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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Magic and Horror from the Master of Dark Fantasy, 12 July 2002
This review is from: Murder Mysteries (Hardcover)
Anything by Neil Gaiman is a pleasure. This adaptation of what is certainly one of his best short stories, illustrated by the artist responsible for 'Ramadan', the most well-loved installment of Gaiman's pioneering comic, 'Sandman', is certainly no disappointment. The story is elegant, well-paced and compelling; the delicate yet commanding illustrations match it to perfection. If I had a complaint it would be that in illustration the story loses some of its original enigmatic quality, making it rather easier to work out what is going on, but this might just be because I have read the story in the original and was able to anticipate the action. However, the fact remains that I had to read the prose version twice to be absolutely sure of all the details, which was a large part of the charm for me; Gaiman's ability to craft intricate storylines which really force the reader to stay alert is one of his great skills. I felt that, even did I not already know the story, it would have been more transparent on the first reading in graphic novel form. Naturally, this will not be a problem for many, as it doesn't diminish the power of the plot or its breathtaking suggestions on the subjects of God and Lucifer at all. Lucifer as a character is an old favourite for Gaiman, and he portrays him with remarkable compassion and insight as always. If there is one thing that can be guaranteed with every new work by Neil Gaiman, it is that it will make you think long and hard, and this is no exception. His partnership with P Craig Russell has yielded magical results in the past, and it is to be hoped that they will get together again in the future to create even more stardust and darkness.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gaiman Classic, 10 July 2002
This review is from: Murder Mysteries (Hardcover)
For anyone who misses Gaiman's glory days of Sandman and all related comics, then this is most definately the next best thing. Although the scripting is not by Gaiman himself, it is competently adapted from a Neil Gaiman short story by P. Craig Russel, who is also responsible for the beautiful artwork on this particular tome. The story concerns angels at the early stages of creation and how they are affected by the first ever murder, and its subsequent investigation. It is a classic piece of fantastical fiction, which is quite obviously where Mr. Gaiman feels most comfortable. There is misdirection and mystery aplenty, and the story is left with a very cunning openness which belies Gaimans true genius. If you like this, you'll love all the Sandman graphic novels, and American Gods, his most recent novel (ish...Coraline is his most recent, and probably also brilliant, novel, but it aint out yet over here). Just buy anything with Gaiman on it, okay...its a sure mark of quality.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Mysterious ways, 27 Sep 2010
At the beginning of Creation, an angel is murdered and Raguel, the Vengeance of the Lord, is sent to discover the culprit. Meanwhile Lucifer, his presence at the crime scene unaccounted for, walks in the shadows as he contemplates Creation and God's ultimate purpose.
I loved the way Gaiman wrote the character of Lucifer. Here he seems much more compelling and interesting a character with the way he tries to understand God's designs and uses his head, rather than the pure evil version many Christians choose to believe in.
The misdirection as to the murderer's identity is a nice addition to the story and a nod to the genre it is written in. It keeps the reader guessing until the reveal at the end. Even then though, the murder mystery solved, the real mystery - God's plans - remain obscured. It's this that is the true mystery. Why would God create evil? Why would God not destroy Lucifer since he has the power to? We never find out.
The framing device is clever and adds another twist to the ending. It makes you appreciate what an accomplished writer Gaiman is that he never lets up with an ending. Just when you feel that he can stop, that he's tied up the loose ends, he keeps going and takes the story to a different place where you're completely surprised again.
Despite this being one of Gaiman's best short stories, it's translated very well into comics form by the masterful P. Craig Russell. His beautiful artwork brings the angels to life and gives you breathtaking visions of Creation. He also does a wonderful job of drawing Death. No, not the skeleton in a black cowl with a scythe, but the concept of Death. Very imaginative, Russell's drawing abilities matches Gaiman's writing and imagination perfectly.
One of the finest of this series of Gaiman adapted comic books, and a brilliant standalone comic book for those who are put off by ordinary prose, "Murder Mysteries" is a fantastic read and will hold your attention from the first page to the last.
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