On Gaiman

I have been a fan of Neil Gaiman's writing for a long time. I just checked my blog and find references to his work starting around 2004 although most of the early references are to movies based on his books (Mirror Shades and Coraline, for example). I think the first major work of his that I read was American Gods, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The most recent works of his I've read have been The Ocean at the End the Lane and the first half-dozen books of the Sandman series; all of which I liked. 

In the last few months, disturbing allegations about Gaiman's conduct have circulated. I hadn't paid much attention to them but this week New York Magazine published a long article, "There Is No Safe Word" (archive link) by Lila Shapiro that makes clear that Gaiman's genial public persona is a facade; behind it lurks a manipulative sexual predator. 

If you have a strong stomach, read the New York Magazine article in its entirety. It is well researched and I see no reason to doubt its veracity. 

This, of course, raises the issue of separating the artist from their art. In 2017, The Paris Review has published a long article by Claire Dederer, "What Do We Do with the Art of Monstrous Men", which examines that issue in detail, primarily focused on Woody Allen. It's very relevant to what's happening now with Gaiman. 

It's also being reported that there are many similarities between Gaiman's Sandman stories and the work of Tanith Lee. Gaiman has not admitted any influence.

In his Whatever blog, John Scalzi writes about his former friendship with Gaiman and where it stands now. 

Finally, here's Gaimna's response to the New York Magazine article. 

As for myself, I will probably finish reading the Sandman series one of these days,  but with an entirely different perspective, knowing what I now know about Gaimna's character.