I don't know what it is but it seems with every new book or story Gaiman writes I like it less and less. Snow Glass Apples, other than its few "shock" factors didn't really do anything new. You know the little girl is evil and because it's Gaiman writing you know the story will end on a dark (and I might add) predictably sour note.

The Sandman was fantastic but its seemed like everything since then keeps sliding further down. I think that's really his problem these days and he's got it really bad - just utterly predictable and therefore, for me at least, boring.

Damn shame too, because there was a time when I thought he was one of the best writers around today. The Sandman comics were some of the best stories I've ever read. But now it's like he can't shake off the Sandman formula that was such a success. When it was new it was great but now...sigh...

He was really good once. I think he could be again if he stepped away from his formulaic writing. In my opinion Mike Cary (author of DC Vertigo series Lucifer -the first trade paperback has just been released) has stolen Gaiman's crown. Anyone who loved The Sandman series should check out Lucifer and remember what it was like to be in awe of fantastic stories that surprise you at every turn again.