I’ve just finished watching season two of The Sandman on Netflix. It’s a tour de force in storytelling and adaptation of the source in my opinion. But we also have the dark overture of the claims against the writer. So where does that leave us?
Gaiman was always someone who followed an alternative life, he championed inclusivity and LGBTQ+ in all of his books and adaptations. The accusations against him have been refuted and as of yet have not been proved in a court; yet his work and reputation has been denigrated without validation.
I’m still waiting for these claims to be legitimised, but as it is, the third season of Good Omens was cut short and reportedly the second season of The Sandman was curtailed, but to my memory of the graphic novels, they covered everything beautifully. The only way a third season could be made is with new stories from Gaiman himself, which at this time is very unlikely to happen. Which is a shame, the cast were absolutely wondrous, even though I would have preferred a white skinned Death, probably a controversial view, however, I could not fault Kirby Howell-Baptiste portrayal, she was amazing.
I do dislike how cancel culture works; I do wish that the press would only be allowed to report on accusations once they have been proven. I know of many cases where lives and careers have been destroyed by people chasing a payout or revenge. Perhaps this case is neither, but until the real truth is found, who are we to accuse, judge and convict without knowing the reality of what occurred?
For me, Gaiman has always been an amazing writer, I’ve read all of his works, I followed him of Twitter, he co-wrote with Pratchett, if the allegations against him are true, it would be another Rolf Harris moment for me. A hero brought low, I really don’t want to believe the accusations.
At the moment, I do believe you should watch The Sandman, even buy the graphic novels, work yourselves through his opus, make your own decision based upon your own beliefs. I have done so right now, my gut belief is that he’s an alt that’s misunderstood.
Let’s face it, if you still like to listen to Michael Jackson, you’re probably in the same boat.
I'm planning on watching the last season, but I have a hard time enjoying his books at the moment. Until now, it's been beautiful and really well-made.
I've been trying to keep an open mind that maybe he's innocent, but having read the details, at best, he's manipulative and taking advantage in a really awful way.
Still I'm glad the series gets to continue, because unlike a book, there are already so many people involved in creating it, that it would be a shame to deprive them of it.
He was always one of my favorite authors, so it's extra disappointing.