Neil Gaiman's Young Adult Fiction
Coraline the Book, Graphic Novel, Movie and Video Game
Jan 12, 2009
Gaiman’s first novel, Good Omens, which he wrote with fantasy author Terry Pratchett, was published in 1990. Six years later, he released his first solo book, Neverwhere — a novelization of his script for the BBC mini-series by the same name. Now Gaiman has 13 novels and over 100 comics under his belt. But not everyone knows about his dip into young adult fiction.
Coraline, The Novel
In 2002, Gaiman released his first YA novel, Coraline — a 176-page story about a young girl who discovers another dimension through a mysterious door in her new home. Inside this dimension, she finds a replica of her own house, but with one significantand creepy — difference: instead of her own parents, Coraline finds her “other mother and father” dwelling inside this “other home”. These other parents would resemble her own if not for their black button eyes and long crooked fingers. Coraline soon discovers that her other mother’s devious plan: to steal her real parents and keep Coraline all to herself.
Coraline received three awards: the 2002 Bram Stoker Award for Best Work for Young Readers, the 2003 Hugo Award for Best Novella, and the 2003 Nebula Award for Best Novella.
Coraline, The Graphic Novel
While popular for its unique and eerie plot, Coraline didn’t jump formats until 2008. That year, Todd Klein and P. Craig Russell adapted Coraline into a graphic novel. While the dialogue set to the creepy illustrations sounded a little too young for its intended readership, it didn’t detract from the nightmarish plot.
Coraline, The Film
The movie adaptation of Coraline is scheduled for release on February 6, 2009. This stop-motion animated film, rated PG, will have the terrifying qualities of A Nightmare Before Christmas, another stop-motion fantasy. Popular stars will lead the voiceovers, including Dakota Fanning as Coraline and Teri Hatcher (Susan Mayer of Desperate Housewives) as both Coraline’s real and other mother. Check out the movie trailer here.
Coraline, The Video Game
Fortunately for Coraline fans, the format flipping doesn’t stop there. The book’s video game adaptation with be released on January 27, 2009. The game with be available for Nintendo DS, the Wii and Playstation 2 consoles.
Other Works by Neil Gaiman
Following Coraline, Gaiman didn’t stop writing for young readers. He published a limited edition novel called Melinda in 2004, Mirrormask: A Really Useful Book in 2005, Odd and the Frost Giants in 2008, and finally his latest young adult fantasy, The Graveyard Book, also in 2008.
While Neil Gaiman is clearly a multidimensional writer, his repertoire of completed works stretches far beyond books and comics. Check out his website for a complete list of his poetry, short stories, essays, reviews and so much more.
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