A week after Vulture‘s investigation into the allegations of sexual misconduct by Neil Gaiman, Marc Bernardinthe writer of the Dark Horse series based on the author’s prose novel Anansi Boys, announced on social media that the comic’s seventh issue will be its last, and that the book will not be collected in hardcover. His full statement reads:
Last week, Anansi Boys #7 hit stands. It will be the last issue. Dark Horse will not release a trade. I am incredibly proud of the work we did on the book. [Artist] Shawn Martinbrough‘s lines were fantastic, [colorist] Chris Sotomayor‘s bones were extraordinary, David Mack slayed the covers.
But all of that pales.
Anansi Boys It’s about two brothers, twins. One is meek, shy, 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. Literally.
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.
Before being pulled, the final issue of the first volume was listed on Previews World for March 5, while the hardcover collection of all eight chapters was scheduled for June 25. (The covers and synopses for both releases can be seen below.) The decision marks the first response from any of Gaiman’s publishers to the accusations of misconduct; Previously, Dark Horse and Gaiman enjoyed a highly positive relationship, with the company releasing numerous comics based on their prose work, including American Gods, Snow, Glass, Applesand Norse Mythology. All of their collaborations, including the previously released issues of Anansi Boysremain available digitally, but the publisher has made no comment on keeping them in-print.
Fat Charlie has had it with Spider – who has wedged himself into his life, in every way possible – and had turned to the only people who could help: Mrs. Higgler and the Florida coven of Caribbean witches. Together, they conspire to send Fat Charlie somewhere he might find real answers. But Fat Charlie is in no way prepared for the twisted world he’s about to enter… or the creatures who live there.
New York Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman joins forces with Eisner nominated writer Marc Bernardin and Thief of Thieves co-creator Shawn Martinbrough to adapt Gaiman’s Locus and British Fantasy award-winning novel as a comic book series for the first time-and soon to be a television show on Amazon Prime! “Fat” Charlie Nancy leads a boring life as a boring Londoner, until he discovers two things: That his recently deceased father was, in fact, Anansi the Spider, the trickster god of African folklore, and that he has a twin brother he’s never met. Which kicks off a reality-spanning odyssey of sibling rivalry, jealous deities, and one poor soul who’ll realize what it means to be a god. Collects #1-8.
Originally published in 2005, Anansi Boys was previously adapted into a radio play and a six-part radio series, both featuring Neverwhere co-creator Lenny Henrywho co-wrote the Prime Video series with Gaiman. While the show, which stars Malachi Kirby, Delroy Lindo, CCH Pounder, Fiona Shawand Whoopi Goldbergis still expected to be released this year, Prime has already responded to the allegations by reaching an agreement with Gaiman to have him leave his role as showrunner on Good Omensthe third season of which will now be a single 90 min. special. Gaiman has acknowledged being “careless” with his relationships, but denies committing any abuse towards his partners.
