Meeting the Man

Image by kwc via FlickrWent to the launch of Mr. Gaiman's newest, The Graveyard Book, last night. Great experience. Was initially worried I wouldn't get in because it was a ticket event, but turned out I needn't have worried (or turned up quite so early...) as tickets were just to get a seat for the reading.

Listened to the Master read from his new piece (unfortunately I'd already read the book while in the que, got bored waiting), and he then did a Q&A. Some other git got my question in - Neil spent a month recently in China on a research trip, and wanted to ask was this for his latest work and what type of effort would it be - and he stated that it will be a non-fiction book revolving around mtyh, 7th (I think) century Chinese legend, and various such things. He has a very distinctive sense of humour, warm and dry at the same time, almost giving the impression of being a big kid who's delighted that people came to see his latest fun and games. ( The picture here is not mine, but was similar enough that I thought it added to the post, thanks to original photographer linked at photo)

He told several funny stories, my favourite of which revolved around the two versions of the book, one illustrated by Dave McKean, long time collaborator, and one by Chris Riddell. Story goes like so (as far as my caffeine addled wits can recall):
Neil and Dave standing talking at the official launch of The Grveyard Book when Dave's young son comes barrelling up: "Daddy Daddy!! Guess what!! Look, the book was illustrated by Chris Riddell, he's like my favourite illustrator ever!!". Silence from Dave, the kind of silence that can only be produced when horribly embarassed by a well meaning loved one. "Can we go and get him to sign my book daddy, please please please??". "um, yeah, sure.." says Dave , and allows him to tugged away by his wide-eyed little boy, presumably glowing beetroot red. If I was Neil at this point I would have been rolling on the floor, struggling to breathe as the tears of laughter course down my face...

Someone also asked will he ever go back to comics, to which he replied that he was currently extremely behind schedule working on 2 part Batman story, apparently on page 25 of 32. Of part 1. Something to look forward to....

Neil very generously agreed to sign anything bought in store last night, plus 2 other items people had brought along, which suited me perfectly as I had bought the book, plus brough my copy of Absolute Sandman Vol. 1, and my copy of 1602. Signed all 3, and did little sketches in Sandman and Graveyard Book, see pictures below.








A very fun event, and massive thank you to Neil for taking the time out to talk to everyone, and spend so much time signing and personalising sketches/messages for everyone.


I am a happy fan-boy.