Neil Gaiman’s fantasy novel Anansi Boys is making its way into the world of comics with an adaptation by Dark Horse Comics. The novel, originally published in 2005 and acclaimed as a New York Times best-seller, has garnered prestigious awards such as the Locus and British Fantasy Awards. The comic adaptation will be an eight-issue mini-series, with screenwriter and comics author Marc Bernardin tasked with penning the script.
The artwork for the comic will be handled by Shawn Martinbrough, known for his work on titles like Thief of Thieves and Luke Cage Noir. The colors will be done by Chris Sotomayor, with lettering by Jim Campbell. The first issue of the mini-series is scheduled for release on June 26.
Anansi Boys follows the story of 'Fat' Charlie Nancy, a seemingly ordinary Londoner whose life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers that his late father was the trickster god Anansi from African folklore, and that he has a twin brother he never knew existed. This revelation sets off a fantastical journey filled with sibling rivalry, vengeful deities, murder, and the realization that godhood comes with its own set of challenges.
The collaboration between Bernardin and Gaiman, who have been acquainted for over two decades, brings a fresh perspective to the adaptation. Bernardin expressed his excitement at exploring African folklore in a contemporary context, without relying on stereotypical narratives of pain and tragedy. Instead, the story of Anansi Boys is described as a blend of joy, fear, humor, and romance, offering a unique portrayal of a man grappling with newfound powers and responsibilities.
Dark Horse Comics has previously worked on comic adaptations of Gaiman's works, such as American Gods. For Anansi Boys, the first issue will feature a main cover by David Mack, along with variants by Martinbrough and Denys Cowan.
In addition to the comic adaptation, Anansi Boys is also being developed into a live-action series by Amazon, with Gaiman serving as one of the showrunners. The series, starring Malachi Kirby and Delroy Lindo, is currently in post-production and is expected to premiere later this year.
