Stardust (Graphic Novel) – Review

By: Neil Gaiman (Writer), Charles Vess (Art)

Written by superstar scribe Neil Gaiman, Stardust is a pleasant departure from the traditional presentation of graphic storytelling. The story is presented in the form of a text based book with wonderful illustrations by Charles Vess strategically placed throughout its entirety.

Gaiman doesn’t disappoint with his straightforward (by Gaiman standards), but skillfully developed, fairy tale following a young man’s quest to win the heart of his true love. Set in the era of Victorian England, the tale begins in a mostly quiet village but quickly moves into realms of magic and witchcraft as readers follow the young man in pursuit of a fallen star which he must retrieve to claim his heart’s desire. His journey affords Gaiman the ability to do what Gaiman does best as he expertly creates detailed landscapes and colorful characters. Needless to say the young man isn’t the only one after the fallen star as numerous antagonists are added to the mix making for an excellent yarn all around.

The story is not hard to follow, pedantic or painfully verbose. It is, simply put, a well crafted short story collected in a trade paperback that presents nicely. Extras include a sketch and cover gallery at the back. Of note: this book is not a children’s fairy tale as it contains sexual content and graphic violence (probably should have mentioned that right off the bat as a selling point). Suggested for Mature Readers. (Grade: A)

– Chris Williamson