As far as fantasy is concerned, Neil Gaiman is one of the most popular and prolific authors. Born in the UK in 1960, Gaiman has published multiple novels over the years, as well as graphic novels. His work has served as an inspiration source for many movie and TV adaptations, such as Stardust (2007), Coraline (2009), and the TV series American Gods or Good Omens.
The upcoming TV series The Sandman is easily one of the most anticipated new fantasy series of 2022. But even before it premieres in the first week of August, the fans can pass the time by either re-reading The Sandman or taking a look at some other similar comics.
5 Lucifer By Mike Carey
Lucifer works as a spin-off series to The Sandman, but it's also understandable for those who haven't read The Sandman. In the series, Lucifer has abandoned Hell and found a new home in Los Angeles. The comic book series' protagonist isn't always sympathetic, and he doesn't think or feel the way humans do, but that only makes him more fascinating.
However, a word of warning is in order - the comic book Lucifer doesn't have many things in common with the TV adaptation starring Tom Ellis, which is much more light-hearted and civil. Both versions have a lot to offer, but each has a different atmosphere. The comic book Lucifer is dark, sometimes humorous, and unpredictable. Meanwhile, his onscreen counterpart plays more on a romantic note, and their differences don't end there.
4 Unwritten By Mike Carey
Mike Carey is a well-known name in the world of comic books, and for a good reason. Carey created multiple intelligent and original pieces of work. The series Unwritten focuses on Tommy Taylor, a young man who grew up in the shadow of a fictional wizard of the same name that Tommy's father created and named after his son. Except that things are much more complicated, and in this world, the line between real and fictional blurs.
Both Sandman and The Unwritten address the topic of storytelling and the strength of stories with which they influence human lives. Unwritten also has a clear connection to Harry Potter, but it makes references to multiple literary works, and it's impossible to guess who will show up next or how the plot will evolve.
3 Fables By Bill Willingham
Speaking of the power of stories, Fables are another excellent example. Just like Unwritten, it takes familiar literary characters and puts them in new and surprising situations. More specifically, the series centers on a group of fairytale creatures who left their homes behind and are now living in New York, trying to build new lives and fit in. The downside is that the Evil they ran from is still somewhere out there, and not everybody can mix in with the public. What's even worse, someone starts killing the fairytale creatures.
The series' summary might sound familiar, especially to those who have watched the TV show Once Upon a Time that's streaming on Disney+. But Fables came before the series, and they take the concept even further. Similar to The Sandman, it mixes everyday reality and creatures and forces that don't seemingly belong in it. Another similarity is the high level of imaginativeness both series possess.
2 The Black Orchid By Neil Gaiman
Even though The Sandman might be Neil Gaiman's most famous comic book work, it isn't the only one. Gaiman has also written an unusual superhero tale with a strange poetic to it named The Black Orchid after the heroine. The lyrical yet at times brutal story combined with the unique drawing by Dave McKean makes for a memorable reading experience. Unlike other comic book tales, The Black Orchid ran for mere three issues, making it easy to finish in a short period of time.
Interestingly enough, Gaiman's story isn't the first time the readers get to meet the Black Orchid since she had her comic book premiere in 1973. Back then, she was still a superhero sidekick. However, the Black Orchid is one of the more obscure DC heroes, so reading Gaiman's graphic novel is a good way how to meet her and get to know more about her powers as well as her life in general.
1 Death: The High Cost Of Living By Neil Gaiman
It's not so unusual for a side, supporting character to become a fan favorite and steal the show for themselves. Other than Lucifer, one of the most prominent The Sandman characters who managed is Death. She even got her own miniseries that's a must-read for all fans of The Sandman. It deals with a thought-provoking topic. Death experiences mortality for a day, and she meets a teenager who's contemplating committing suicide.
The series has the power to make the readers think about the value of life as well as consider what immortality must be like for Death. The High Cost of Living isn't a relaxing read, but despite it - or most likely because of it - it leaves a strong impression as well, which has become typical for Neil Gaiman's work.