*: A very original and entertaining story.
- How to talk to girls at parties 2.5*: A very strange story with an unfinished ending.
- Forbidden Brides... 3*: The story is not gripping but the art is amazing.
- Murder Mysteries 4.5*: A very original and entertaining story.
- How to talk to girls at parties 2.5*: A very strange story with an unfinished ending.
- Forbidden Brides... 3*: The story is not gripping but the art is amazing.
November 4, 2022
I keep trying to get into Neil Gaiman but no matter how many times I try I can’t do it. Maybe I am not smart enough or just don’t “get” what he is doing. Everyone likes him that I talk to but I am not gonna read anymore. Too much work and I don’t like it. Sorry
November 17, 2020
Graphic novel of 4 of Neil Gaiman's short stories... yes, please! I enjoyed this quite a bit.
February 20, 2022
A Study in Emerald- 4.5⭐️
Murder Mysteries- 5⭐️
How to Talk to Girls at Parties- 3.5⭐️
Forbidden Brides- 3⭐️
52Books2022 Reading Challenge: A book with less than 2022 Goodreads ratings
Murder Mysteries- 5⭐️
How to Talk to Girls at Parties- 3.5⭐️
Forbidden Brides- 3⭐️
52Books2022 Reading Challenge: A book with less than 2022 Goodreads ratings
January 14, 2023
Collection of five excellent short stories, each in their own distinct art style.
October 20, 2021
Very good for October, especially the last story. They are all lovely in their own ways.
October 13, 2022
Classics with fantastical twists!! I loved the one inspired by Sherlock Holmes and Paradise Lost the best. Other two fell a bit flat to me. Love the artwork; each story is designed and created in a unique way which helps move the anthology. Overall, I’d recommend this, but I’d still take my time reading the other 3 compilations in this series.
December 29, 2020
I always say I’m not going to get the collections that feel like a money grab, and then...
This is beautiful, and had a story I had not read! The stars aren’t really about the stories. I love Murder Mystery and How to Talk to Girls at Parties is also great. Didn’t love the new one. Really this is just heavy and huge, which makes it harder to read.
So I’ll remember this and not buy the second one, right?
This is beautiful, and had a story I had not read! The stars aren’t really about the stories. I love Murder Mystery and How to Talk to Girls at Parties is also great. Didn’t love the new one. Really this is just heavy and huge, which makes it harder to read.
So I’ll remember this and not buy the second one, right?
January 4, 2024
Die Neil Gaiman Library versammelt die Kurzgeschichten Gaimans, die als Graphic Novel umgesetzt wurden.
In dieser Ausgabe:
A Study in Emerald
Murder Mysteries
How to talk to Girls at Parties
Forbidden Brides
Bonus: Hintergrundinfos zu jeder Geschichte
A Study in Emerald
"A Study in Emerald" ist Neils Fanfiction-Crossover von Cthulhu & Sherlock Holmes.
Es beginnt wie bekannt - ein kriegsversehrter Gentleman sucht eine Bleibe und wird dann mit zu einer Leiche geschleppt. Doch diesmal ist die Leiche sehr seltsam und hat grünes Blut überall verteilt. Von da wird es nur abstruser...
Zunächst etwas verwirrend, aber sehr witzig aufgezogen und mit einem schönen neuen Kriminalfall. Einige Aspekte kommen selbst mir Cthulhu-Noob bekannt vor, es gibt also für alle was zu entdecken.
Illustrator: Rafael Albuquerque
Zuerst erschienen in "Fragile Things"!
Die ganze Geschichte könnt ihr übrigens auf Neils Website herunterladen!
Murder Mysteries
In einer dunklen L.A-Nacht erzählt ein Mann einem anderen auf einer Parkbank eine seltsame Geschichte - wie er als Engel in der Silbernen Stadt im Himmel zu seiner Berufung gelangte und dabei den Fall eines verstorbenen Engels aufklären musste.
Illustrator: P. Craig Russell
Zuerst erschienen in "Angels & Visitations".
How to talk to Girls at Parties
Zwei Jungs gehen auf eine Party. So weit, so gut. Doch einer ist der Star und der andere introvertiert. Da sagt sein Kumpel "Du musst nur mit ihnen reden, sie sind doch vom selben Planet!" Tja, wenn der nur wüsste...
Sehr verwirrend, sehr witzig.
Illustrator: Fábio Moon
Diese Kurzgeschichte wurde sogar verfilmt!
Zuerst erschienen in "Fragile Things".
Die Vorlage könnt ihr auf Neils Website nachlesen!
Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread Desire
Meine Güte, da ist der Titel länger als die ganze Geschichte. Ein Autor versucht sich an realistischer Literatur. Leider kommt ihm die Realität dazwischen... Wenn man den Twist kapiert hat, eine absolut geile Idee und mit all den Anspielungen auf Horror-Klassiker ein großartiger Spaß.
Illustrator: Shane Oakley
Zuerst erschienen in "Fragile Things"!
Insgesamt alle wunderschöne, bildgewaltige Umsetzungen. Es gibt nur ein Problem: Wenn man sich auf Neil Gaiman und seine lyrischen Wortexzesse freut, sind einige wenige Wörter in Sprechblasen halt nur ein billiger Kompromiss. Interessanterweise hatte ich das Problem nicht bei anderen Graphic Novels, die von vornherein darauf ausgelegt waren, wie "Sandman" oder "Sleeper & Spindle".
In dieser Ausgabe:
A Study in Emerald
Murder Mysteries
How to talk to Girls at Parties
Forbidden Brides
Bonus: Hintergrundinfos zu jeder Geschichte
A Study in Emerald
"A Study in Emerald" ist Neils Fanfiction-Crossover von Cthulhu & Sherlock Holmes.
Es beginnt wie bekannt - ein kriegsversehrter Gentleman sucht eine Bleibe und wird dann mit zu einer Leiche geschleppt. Doch diesmal ist die Leiche sehr seltsam und hat grünes Blut überall verteilt. Von da wird es nur abstruser...
Zunächst etwas verwirrend, aber sehr witzig aufgezogen und mit einem schönen neuen Kriminalfall. Einige Aspekte kommen selbst mir Cthulhu-Noob bekannt vor, es gibt also für alle was zu entdecken.
Illustrator: Rafael Albuquerque
Zuerst erschienen in "Fragile Things"!
Die ganze Geschichte könnt ihr übrigens auf Neils Website herunterladen!
Murder Mysteries
In einer dunklen L.A-Nacht erzählt ein Mann einem anderen auf einer Parkbank eine seltsame Geschichte - wie er als Engel in der Silbernen Stadt im Himmel zu seiner Berufung gelangte und dabei den Fall eines verstorbenen Engels aufklären musste.
Illustrator: P. Craig Russell
Zuerst erschienen in "Angels & Visitations".
How to talk to Girls at Parties
Zwei Jungs gehen auf eine Party. So weit, so gut. Doch einer ist der Star und der andere introvertiert. Da sagt sein Kumpel "Du musst nur mit ihnen reden, sie sind doch vom selben Planet!" Tja, wenn der nur wüsste...
Sehr verwirrend, sehr witzig.
Illustrator: Fábio Moon
Diese Kurzgeschichte wurde sogar verfilmt!
Zuerst erschienen in "Fragile Things".
Die Vorlage könnt ihr auf Neils Website nachlesen!
Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread Desire
Meine Güte, da ist der Titel länger als die ganze Geschichte. Ein Autor versucht sich an realistischer Literatur. Leider kommt ihm die Realität dazwischen... Wenn man den Twist kapiert hat, eine absolut geile Idee und mit all den Anspielungen auf Horror-Klassiker ein großartiger Spaß.
Illustrator: Shane Oakley
Zuerst erschienen in "Fragile Things"!
Insgesamt alle wunderschöne, bildgewaltige Umsetzungen. Es gibt nur ein Problem: Wenn man sich auf Neil Gaiman und seine lyrischen Wortexzesse freut, sind einige wenige Wörter in Sprechblasen halt nur ein billiger Kompromiss. Interessanterweise hatte ich das Problem nicht bei anderen Graphic Novels, die von vornherein darauf ausgelegt waren, wie "Sandman" oder "Sleeper & Spindle".
January 14, 2021
Victor’s “Vitae”!
An electrical fluid! Do your limbs and nether regions lack life? Do you look back on the days of your youth with envy? Are the pleasures of the flesh now buried and forgot? Victor’s “Vitae” will bring life where life has long been lost: even the oldest warhorse can be a proud stallion once more! Bringing Life to the Dead: from an old family recipe and the best of modern science. To receive signed attestations of the efficacy of Victor’s “Vitae” write to the V. von F. Company, 1b Cheap Street, London.
When I first heard about Dark Horse releasing an oversized collection of Neil Gaiman's graphic novels I knew I had to buy it. When I then found out it was merely the first volume, I was firmly in my happy place. This first volume collates the following stories, along with some new added bonus material:
A Study in Emerald
Murder Mysteries
How to Talk to Girls at Parties
Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread Desire
I had previously read two of these graphic novels, the first and the last, but the other two were new to me in this form. I had, of course, read the short stories they were based on but hadn't got round to buying these adaptations.
The whole book was an enjoyable read. Revisiting old favourites and discovering new additions. A must have for any Neil Gaiman fans out there and it will now get a prominent place on the bookcase!
An electrical fluid! Do your limbs and nether regions lack life? Do you look back on the days of your youth with envy? Are the pleasures of the flesh now buried and forgot? Victor’s “Vitae” will bring life where life has long been lost: even the oldest warhorse can be a proud stallion once more! Bringing Life to the Dead: from an old family recipe and the best of modern science. To receive signed attestations of the efficacy of Victor’s “Vitae” write to the V. von F. Company, 1b Cheap Street, London.
When I first heard about Dark Horse releasing an oversized collection of Neil Gaiman's graphic novels I knew I had to buy it. When I then found out it was merely the first volume, I was firmly in my happy place. This first volume collates the following stories, along with some new added bonus material:
A Study in Emerald
Murder Mysteries
How to Talk to Girls at Parties
Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread Desire
I had previously read two of these graphic novels, the first and the last, but the other two were new to me in this form. I had, of course, read the short stories they were based on but hadn't got round to buying these adaptations.
The whole book was an enjoyable read. Revisiting old favourites and discovering new additions. A must have for any Neil Gaiman fans out there and it will now get a prominent place on the bookcase!
March 24, 2022
The first library book collects A Study in Emerald, Murder Mysteries, How to Talk to Girls at Parties, and Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread Desire.
A Study in Emerald is a fantastic amalgamation of Sherlock Holmes and the Cthulhu Mythos. It sort of reminded me a bit of what Lemire is doing with one of his Black Hammer stories. I can’t say that I’m super familiar with either of those ‘genres’, but I enjoyed it. It was a bit shorter than expected, but I guess that’s why these are ‘short stories’. Gaiman could have delved deeper into this character and world. Overall, I enjoyed it - 7/10 for the story and 8/10 for the art.
Next is Murder Mysteries. I think this is thee one that was more intriguing to me. At the beginning of creation, an angel is murdered. It’s up to Raguel, the Vengeance of the Lord, to find the murderer. Meanwhile, Lucifer tries to understand what really happened and what God’s design plans are. This really does read as a murder mystery. Gaiman wants you to keep guessing and he gets his wish. In the art department, P. Craig Russell adapts Gaiman’s work beautifully - the angels are depicted with the grace and glory that you’d expect from such complex characters. Truly a standout here. Overall, a 9/10 for the story and art.
How to Talk to Girls at Parties. Gaiman’s third story is about 2 boys looking for a party to hang out with girls. They find the party - or so they think. This was different…. Not at all what I expected and yet, I should have known. What seems like an innocent party quickly turns into a fantastical tale that these two boys are sure to remember for the rest of their lives. It’s an ambiguous twist…the way i interpreted is that there was a cosmic connection. In the art, Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon do a great job at adapting Gaiman’s work. Anybody familiar with their art will know what to expect. Overall, a 7/10 for the story and 8/10 for the art.
Last is Forbidden Brides…and I couldn’t finish this one. It just wasn’t for me - it was a bit boring, so pass. A bit confusing story and art…easy pass; to me, the art was off-putting
Also, Dark Horse did a fantastic job with the presentation of this book.
A Study in Emerald is a fantastic amalgamation of Sherlock Holmes and the Cthulhu Mythos. It sort of reminded me a bit of what Lemire is doing with one of his Black Hammer stories. I can’t say that I’m super familiar with either of those ‘genres’, but I enjoyed it. It was a bit shorter than expected, but I guess that’s why these are ‘short stories’. Gaiman could have delved deeper into this character and world. Overall, I enjoyed it - 7/10 for the story and 8/10 for the art.
Next is Murder Mysteries. I think this is thee one that was more intriguing to me. At the beginning of creation, an angel is murdered. It’s up to Raguel, the Vengeance of the Lord, to find the murderer. Meanwhile, Lucifer tries to understand what really happened and what God’s design plans are. This really does read as a murder mystery. Gaiman wants you to keep guessing and he gets his wish. In the art department, P. Craig Russell adapts Gaiman’s work beautifully - the angels are depicted with the grace and glory that you’d expect from such complex characters. Truly a standout here. Overall, a 9/10 for the story and art.
How to Talk to Girls at Parties. Gaiman’s third story is about 2 boys looking for a party to hang out with girls. They find the party - or so they think. This was different…. Not at all what I expected and yet, I should have known. What seems like an innocent party quickly turns into a fantastical tale that these two boys are sure to remember for the rest of their lives. It’s an ambiguous twist…the way i interpreted is that there was a cosmic connection. In the art, Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon do a great job at adapting Gaiman’s work. Anybody familiar with their art will know what to expect. Overall, a 7/10 for the story and 8/10 for the art.
Last is Forbidden Brides…and I couldn’t finish this one. It just wasn’t for me - it was a bit boring, so pass. A bit confusing story and art…easy pass; to me, the art was off-putting
Also, Dark Horse did a fantastic job with the presentation of this book.
January 26, 2022
This is a great collection, showcasing collaborations between Neil Gaiman and several different artists, with fascinatingly different art styles. Thank goodness for the large format of this book, which allowed me to more fully appreciate the fine details in all the panels. All the stories contain elements of the unexpected - nothing is as it “should be” - in a way that is, to me, classic Gaiman, and I love it.
I really enjoyed “A Study in Emerald” while reading it (my only complaint was I wish it continued for about another hundred pages) but only fully appreciated its genius after reading a brief explanation of all the connections to Conan Doyle’s works. I did not fully pick up on the amazing intended twist during my initial read, and if you are, like me, not a Sherlock Holmes aficionado, please do look up an explanation after reading!
I loved the presentation of “Murder Mysteries” - a classic “I’ve gathered you all together to reveal that one of you is the killer!” in the least-classic environment for a murder you could imagine. It is beautifully illustrated and incredibly thought-provoking as well, and feels like a lost chapter from The Sandman.
“How to Talk to Girls at Parties” was such a quirky, fun story with fabulous illustrations, and the premise of “Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread Desire” (what a mouthful) was delightful. While the art style of this last story was my least favorite, I have to say it greatly contributed to the overall mood and tone of the piece.
I really enjoyed “A Study in Emerald” while reading it (my only complaint was I wish it continued for about another hundred pages) but only fully appreciated its genius after reading a brief explanation of all the connections to Conan Doyle’s works. I did not fully pick up on the amazing intended twist during my initial read, and if you are, like me, not a Sherlock Holmes aficionado, please do look up an explanation after reading!
I loved the presentation of “Murder Mysteries” - a classic “I’ve gathered you all together to reveal that one of you is the killer!” in the least-classic environment for a murder you could imagine. It is beautifully illustrated and incredibly thought-provoking as well, and feels like a lost chapter from The Sandman.
“How to Talk to Girls at Parties” was such a quirky, fun story with fabulous illustrations, and the premise of “Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread Desire” (what a mouthful) was delightful. While the art style of this last story was my least favorite, I have to say it greatly contributed to the overall mood and tone of the piece.
October 20, 2020
I’ll preface this by saying that while I enjoy Gaiman’s wit, I’m not a huge fan of his. So someone who is a big fan might enjoy this a lot more.
None of these stories were really creepy at all, which is maybe another disappointment on my end and not really a failing on the parts of any of the stories themselves. The first story was probably my favorite, though I honestly had a hard time taking the whole “old gods dressing up as humans etc” thing to be a big too silly to take the very serious mood seriously.
The angel murder mystery bored me to the point I almost gave up on the whole volume, and the how to talk at girls at the parties one felt like it was trying to hard... idk. There was nothing particularly wrong with it, but nothing that really grabbed me, either.
The last story was just a mess imo. I don’t think the art helped that one, either. I liked the style, it fit the gothic feel, but I honestly couldn’t even pick out what was what in half the panels, and with the confusing, barely-there story, it made it even harder to make sense of.
On one hand, I don’t regret the purchase, because the art for each story I think was well matched and generally did a great job of creating a mood, but on the other hand, I really can’t recommend this unless you’re a huge fan (or maybe just hoping to get something different from these than I was.)
None of these stories were really creepy at all, which is maybe another disappointment on my end and not really a failing on the parts of any of the stories themselves. The first story was probably my favorite, though I honestly had a hard time taking the whole “old gods dressing up as humans etc” thing to be a big too silly to take the very serious mood seriously.
The angel murder mystery bored me to the point I almost gave up on the whole volume, and the how to talk at girls at the parties one felt like it was trying to hard... idk. There was nothing particularly wrong with it, but nothing that really grabbed me, either.
The last story was just a mess imo. I don’t think the art helped that one, either. I liked the style, it fit the gothic feel, but I honestly couldn’t even pick out what was what in half the panels, and with the confusing, barely-there story, it made it even harder to make sense of.
On one hand, I don’t regret the purchase, because the art for each story I think was well matched and generally did a great job of creating a mood, but on the other hand, I really can’t recommend this unless you’re a huge fan (or maybe just hoping to get something different from these than I was.)
July 19, 2023
Este es un volumen que recibe cuatro historias "cortas " de Gaiman, varias adaptaciones de residuos sitios previos.
"A Study in Emerald" es lo mejor del tomo. Una obra de inspiración holmesiana, que me ha gustado mucho, aunque el final, estupendo en todo el juego con las expectativas y asunciones del lector, me ha parecido quizá un tanto demasiado abierto.4.5⭐
"Murder Mysteries", con el precioso dibujo de Craig Russell no ha terminado de conquistarme, además de que no deja de ser un reciclado de algunas de los temas más recientes del autor. 3.25⭐
"How to Talk to Girls at Parties" es una deliciosa y enigmática historia llena de poesía y reminiscencias etereas. 4⭐
"Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread Desire". La historia más corta del volumen es la poseedora del título más largo. Un curioso juego de perspectivas que se antoja una anécdota un poco alargada, pero que se lee con simpatía gracias al buen haber de guionista y dibujante. 3.75⭐
Una grata lectura.
"A Study in Emerald" es lo mejor del tomo. Una obra de inspiración holmesiana, que me ha gustado mucho, aunque el final, estupendo en todo el juego con las expectativas y asunciones del lector, me ha parecido quizá un tanto demasiado abierto.4.5⭐
"Murder Mysteries", con el precioso dibujo de Craig Russell no ha terminado de conquistarme, además de que no deja de ser un reciclado de algunas de los temas más recientes del autor. 3.25⭐
"How to Talk to Girls at Parties" es una deliciosa y enigmática historia llena de poesía y reminiscencias etereas. 4⭐
"Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread Desire". La historia más corta del volumen es la poseedora del título más largo. Un curioso juego de perspectivas que se antoja una anécdota un poco alargada, pero que se lee con simpatía gracias al buen haber de guionista y dibujante. 3.75⭐
Una grata lectura.
March 12, 2024
This large and lovely tome I picked up at the library, as I do most of my books and graphic novels.
There are four separate novels that comprise this volume, each of which was penned originally as a short story by NEIL HIMSELF, then adapted, then novelized.
Each has its own distinct style, and each was separately adapted for the graphic novel form. Of the four, I most enjoyed How To Talk to Girls at Parties, which...though a vignette...had been adapted cleanly into a narrative that felt cohesive and complete. It was vivid, well-paneled, and had a clarity of style and vision that perfectly conveyed the sense of a...peculiar...party into which the protagonist and his friend stumble. The other three were visually engaging, and full o' that Gaiman sparkle, but each fell slightly short. A Study In Emerald was brilliant visually and well adapted, but left the reader...or me, at least...unsatisfied. Closure, dagflabbit. The other two? Didn't float my boat.
Still, a worthy collection to have encountered. A three point seven.
There are four separate novels that comprise this volume, each of which was penned originally as a short story by NEIL HIMSELF, then adapted, then novelized.
Each has its own distinct style, and each was separately adapted for the graphic novel form. Of the four, I most enjoyed How To Talk to Girls at Parties, which...though a vignette...had been adapted cleanly into a narrative that felt cohesive and complete. It was vivid, well-paneled, and had a clarity of style and vision that perfectly conveyed the sense of a...peculiar...party into which the protagonist and his friend stumble. The other three were visually engaging, and full o' that Gaiman sparkle, but each fell slightly short. A Study In Emerald was brilliant visually and well adapted, but left the reader...or me, at least...unsatisfied. Closure, dagflabbit. The other two? Didn't float my boat.
Still, a worthy collection to have encountered. A three point seven.
April 11, 2022
I am a big fan of Neil Gaiman's writing. I chose this book for a book challenge--to read a graphic novel. It is composed of four complete novelettes: A Study in Emerald, Murder Mysteries, How to Talk to Girls at Parties, and Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread Desire . I really liked the first three, but the last one seemed disjointed to me and left me feeling like it wasn't done. "A Study in Emerald" was my favorite; it was a "bizarro world" version of a Sherlock Holmes tale. I had already read "How to Talk to Girls at Parties" in another collection; I remembered it as soon as I started reading. It was a really insiduous story--seemingly innocuous on the surface, but with a creepy undertone. "Murder Mysteries" had gorgeous artwork. All four novels had different artists, so that was interesting as well. If you like Gaiman, you will like this.
September 11, 2021
Neil Gaiman's influence over modern storytelling can hardly be overstated, whether it be in sequential fiction or in prose. Here, we collect four graphic novels that are themselves sequential adaptations of his prose work, rather than stories he wrote specifically for panel treatment. And the results are stunning. Those already familiar with these tales - A Study in Emerald, Murder Mysteries, How to Talk to Girls at Parties, and Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread Desire - won't get a whole lot here they have not already experienced elsewhere, as the bonus materials added are nice, but unnecessary. However, the stories themselves are quite something to behold (the last one perhaps less so, because of its sometimes incomprehensible artwork). All in all, a most worthy addition to one's collection.
December 17, 2021
A series of four short stories by Neil Gaiman, adapted as graphic novels. They range from a story in which Cthulhu-like monsters serve as royalty, and a Sherlock Holmes-type character must solve the murder of one such being. In another story, a man tells a story about angels that is a precedent to the fall of Lucifer. In yet another, two teens end up at a party filled with beautiful, but strange, women. A fourth is about an Edgar Allan Poe-type writer struggling to find his writer’s voice.
A common thread throughout these stories is the power of telling a story. These are some enchanting, entertaining stories, with the stories of Lucifer and the party being the best. I also loved the first story about the Cthulhu beings, but felt that the ending was unsatisfactory. The only weak link was the final story, which was just a mess. Overall, a solid collection.
A common thread throughout these stories is the power of telling a story. These are some enchanting, entertaining stories, with the stories of Lucifer and the party being the best. I also loved the first story about the Cthulhu beings, but felt that the ending was unsatisfactory. The only weak link was the final story, which was just a mess. Overall, a solid collection.
August 24, 2020
It is difficult to taste a collection of comics with different artists, however this was an enjoyable read.
It was fun reading a graphic novel based on some of Mr. Gaiman'd stories I've read, and believed of not I actually enjoyed them even more. The adaptation to script was done close to perfect, and the different art that follows the stories tells it perfectly.
My favorite was How To Speak To Girls On Parties, maybe because I enjoy the art of the Brazilian twins a lot, or maybe because it fit the story.
It was fun reading a graphic novel based on some of Mr. Gaiman'd stories I've read, and believed of not I actually enjoyed them even more. The adaptation to script was done close to perfect, and the different art that follows the stories tells it perfectly.
My favorite was How To Speak To Girls On Parties, maybe because I enjoy the art of the Brazilian twins a lot, or maybe because it fit the story.
August 20, 2022
A couple of classics here (“A Study in Emerald,” Gaiman’s mind-blowing mashup of Arthur Conan Doyle and H.P. Lovecraft, and “Murder Mysteries,” a fantastically dark tale within a tale reaching back to the Silver City before time and the creation of the universe) followed by a couple of lesser works, “How to Talk to Girls at Parties” and another one with a corny title too long for me to look up and type out here…plus some good bonus material in the back with illustrator P. Craig Russell discussing his craft on “Murder Mysteries.”
April 24, 2024
Aunque contiene poquitas historias, estas están muy bien seleccionadas. Lo que parece un relato normal termina siendo algo con giros sorprendentes y bienvenidos. Además, el arte de cada uno de estos relatos le agrega variedad a la colección. Algo muy interesante que tiene este libro es la entrevista con el artista P. Craig Russell, al final, quien desmenuza el proceso de trabajo en Murder Mysteries y casi que convierte esas páginas en una clase de narrativa visual, de toma de decisiones que impactan la forma en que el autor le llega a una historia de la mejor manera.
September 19, 2020
Mixed bag of Neil Gaiman stories, probably 3 and 1/2 stars.
Study in Emerald- Slow, but very interesting Sherlock Holmes-esque story and the reveal at the end is very great.
Murder Mysteries- A very well written high concept story about angels and murder.
How to Talk to Girls at Parties- Very interesting and obviously Ba's art is wonderful.
Forbidden Brides- Nah. Too confusing and bad artwork. Hated this. Maybe I wasn't paying enough attention to get anything out of it, but I don't care.
Study in Emerald- Slow, but very interesting Sherlock Holmes-esque story and the reveal at the end is very great.
Murder Mysteries- A very well written high concept story about angels and murder.
How to Talk to Girls at Parties- Very interesting and obviously Ba's art is wonderful.
Forbidden Brides- Nah. Too confusing and bad artwork. Hated this. Maybe I wasn't paying enough attention to get anything out of it, but I don't care.
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