The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman/Lorenzo Mattotti
Released: 11th December 2014
Published by: Bloomsbury
Genre: Fantasy, Fairytales, Illustrated
Source: Publisher
Pages: 56
My Rating: 4 of 5 stars
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The enduring story of the children, the breadcrumb trail and the gingerbread house is brought to life by master storyteller, Neil Gaiman. Who better to retell the Brothers Grimm's greatest, and perhaps darkest, fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel? Coupled with breathtakingly haunting illustrations from Lorenzo Mattotti, you will be enticed into the world and into the woods . . . so beware.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishers  Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

In this rendition of Hansel and Gretel, Neil Gaiman hasn't strayed too far from the original story. Even so, it has been a long time since I have immersed myself in the Grimm's version - and there is an undeniable ominous edge to this one which you just can't help but be captivated by.

It is undeniable that this is already a dark fairytale in its original form, without any illustrations at all. So it comes as no surprise when you do add these vivid and edgy black sketches that they truly capture the essence of what this story is all about: two children who have the odds pitted against them because of the adults they are supposed to trust.

If you've read Neil Gaiman's The Sleeper and the Spindle which was also released this year, you'll definitely notice the difference in the overall styles of these books. While the former had much more intricately drawn illustrations that reflected the vibe emanating from that book, this one seems more simplistic, but leaves no less of an impact on the reader.

One thing which stood out to me about this book aside from the story itself was the extra part at the end which talked about how the original Hansel and Gretel fairytale evolved over the centuries. It is fascinating to see how one tale can lead to the next one with a minor alteration, before morphing into something else yet again. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

In all, reading Hansel and Gretel has reaffirmed why I have come to love Neil Gaiman's work. He has a flair for melding fairytales that we know to make us see them in a different light. I'll definitely be looking out for more of his work in the future!

Review: The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman

The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman/Chris Riddell
Released: 23rd October 2014
Published by: Bloomsbury
Genre: Fantasy, Fairytales, Illustrated
Source: Publisher
Pages: 72
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
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A thrillingly reimagined fairy tale from the truly magical combination of author Neil Gaiman and illustrator Chris Riddell – weaving together a sort-of Snow White and an almost Sleeping Beauty with a thread of dark magic, which will hold readers spellbound from start to finish.

On the eve of her wedding, a young queen sets out to rescue a princess from an enchantment. She casts aside her fine wedding clothes, takes her chain mail and her sword and follows her brave dwarf retainers into the tunnels under the mountain towards the sleeping kingdom. This queen will decide her own future – and the princess who needs rescuing is not quite what she seems. Twisting together the familiar and the new, this perfectly delicious, captivating and darkly funny tale shows its creators at the peak of their talents.

Lavishly produced, packed with glorious Chris Riddell illustrations enhanced with metallic ink, this is a spectacular and magical gift.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishers  Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

When it comes to the realm of fairytale retellings, there is an abundance of novels around to choose from. However, to find a gem like this interwoven with intricate illustrations is just something else. Melding together Snow White and Sleeping Beauty while still keeping in with that original twist Neil Gaiman has placed on it, this is a story that brings fantasy into a different and slightly darker light. 

You really can't overestimate the beauty of this book, both inside and out. The jacket cover itself is translucent which is quite a unique touch, and shows through the image of the sleeping woman who is on the actual hardback itself. At a short 72 pages, this has a very broad audience, where both younger readers and older fans can indulge in the metallic sheen of the golds and black and white sketches which make an appearance on every page.

The minimal colour palette with the black and gold theme suited the atmosphere of the story well, although some might be expecting a bit more brightness and flair with a full-colour version. However, I found that this style reinforced the fact that this isn't simply the typical fairytale story, and stands on its own merits. I especially enjoyed looking at the 2-page spreads of illustrations which there were a few of, which convey moments in the novel that words do not need to express.

There was a good ratio of words to pictures in this book, and everything balanced out perfectly. I love how instead of there being the stereotypical 'Prince Charming' there is a Queen who wants to save a city, with the aid of some dwarfs too. Two fairytales in this case is even better than one, and it was interesting to see how they intertwined with each other.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, The Sleeper and the Spindle would make a perfect gift for fans of Neil Gaiman already, readers who are interested in fairytale retellings. In any case, this is a quick read; where the illustrations eloquently complement the words themselves.

Dual Review: The Graveyard Book Graphic Novels by Neil Gaiman

The Graveyard Book Graphic Novel by P. Craig Russell/Neil Gaiman
Released: 31st July 2014
Series: The Graveyard Book Graphic Novel vol #1
Genre: Paranormal
Source: Publisher
My Rating: 4 of 5 stars
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The first volume of a glorious two-volume, full-color graphic novel adaptation of Neil Gaiman's #1 New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning novel The Graveyard Book, adapted by P. Craig Russell and illustrated by an extraordinary team of renowned artists. 

Inventive, chilling, and filled with wonder, Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book reaches new heights in this stunning adaptation. Artists Kevin Nowlan, P. Craig Russell, Tony Harris, Scott Hampton, Galen Showman, Jill Thompson, and Stephen B. Scott lend their own signature styles to create an imaginatively diverse and yet cohesive interpretation of Neil Gaiman's luminous novel. Volume One contains Chapter One through the Interlude, while Volume Two will include Chapter Six to the end.

The Graveyard Book Graphic Novel by P. Craig Russell/Neil Gaiman
Released: 11th September 2014
Series: The Graveyard Book Graphic Novel vol #2
Genre: Paranormal
Source: Publisher
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
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It Takes a Graveyard to Raise a Child.

 Nobody Owens, known as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a graveyard, being raised by ghosts, with a guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor the dead. There are adventures in the graveyard for a boy--an ancient Indigo Man, a gateway to the abandoned city of ghouls, the strange and terrible Sleer. But if Bod leaves the graveyard, he will be in danger from the man Jack--who has already killed Bod's family.

Each chapter in this adaptation by P. Craig Russell is illustrated by a different luminary from the comic book world, showcasing a variety of styles from a breadth of talent. Together, they bring Neil Gaiman's award-winning, nationally bestselling novel The Graveyard Book to new life in this gorgeously illustrated two-volume graphic novel adaptation. Volume One contains Chapter One through the Interlude, while Volume Two includes Chapter Six to the end.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishers Australia for sending me copies of these books in exchange for an honest review

Although I'm still a newbie when it comes to the realm of graphic novels, I can say with confidence that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this visual representation based on the original novel 'The Graveyard Book' by Neil Gaiman. In both volume one and volume two, I could definitely see the appeal of the story, aided by wonderful illustrations which are both atmospheric and captivating.

Reading these two books felt almost cinematic - the way that the story flows with the minimal dialogue and flourishing images meant that the pages simply flew by. In volume one Nobody's journey through learning about the graveyard and being raised by ghosts was an interesting one. With each page and new 'section' of the book by the different illustrators - everything flowed effortlessly. Although each new artist in different chapters still held their own distinct qualities, the overall effect was not only satisfactory; but enchanting at the same time.

When it comes to the storyline itself, Neil Gaiman did a fantastic job in creating something multifaceted and intriguing. Each new development which occurs and different element which converges adds to the overall enjoyment of the books for me - as it blended fantasy, reality and hints of the supernatural with a slight horror undercurrent at times that makes it appealing to many reading audiences out there.

What I especially appreciated while reading this was the use of different colours to create a particular mood that suited the events happening in the book. While the graveyard was typically presented in blue tones which heightened the mystical element, others in the outside world were brighter and highlighted the difference between the two. In graphic novels especially, these visual components are what can carry the story through. In this case I found everything to be executed really well.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In all, both volume one and two of this adaptation really impressed me. I'll definitely be reading more from Neil Gaiman in the future, and will be on the lookout for some more graphic novels as well.

So, do you have any graphic novels you would recommend for me to read? Feel free to leave them in the comments below!