Neil Gaiman, the renowned author behind ‘Sandman’ and ‘Coraline,’ has been severed from Dark Horse Comics following sexual assault allegations detailed in a New York Magazine cover story on January 13.
The article highlighted accusations from multiple women, with four of the eight individuals involved also sharing their experiences in a podcast by Tortoise Media in July 2023.
In response to these claims, Dark Horse Comics announced on January 25 that it would no longer publish Gaiman’s works, including the comic series and collected edition of Anansi Boys. The publisher’s statement affirmed its commitment to addressing such allegations with seriousness.
“Dark Horse takes seriously the allegations against Neil Gaiman and we are no longer publishing his works,” the statement read, confirming the cancellation of the Anansi Boys comic series and volume.
Gaiman, who has strongly denied the accusations, posted a statement on his personal blog: “I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.” His representatives have not yet commented on Dark Horse’s decision.
The allegations were amplified in the New York Magazine article, which featured accounts from women, including a former babysitter for Gaimanβs child, a caretaker for his property, and a fan he met at the age of 18. They accused Gaiman of engaging in rough sex and BDSM activities without prior consent.
In his response, Gaiman admitted to past emotional unavailability but denied the allegations of sexual assault, saying, “I can’t accept being described as someone I am not.”
While the Anansi Boys comic series has been canceled, the upcoming Amazon TV adaptation of the novel remains unaffected. However, other Gaiman projects, including Good Omens Season 3 and Disney’s adaptation of The Graveyard Book, have been impacted by the ongoing controversy.
