5 must-read Neil Gaiman graphic novels

Neil Gaiman's novels are perhaps the epitome of fiction. His stories travel across different genres and writing styles making each story unique, depicting the author's personality and his characters embodying qualities which resonate with all of us. His graphic novels are captivating with their storylines and intricate art styles.

Here are five such Neil Gaiman graphic novels that you must read. 

The Sandman 

Last year's Netflix adaptation of The Sandman was great, but the graphic novels are far more enticing. 

With ten novels, the story has recurring characters and cameos from other DC storylines. The graphic novels appeal to readers in terms of writing style, diversity and cultural representation, and art style. They feature compelling stories, deep philosophical underpinnings and complex attitudes, and representations of both ancient and contemporary situations. 

Collaborating with a variety of pencilers, inkers, and colourists, the variation in visual aesthetics is essential to understanding the subtleties of the series. However, the final story might enrage you a little and leave you conflicted. 

The Overture 

This is the prequel to The Sandman series. It answers many questions which are unlikely to cross your mind. The prequel is meant to be read after the series although reading it first might help you ease into the series better. But where is the fun in that? The series is meant to leave you a little perplexed and The Overture to give you some closure. 

Violent Cases

Illustrated by Dave McKean, Violent Cases is the first collaboration between him and Neil Gaiman. From Sandman to The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Gaiman loves to play with memories and dreams, and Violent Cases is similar, dealing with the vague concept of memory as seen through the eyes of a man reflecting on his youth, and maybe even the desire to forget.

Although readers are never given clear-cut answers, they are left with the strong sensation that the boy's home had multiple violent incidents than the story might be telling us. 

Harlequin Valentine 

We all want a love that will go above and beyond for us, and the Harlequin sets the bar high for loving gestures. The Harlequin offers Missy his heart. Literally, by nailing it to her door. The story then follows Missy as she tries to find her admirer and what she is to do with his gift.

The story takes place on February 14 and is a bloodily romantic graphic novel based on the old Commedia dell'arte and Harlequinade pantomime. 

The Sleeper and The Spindle 

Written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Chris Riddell, this story reinvents the princess narrative with the queen setting off on the eve of her wedding to rescue a princess from an enchantment. This queen will make her own decisions, and the princess who needs saving has her own mysteries. 

With its mesmerising and beautiful artwork, this graphic novel blends the old and the contemporary, giving communities a voice and challenging the stereotypical view of the queen in most other fairy tales.

Gaiman's graphic novels play with your mind in terms of both story and art style. They are dark, witty, humorous, and tap into human principles. Although they are short reads, by the time you get to the last page, you will be aesthetically and spiritually blown away. 

Puja does nothing but read Gaiman and drinks unhealthy amounts of coffee. Send her cat photos at facebook.com/pspspspspspspspspspspuwu/