Anansi Boys #1 Review

When I’m not reading comics, I’m reading novels – mostly science fiction and fantasy. One of my favorite authors is undoubtedly Neil Gaiman; the way he presents unique takes on mythology is fascinating (and inspiring). The fact that he was able to translate that to comics is just incredible, and Dark Horse Comics capitalizes on that with their adaptation of his novel. Anansi Boys.

For those of you who don’t know, Anansi BoysThe story goes like this: Charles Nancy is about to marry his fiancée Rosie when he gets a call that his father has died. Even though Charles didn’t have a particularly good relationship with his father, he flies to Florida to bury him… and then he learns that his father wasn’t just a jazz musician. He was actually Anansi, the god of stories.

Adapting a book or film into a comic book format is, if I’m honest, a double-edged sword. On the one hand, there’s the opportunity to expand or even update elements of the source material. On the other hand, it can also read like the book with pretty pictures. Fortunately, the creative team led by Marc Bernardin and Shawn Martinborough opted for the first approach, updating the setting of the novel while still keeping the core moment.

Bernardin even went so far as to use one of the best analogies I’ve ever heard about the art of adaptation in an interview. “My perspective when it comes to adaptation is very Hippocratic: Don’t leave the patient in a worse state than you found them,” he said. True to his word, Bernardin presents a script that focuses on Charles’ frustration with his father and his desire to live his own life, confronting the reader with the big reveal that is guaranteed to keep them reading more. It’s presented in a way that both those who love the original novel and those who haven’t read it will enjoy.

You’ll also enjoy Martinborough’s artwork. Martinborough has a knack for transitions; the story begins with paintings on a wall before slowly transitioning into the bustling streets of London. He also packs a wealth of emotion into the faces of his characters, especially Charles. When Rosie suggests he invites his father to her wedding, his face twists in disgust. In another comic, Charles kicks over a stack of books in his father’s house as years of emotion bubble out. But what really makes this comic stand out is Christopher Sotomayor’s coloring. He opts for bright, bold colors for backgrounds, giving each setting its own distinctive flavor. London’s cold blue fades into the bright red of Charles’ apartment and then into the bright yellow that represents Florida’s sun. I’ve rarely seen colors like this in a book, but it works. So does Jim Campbell’s stark lettering, especially in the introductory captions.

Anansi Boys #1 is a great choice if you like Neil Gaiman’s works or are looking to refresh your reading list. It’s also proof that comics can be adapted just as well as movies or TV series – as long as you have the right creative minds on board.

“Anansi Boys” No. 1 is an adaptation of one of Neil Gaiman’s underrated works

Anansi Boys #1

Anansi Boys #1 is worth a read if you like Neil Gaiman’s work or are looking to refresh your reading list. It’s also proof that comics can be adapted just as well as movies or TV series – as long as you have the right creative minds on board.

Marc Bernardin faithfully transfers Gaiman’s work to the comic page, but also modernizes certain elements.

Shawn Martinborough has the gift of expressing emotions through the facial expressions and actions of his characters.

Christopher Sotomayor’s colors will capture your attention from the first page.

Fans of Neil Gaiman and anyone looking for a new comic should definitely check this out.

I need the second issue and can’t wait a month!

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a sponsor today and get access to exclusive benefits such as:

• ❌ Remove all ads on the website
• 💬 Join our Discord community where we chat about the latest news and releases on everything we cover on AIPT
• 📗 Access to our monthly book club
• 📦 Receive a physical paperback by mail every month
• 💥 And more!

Register today

Sign up for our newsletter