''Signal to Noise'' () is a
graphic novel
A graphic novel is a long-form, fictional work of sequential art. The term ''graphic novel'' is often applied broadly, including fiction, non-fiction, and anthologized work, though this practice is highly contested by comic scholars and industry ...
written by
Neil Gaiman
Neil Richard MacKinnon GaimanBorn as Neil Richard Gaiman, with "MacKinnon" added on the occasion of his marriage to Amanda Palmer. ; ( Neil Richard Gaiman; born 10 November 1960) is an English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, gr ...
and illustrated by
Dave McKean
David McKean (born 29 December 1963) is an English illustrator, photographer, comic book artist, graphic designer, filmmaker and musician. His work incorporates drawing, painting, photography, collage, found objects, digital art, and sculpt ...
. It was originally serialised in the UK style magazine ''
The Face
The face is a part of the body, the front of the head.
Face may also refer to:
Film
* ''The Magician'' (1958 film) or ''The Face''
* ''The Face'' (1996 film), an American television film
* ''Face'' (1997 film), a British crime drama by Antonia ...
'', beginning in 1989, and collected as a graphic novel in 1992, published by
Victor Gollancz Ltd in the UK and by
Dark Horse Comics
Dark Horse Comics is an American comic book, graphic novel, and manga publisher founded in Milwaukie, Oregon by Mike Richardson in 1986. The company was created using funds earned from Richardson's chain of Portland, Oregon comic book shops known ...
in the US.
The story follows a
film-maker
Filmmaking (film production) is the process by which a motion picture is produced. Filmmaking involves a number of complex and discrete stages, starting with an initial story, idea, or commission. It then continues through screenwriting, castin ...
who suffers from a
terminal illness, and imagines a last film which he will never have time to make. It examines the relationship between
apocalyptic imagery, and the central character's personal disaster.
There have been three adaptations of the graphic novel into other media:
* in 1996, Gaiman adapted his own story for a BBC radio broadcast, with music by McKean;
* in 1999, a stage adaptation written by Marc Rosenbush and Robert Toombs was mounted in Chicago with Gaiman's cooperation.
* in 2002, McKean adapted it into a 14-minute film, with
Heathcote Williams as the director.
Notes
Comics by Neil Gaiman
1989 comics debuts
1992 graphic novels
Apocalyptic comics
Eisner Award winners for Best Graphic Album: New
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