Neil Gaiman’s publisher Dark Horse Comics cancels future works

Famous comic publisher Dark Horse Comics has cancelled the upcoming graphic novels and comic books from Neil Gaiman, amid sexual misconduct allegations made against him.

Dark Horse Comics was set to publish upcoming editions of the Anansi Boys series, a spin-off of the British author’s novel “American Gods”.

In a post on X, the publisher said: “Dark Horse takes seriously the allegations against Neil Gaiman and we are no longer publishing his works.” 

A collected volume of “Anansi Boys” was planned, but the publisher said: “Confirming that the Anansi Boys comic series and collected volume have been cancelled.” 

Gaiman, whose titles in the comic book world include “The Sandman”, “Coraline” and “Norse Mythology”, has denied allegations of sexual misconduct made by eight women, saying he has “never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever”. 

The 64-year-old author added, in a post titled “Breaking the silence”, that he has reviewed correspondence with his accusers, writing: “I went back to read the messages I exchanged with the women around and following the occasions that have subsequently been reported as being abusive. These messages read now as they did when I received them – of two people enjoying entirely consensual sexual relationships and wanting to see one another again. At the time I was in those relationships, they seemed positive and happy on both sides.” 

He acknowledged personal failings, adding: “And I also realise, looking through them, years later, that I could have and should have done so much better. 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.” 

Gaiman concluded his statement: “Some of the horrible stories now being told simply never happened, while others have been so distorted from what actually took place that they bear no relationship to reality. I am prepared to take responsibility for any missteps I made. I’m not willing to turn my back on the truth, and I can’t accept being described as someone I am not, and cannot and will not admit to doing things I didn’t do.” 

Since the allegations surfaced, some sinema and TV adaptations of Gaiman’s works have reportedly been affected.

Season three of Prime Video’s Good Omens will now comprise one 90-minute episode, with Gaiman no longer involved. Elsewhere, the second season of The Sandman is still expected to arrive on Netflix later this year, while Disney has paused production on its sinema adaptation of The Graveyard Book.