The Art of Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess's Stardust by Charles Vess

The Art of Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess's Stardust Reviews

• 
  Kerri

  A beautiful book. Charles Vess' artwork is completely captivating, and this was a reminder that I need to seek out more of the books he has illustrated (he is added to an already overloaded list of 'Must Buys'). Having read Stardust last year the story was still fresh in my mind, and it was fascinating to read this informal history of it. From Neil Gaiman approaching him to ask if he would illustrate an issue of The Sandman (and it was a brilliant issue) to Charles having Neil read his handwritten draft of Stardust to him over the phone because Charles couldn't decipher his handwriting (some pages are included here, and while I could make it some of it, I agree it's tricky to be certain!) there are many lovely stories to be found here.
  
  It's incredible to see early rough sketches, which progress to more detailed sketches, and then these wonderful full-colour paintings. The chapter Further Adventures Across The Wall includes art from various new editions and limited releases, as well as some pieces commissioned by readers (leaving me to longingly wonder how much such a thing might cost). One of my favourite images is My Sisters and I Would Sing and he includes a concept sketch, then a rough sketch, which is then outlined in sepia toned ink. It is then painted and appears complete, but you turn the page to see the final image is achieved by 'A final bit of opaque white in Yvaine's hair and at the center of each glistening star...'. It's amazing to see the difference it makes to an already stunning image. Another favourite is the second Fairy Market scene. Once again you spot both Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess in the crowd, as well as a Totoro figurine and Gandalf the Grey.
  
  The chapter A Fallen Star was particularly touching. Charles writes that in 1997, '...my wife Karen suffered a horrific spinal cord injury caused by a single-car accident. The doctors initially told us that she would never walk again. At the time we had no insurance, and the hospital and rehabilitation bills quickly grew to what was an overwhelming amount of money.
  I was in despair.
  Then an amazing thing happened.
  Many, many people from across the comics industry and well beyond came forward to help us, including Neil himself.'
  
  Charles released a benefit portfolio called A Fall of Stardust a collection of text and art set in the world of Stardust.
  
  'The portfolio itself contained thirty color-plates, created by an amazing group of artists, all of whom provided their work for free. I will never be able to fully thank everyone involved in this effort, and every day that I see my wife walk by herself and work in the garden, I am more than grateful for their kindness.'
  
  Highly recommended to fans of the things the title lists: Art, Neil Gaiman, Charles Vess, Stardust. Also, if you are a fan of the Little Hairy Man, be sure to look under the dust jacket.
• 
  Kate

  Many years ago, I found in an old bookshop a hardcover edition of Stardust, illustrated by Vess. At that point, I hadn't read any of Gaiman's works, neither was I aware of Vess. But from that book on, I became hooked. This particular coffee-table book, is an illustrated history of the project. It is, as you can imagine, a simply beautiful book. Vess's artwork is perfect for this particular tale of faerie, and this is a book that any fan will long to dip into again and again.
• 
  Emma Goldman

  This a beautiful book, large size to accommodate the full and double spread artwork. Sketches as well as the finished pieces are included. A full commentary of the progress of the original work, including the early planning, is provided, plus a bonus of the later work which helped to raise hospital funding for Vess's wife following a car accident. Reference is made to some of the film differences, and also those drawings which did not, in the end, appear in the book. Highly recommended.
• 
  Justin Wiggins

  This amazing book gives a rich context of how Neil Gaiman came to write his wonderful book Stardust. The visual art of Charles Vess captures the magic, wonder, and mystery of Faerie, and gave me the inspiration I needed to write the introduction to my new book of poems called Celtic Song, which will be published soon by Steve Cawte of Impspired. I highly recommend this beautiful coffee table book!
• 
  Venetia Constantine

  A wonderful new insight into an old favourite.
  
  As a writer and former art-historian, it probably comes as little surprise that I love illustrated books. I love the interplay between word and image. It’s why I specialised in the Pre-Raphaelites, it’s why I love children’s books, it’s why I collect them, it’s why I’m so excited to see the recent resurgence of adult illustrated fantasy with books like Empire of the Vampire. It’s why I passionately want my own books illustrated when it eventually comes time to publish them …
  
  Gaiman’s Stardust is one of my all-time favourite books. I love the whimsy and antiquated, fabular feel. It was actually an early comp title for my own high fantasy trilogy and while it no longer really works (mine has evolved into something different I think) this book holds a piece of my heart and I just loved learning more about how Charles Vess approached illustrating it in this beautiful companion volume.
  
  It was a truly collaborative process, and you get to see lots of early sketches here and really get a sense of their close working relationship - which through the course of producing Stardust seems to have become so much more than a working relationship.
  
  As a fellow Arthur Rackham devotee, I feel an instant sense of spiritual kinship with Vess - and this was a wonderful read.
  
• 
  Sarah Marsden

  Fabl