This article contains discussions of sexual assault and abuse.
Formerly one of the most celebrated figures in the world of comics books and fantasy literature, allegations againstNeil Gaimanhave pressed major publishers to officially cut ties with the writer and abandon previously announced publishing plans for his existing works.
Whilethe allegations against Gaimanare still developing, bothMarvel ComicsandDark Horse Comicshave now offered an official response to the disturbing reports, clarifying their relationship with Gaiman for the foreseeable future. For many, the move is likely to be viewed as a positive acknowledgment (even considering the other creatives involved in the axed projects). For others, the response from publishers will still demand scrutiny, after previous allegations saw Gaiman step away from Prime Video’sGood Omenslast year. Not to mention DC Comics, Gaiman’s most prolific comic publisher, still declining to comment.
Major Publishers Officially Cut Ties With Neil Gaiman (and His Works)
With no comic projects currently in the works, Marvel has officially stated (viaNY Times) that it won’t be working with Gaiman in the future. In light of the same allegations, Dark Horse Comics officiallycanceled theAnansi Boyscomic series adapted from Gaiman’s novel, with writer Marc Bernardin personally placing"the survivors and any pain seeing these books on the shelves might have caused"above any commercial concerns. The series will also not be collected or sold in trade paperback form.
The list of publishers Gaiman won’t be working with now continues to grow, withPublishers Weeklyreporting HarperCollins has no projects with the writer in production, and that W.W. Norton, publisher of Gaiman’sNorse Mythology“will not have projects with the author going forward.”Yet the fate of Gaiman’s works and working relationship with DC Comics remains an unknown.
WillThe SandmanandAnansi BoysAdaptations Change Course?
AsNeil Gaiman has denied the allegations, DC Comics remains the most high-profile publisher to officially decline to comment on a working relationship with the writer, nor detail any changes to planned publications of his past (or new) works. Past and planned expansions toThe Sandmancomic universe remain among DC’s most prestigious, with the publisher announcing Gaiman’sDeathwould becoming to its new compact comics linelate last year. Whether that will come to pass now is unknown.
The uncertainty also applies to the live action adaptations of Gaiman’s most successful works, as all wait to see what impact, if any, the allegations will have on Netflix’sThe Sandmanor Prime Video’sAnansi Boys. With massive productions, release schedules, and marketing all under way for the adaptations, studios may be afforded some time to respond. But for publishers such asMarvel,Dark Horse, and more, the time has come to make their decisions known.
