The Books of Magic

by Neil Gaiman and Roger Zelazny

Book Overview

The New York Times best-selling writer Neil Gaiman weaves a mesmerizing tale of the dangers and possibilities of youth in THE BOOKS OF MAGIC, illustrated by the acclaimed artists John Bolton, Scott... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1563890828
• ISBN13: 9781563890826
• Release Date: April 1993
• Publisher: Vertigo
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.5" x 10.1"
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 12

Customer Reviews

Magical Books

One can only wonder what would have been had Neil Gaiman wrote the "Books of Magic" ongoing series after laying the foundation here in this collection of 1-4 of the limited series. Alas, Neil was busy with the Sandman, which turned out to be an epic in it's own right. It's not that John Ney Rieber does a poor job after taking the helm as writer, it's just that after such a wonderful job by Mr. Gaiman we expect much more. The basis for the story is this: a young male is destined to be one of the most powerful sorcerers ever. He also wears glasses, and has a pet owl. His name is.....not Harry Potter. It's Timothy Hunter, actually. Makes you wonder if J.K. Rowling might've been inspired by this story, though. The basis of the story is this: some of the major occult figures in the DC Universe have joined forces to help young Tim with this huge burden. Then they each takes turns taking Tim on "A Christmas Carol" type of journey into the past, present and future of magic. Some of the people he meets are: John Constantine, Doctor Occult, Mister E, The Phantom Stranger, Deadman, Zatanna, The Spectre, Dr. Fate, and many others. For Sandman freaks, we get a chance to see Dream, Death and Destiny. While Tim goes on this magical mystery tour to decide if he wishes to persue a life of magic, the forces of the evil are constantly a threat to him as they would like to eradicate Tim before he has a chance to do any good. It's a great fantasy story with with equally great art. Each of the four books are painted by a different artist, including Charles Vess who will go on to paint the covers of the regular series. This is a book you will want to read again and again.

Grand, epic and wonderous

Neil Gaiman's, 'Books of Magic,' is a must read for anyone entranced by the Sandman universe and even for those new to his stories and characters. This book is a complete standout both in writing and artwork. Comprised of 4 chapters spanning 200 pages or so, each chapter is masterfully illustrated by AAA artists like John Bolton, Charles Vess, etc. And we're not talking quickie pencil jobs either. Each and every panel in this book is absolutely gorgeous - utilizing lush paint-work, fantastic coloring and razor sharp lettering.Fans of the Sandman series will particularly appreciate the storyline for its meta views of the Sandman universe. What readers are treated to is essentially a guided tour of the worlds (both in physical reality and nether regions) and timelines (the past, present and the absolute end of infinite time) occupied by the characters in the numerous volumes of the Sandman series. In a nutshell this series is grand and sweeping in every sense of the word(s) and it's absolutely beautiful to look at. Don't miss this one!

A Classic of Its Kind

Particularly after the success of Alan Moore's "The Watchmen" and Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns", graphic novels have soared in popularity. Indeed, it now seems that the market is inundated with them, and practically every Vertigo title from DC is regularly recapitulated every seven or eight issues in collected paperback form. With such an increasingly large selection from which to choose, the more casual reader might be baffled as to where to start. This volume probably wouldn't be the wisest choice.While it is of the highest quality, it really has its best payoff for those who have at least a passing acquaintance with DC's occult universe and its myriad figures. So many of these pop up within the story (in a profusion not seen since the struggle for the North Slope of Heaven in the pages of "Swamp Thing" a few years ago) that it can be daunting to the neophyte. Even many of the more experienced comics readers might have a hard time placing two of the four major magical protagonists, Mister E and Doctor Occult (who actually is one of DC's oldest characters, having been created many decades ago before slipping into obscurity). In fact, so very many exceptionally minor characters pop up in the margins that it's necessary to hit the Internet to find annotations to explain their background and significance.In large part, this collection is an attempt to codify and explain the chaotic history of the DC occult universe. Gaiman has an intimate knowledge of apparently every title ever produced over the last 30 or 40 years, and he induldges himself somewhat showily in dragging in every two-bit mage and witch for a fleeting guest appearance. Often, this is done for purposes of historical revisionism, which is for the good, since the accretion of rank silliness and sloppily conceived plots in the thousands of DC comics over the years has resulted in many mutually contradictory character origins and universal histories, not to mention a lot of gross stupidity. (Such an opportunity for widescale housecleaning was one of the few appeals of DC's "Crisis on Infinite Earths", which gave the writers permission to ruthlessly slaughter dozens of idiotic characters and to destroy the countless alternate dimensions and the "it was just a dream" Earths. But I digress.)Be that as it may, the heart of the story, which served to launch the ongoing "Books of Magic" series and its various mini-series spinoffs, is the realization by the mightiest of the occult powers that Timothy Hunter, a young lad in the UK, is destined to become the most powerful magician ever known, should he actively choose to walk that path. Accordingly, Doctor Occult, Mister E, the Phantom Stranger (always one of DC's coolest and most enigmatic characters, often thought to be a repentant fallen angel), and John Constantine (even cooler than the Phantom Stranger, although much scummier and devoid of nearly any useful powers) band together as the so-called Trenchcoat Brigade to show Tim what

Books of Magic predates Harry Potter

I am a big fan of Gaiman and love his stories. I also love the Harry Potter series. There is debate over the Potter books being derived from Books of Magic, since Books of Magic was published first. I think each stands on its own, both are fine works and I recommend them both. But to the reader who thinks Books of Magic is a Harry Potter rip-off, check the publishing dates.

A Brilliant Book,With Superb Characterizations,Excellent.

The Books Of Magic, Like Any Other Gaiman Story,is Breathtakingly Amaazing in its Telling,and the art compliments the story wonderfully. This is arare and unique instance where an established artist such as Charles Vess works on a Comic book.There are cameo sequences in this book that include scenes with Dream,Death,Destiny,Etrigan the Demon,Deadman,Zatanna,and the Spectre, just to name a few characters. Timothy Hunter is one of Gaiman's finest creations,and he is an actually believable and interesting one,as well. The Premise of the story is: Timothy Hunter, a very Young man,Pre-teen in fact,has the potential to become the greatest sorcerer of this age. The Trenchcoat Brigade,whose Ranks include The Mysterious Phantom Stranger,The incorrigble Hellblazer,John Constantine,The Enigmatic Dr. Occult, and Mr.E. His name says it all. The four decide to show Tim the magical history of Earth,and the universe,and some of the major magical players that exist in the DC universe.The Stranger shows Tim the past,Hinting at his origins all the while,and making the reader rather curious about him.The Second Tour guide on the Magical Mystery Tour is John Constantine, and this is a very True-to-form Constantine story,in that most of the people whom they visit have some sort of grudge against everyone's favourite Constantine,and Tim is introduced to many of the prominent contemporary characters Like the Spectre,Jason Blood,and Zatanna.The Third story is about Dr.Occult taking Tim on a guided tour of the lands of Faerie,The Dreaming(Neil Gaiman's writing, did you honestly think that Morpheus WOULDN'T show up?)Charles Vess did the artwork for issue 3, and that contributes to the magnitude of superb story this story inside of a story has.Also, if you read SANDMAN, you see Titania,and find out what Happened to Shakespeare's son, Hamnet.It also hints at the shadowy background of Doctor Occult.Issue Nimber Four is also very amazing,in that Gaiman tells us what's going to happen in the future.Or it might.Tim sees just what he might be,witnesses the final battle of the age, and into the mind of Mr.E.and makes his decision about Magic. I would Recommend this book to anyone wanting an introduction to the Vertigo Universe,anyone who wants a fantastic story,and if you have any sort of literary appreciation, you should go and buy this book as soon as you get a chance to. The ongoing BOOKS OF MAGIC books dont have the wonderful feel that this book gives off, and you wont feel nearly as satisfied about them. I recommend any Neil Gaiman,Garth Ennis,and Alan Moore stories(especially their DC work).