Dark Horse Comics has announced it will no longer publish works by acclaimed author Neil Gaiman following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. The decision has also affected ongoing and future projects tied to the author, with several other publishers and media adaptations distancing themselves from Gaiman’s work.
Dark Horse Cuts Ties with Neil Gaiman
The comic book publisher Dark Horse Comics made the announcement on January 27 via a statement on X, formerly Twitter. The company declared, “Dark Horse takes seriously the allegations against Neil Gaiman and we are no longer publishing his works.” The statement confirmed the cancellation of the Anansi Boys comic series and collected volume, which was an adaptation of Gaiman’s 2005 novel.
The Anansi Boys series launched in June 2023 and was intended to span eight issues. However, the series was abruptly ended after the publication of the seventh issue on January 15, 2025.
Allegations of Sexual Misconduct and Gaiman’s Response
The allegations against Gaiman first surfaced in July 2024, with two women coming forward through an investigation by Tortoise Media. Over the following months, additional women made similar claims, bringing the total number of accusers to nine. On January 13, 2025, Vulture published an investigation detailing four new accusations, including claims of nonconsensual BDSM.
In a statement published on January 14, Gaiman categorically denied the allegations, stating, “I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.” He also expressed a desire to avoid drawing attention to “misinformation” but acknowledged the importance of respecting those sharing their stories.
Fallout in the Publishing World
The allegations have had a ripple effect across Gaiman’s publishing and media endeavors. HarperCollins, which has released some of Gaiman’s most popular works, confirmed it has no plans for future projects with the author. Similarly, W.W. Norton, the publisher of Norse Mythology, informed its staff that it would not work with Gaiman going forward.
Other major publishers, including Bloomsbury, Penguin, Hachette, DC Comics, and Titan, have not issued public statements regarding their future relationship with Gaiman. Attempts to contact these companies for comment were unsuccessful.
Impact on Media Adaptations
Television and film adaptations of Gaiman’s works have also been affected. Prime Video’s Good Omens, based on the novel co-written by Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, has halted production of its third season. Instead of a full season, the series will conclude with a single 90-minute episode. Reports suggest that Gaiman volunteered to step back from involvement in the finale.
Additionally, Disney’s planned film adaptation of Gaiman’s 2008 novel The Graveyard Book has been put on hold. Neither Prime Video nor Disney confirmed whether these decisions were directly linked to the allegations.
Divided Reactions Within the Industry
The response from the literary community has been mixed. While some prominent writers have called for Gaiman’s literary awards to be rescinded, the publishing industry has been slower to act compared to media and entertainment sectors.
As the controversy unfolds, Gaiman’s reputation and career remain under intense scrutiny. The long-term impact of these allegations on his legacy as a celebrated author is yet to be seen.
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