Neil Gaiman’s new books cancelled amid sex abuse allegations

A publisher of Neil Gaiman’s graphic novels has cancelled his upcoming work following allegations of sexual assault against the author.

Dark Horse Comics was due to publish the final issue of Gaiman’s Anansi Boys, an eight-part adaptation of his 2005 novel (itself a spin-off from his 2001 book American Gods). But the publisher announced on the weekend that it was joining the growing list of companies distancing themselves from him.

Neil Gaiman has denied the allegations made against him. Credit: James Brickwood

Eight women have accused Gaiman of sexual assault. The allegations first surfaced when two of the accusers spoke out on the British podcast Master: The Allegations Against Neil Gaiman in July 2024.

Gaiman has denied the accusations.

Last week, Marc Bernardin, the writer and producer of the Anansi Boys comic book series, which is illustrated by Shawn Martinbrough, told fans the seventh issue would be the last and issued an apology to the alleged victims.

“Last Wednesday, issue 7 of Anansi Boys hit the stands,” he said. “It will be the last issue. Dark Horse will not collect it into a trade [paperback]. I am incredibly proud of the work we did on the book … everyone involved gave their all. But all of that pales.

“Anansi Boys is about two brothers, twins. One is meek, timid, like a flopsy, set-upon puppy. The other brother is narcissistic, hedonistic, governed by nothing other than his own pursuit of sensation and pleasure.

“They seem so different, but they are very much flip-sides of the same coin,” Bernardin added. “I never gave too much thought about that. Until now. My heart breaks for the survivors and any pain seeing these books on the shelves might have caused.”

Disney, Prime Video and Netflix have all announced changes or cancellations to projects involving Gaiman.

Good Omens, a Prime TV show starring David Tennant and Michael Sheen and based on Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s novel, will now end with one 90-minute episode despite initially being renewed for a third season.

Gaiman, who had written for the show, will no longer be part of the production.

Disney has also paused production on its adaptation of The Graveyard Book and has yet to confirm whether filming will resume.

Responding to the allegations earlier this month, Gaiman wrote on his blog: “I’m far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.

“At the time I was in those relationships, they seemed positive and happy on both sides.”

However, he conceded, “I was emotionally unavailable while being sexually available, self-focused and not as thoughtful as I could or should have been. I was obviously careless with people’s hearts and feelings, and that’s something that I really, deeply regret. It was selfish of me. I was caught up in my own story, and I ignored other people’s.”

“As I reflect on my past – and as I re-review everything that actually happened as opposed to what is being alleged – I don’t accept there was any abuse.

“To repeat, I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone.”

The Telegraph