#coraline jones x reader

[sijssjsbssjsnsnnskbskwns]

Coraline (2009) X Reader Idea For You!

A/n: ok so what if the ‘other mother’ wasn’t the only beldam what if there was another beldam and that beldam was…you?..just an idea you could use! On Wattpad or here

• are you more evil than ‘other mother’….Yes

• in your beldam form your taller and scarier than the ‘other mother’s from was

• You have (f/c) (favorite color) buttons for eyes

• This could follow the coraline movie…or not..basically if you wanna make up a summary/story for this you can!

• It will be a enemies to lovers sorta thing probably

• It’s a coraline jones x wybie lovat x beldam!reader

• You can age up the characters if you want!

• You can go the ‘other world’ and coraline and wybie’s world…

• Your a Yandere

• Remember Your more than welcome to use this idea!

[hannaswritingblog]

Headcanon: spending Halloween at Coraline's house 🎃

Fandom: Coraline

Coraline is definitely someone who would enjoy Halloween

Her dark curiosity pulls her towards everything spooky

Even if gets her in trouble, she loves to explore and the creepier it gets, the better

And while she might be more of a loner, she enjoys company of people that share her interests

So once she finds out you love Halloween and spooky things, Coraline invites you to her place to spend the day there

But you have to remember that she's not easily scared too, especially after surviving in The Other World

While she knows how real some horror stories can be, she also knows there are worse things than ghosts haunting your house

(Those ghosts can actually be pretty friendly too)

She might even use that to her advantage as she's telling you stories about the house she lives in and the grounds it resides on

When you listen to Coraline as she shows you around, you can almost feel it she's blurring a line between real and false

And she does it well, selling everything as stuff she believes in, causing you to doubt and question her

"Do you really think all of this is true?"

"Of course, don't you?"

It doesn't clarify much, so you're never entirely sure what stories of her are true and which are made up

And atmosphere of the place you're at adds up to the feeling of uneasiness, making you believe most of what she says

But the charm of Halloween is also about the more cheesy things

That's why you spend a huge chunk of the day decorating Coraline's room with handmade paper bats, ghosts, pumpkins...

With some help from her mom you also bake Halloween-themed cookies

You end up eating them later in the day, once you sit down for a scary movie marathon

Which is the best way to finish the celebration you wish could last forever

[daydreamofrevi]

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗟

► coraline au | albedo x reader (genshin impact)

► synopsis: [name] and their husband had recently moved into a new neighboring residence that was said to be at least five hundred years old. ever since their husband, albedo, has been working himself tirelessly to provide for them. despite his hardworking efforts, he hasn't been paying attention to [name] who was starting to feel a bit lonely. but as soon as they encounter a mysterious door in their new home, the other side was another version of their husband who was willing to finally give [name] the attention they wanted.

► status: COMING SOON

► genres: fantasy, drama, thriller, paranormal, unsettling, fluff, angst, hurt/comfort

► warnings: possessive behavior, yandere themes (kind of?), descriptions of sewing in body parts, mentions of blood and gore, and spoilers for shadows amidst snowstorms 2.3 event

► IMPORTANT NOTE: mostly follows and bases the movie (spoilers) (there is no need to watch the movie to enjoy this miniseries)

...

► THE WINDOWS TO THE SOUL CHAPTERS

─ 1.0: awaiting for you

─ 1.5: before the move in

─ 2.0: stranger danger

─ 2.5: beautiful palace

─ 3.0: on the other side

─ tba

...

► taglist status: open (lmk if you want to be added!)

@kalluto1 @yourdailymemedelivery @lumiqou

[parkvcrs]

Boyfriend! Wybie Lovat Headcanons

(for the sake of this post, the character’s age has been raised to seventeen)!

• First and foremost, how did this awkward and rambling mess ask you out?

- Well… that’s simple: he didn’t do a face-to-face interaction. Instead, Wybie, being a man of few words, decides to pour his heart out in a heartfelt letter to you. He carefully writes down all his feelings, expressing how he's fallen for you and how much you mean to him. He leaves the letter on the doorstep of the Pink Palace, along with your favourite flowers. You then find the letter and read it, finally realizing the depth of Wybie's emotions. When you finally rush to find him, Wybie initially tries to ignore you.

- Spoiler alert: It didn’t go as planned. He totally failed. After you finally confess to feeling the same way, you and Wybie shared a warm embrace where he begins to whisper sweet nothings into your ear, feeling overjoyed that his feelings are reciprocated.

• Who says “I love you” first?

- You. Definitely you.

- Despite you possessing enough courage to actually say these special words, Wybie had to admit that he was pretty upset that he didn’t say it first. You beat him to it! But another part of him couldn’t help but feel overjoyed that you said it first.

- He has very mixed feelings about it. -.- but he can’t stay mad at you! It wasn’t anything to hold a grudge over.

• Who initiated the first kiss?

- Depends on who you ask.

- You and Wybie’s first kiss happened on your third date which was in the garden belonging to the Pink Palace which happened to be a rather romantic picnic. During the middle of it, there was something in the air that caused Wybie to feel compelled to kiss you. Or that’s at least how he describes it happening.

- Despite how much arguing there is about who kissed who, Wybie is happy that you’re his first kiss. <33

• Date ideas?

- Even though Wybie has a naturally frantic outward personality, let’s face it… this man loves horror movies! I mean, have you seen his skeleton gloves?! But… he — for sure — screams like a girl from time to time if a jump scare gets him too good.

• Adventurous Dates: While the Pink Palace may not offer traditional adventures, Wybie is creative when it comes to planning dates. He loves taking you on spontaneous and unique dates, like stargazing on the rooftop of the Pink Palace, exploring hidden spots in their town, or taking you on a midnight picnic in the overgrown garden.

- And, yes, the black cat is more than welcome to come on all these little adventures but only if you’re okay with it!

• Would he be the type of boyfriend to take part in playful banter?

- Of course!

- Your relationship is filled with playful banter and teasing. He enjoys engaging in witty banter and playful teasing, keeping your relationship lighthearted and fun. Wybie's sense of humour and your (somewhat) quick comebacks create a playful dynamic that keeps your relationship light and enjoyable.

- If you just so happen to be shorter than 5’7”/170cm (his height), then you’re just asking for him to poke fun at you but not vocally. He’ll either do things like pat your head, use your shoulder as an armrest, or simply rest his chin on top of your head.

• How does he protect you? Is he supportive?

- If someone was messing with you, he’d try to use some sort of scare tactic to get them to stop. Either that be using a combination of his turret-lensed skull mask, skeleton gloves, black fireman’s coat, and motorbike. Who knows! He is full of surprises. :))

- And of course, he’s a supportive boyfriend! He always ensures that you feel safe and supported, and he's not afraid to stand up for you when needed. He's there to lend a listening ear when you need to talk, offer a shoulder to cry on, or simply your hand to offer comfort.

• Hobbies?

- I feel like Y/n and Wybie would bond over a shared love for the supernatural and mysteries, and often indulge in geeking over it together. The two of you may even spend evenings reading ghost stories by candlelight, researching local legends, or even trying to capture evidence of paranormal activity with their cameras.

- ^ If this type of stuff doesn’t interest you… then you can just be an observer of Wybie’s adorable antics. That way, you’ll have the front row seat for everything.

Final assessment?

• Wybie Lovat is a 100/10 boyfriend!

- He’s aromantic and devoted partner who will try his best to make you feel special, supported, and loved in every possible way.

[kyojuroloveme]

Watching Coraline for the second time today lol

[demonic-charcuterie]

Other father x reader

This world was a dark place when Coraline wasn’t around. No more reason for the other mother to fill it with joy and laughter.

When Coraline was gone you all were expected to sit. And stay until the little girl came to play. You hated lying to the poor children but their souls are what nurtured you and this land. Sand and cotton was all that filled you and yet you knew deep down you knew that you had a soul.

And so did you beloved. The quick touches. The smallest twitch of a lip. The sound of the bed creaking.

The other mother threatened. Threatened so sow your mouths closed and your hands together if she ever got you again. Even more if you did it in front of Coraline! How could she see her dad sneaking looks at her neighbor.

You held your breath and she snuck pass the other mother’s room and silently swore to yourself as the door clicked closed to his study.

“Darling!” The other Charlie whisper-yelled to you as he turned on a lamp. You rushed over you pressed your lips to his. “I had to see you! It’s been almost a week Charlie! Did you take of the…piano?” You nodded your head to the piano. You knew the gloves were snitches. Charlie nodded as he pointed to a pair of scissors on the table.

“Good.” You whispered as he guided to the couch and sat you do.

“Darling you’re shaking.”

“What will happen if she catches us. We’re her servant and not supposed to be are own beings. You saw what she did to Wybie! And with you trying to help Coraline…maybe you should just stop!”

“Stop!? Darling are you joking? I’ll never stop we can’t let this continue. I know you’re scared but you were the one to bring the idea of saving the kids to me. Plus I have more power that you. I’m with her and Coraline all the time. And unlike Wybie I can speak.” He spat. “As long as we’re don’t make it seem like we’re against her we will be fine.” He pressed his hand to his lips and sighed.

You nodded before standing and heading for the doorway. You turned your head. “You remember the code word.”

He nodded “Squish Squash” He whispered.

That was the last time you saw him…

[deathmetalangel]

Hey there!

I saw in your list of characters that you write for Coraline, I haven't seen anyone writing for her, so I'm gonna request something for my beloved girl if that's okay.

Okay, So, What about a lil fic (or One-Shot, you name it) or some Headcanons, about her falling in love for a fem!reader her age living in the pink palace? And so, when she goes to the other world there is an "other" (y/n) who tells her this when they meet "what are ya doing here Coraline?? The other me will be so worried! She'll think you leaved her forever! Just like her other friends did!"

THE OTHER ME (CORALINE X FEM! READER)

warnings: mentions of abandonment, not really anything major

there’s more to the girl coraline learns to love that she initially thought.

i’m so glad you request this!! i love coraline and it is a shame no one writes for her :/ also i hope you don’t mind if i added one small part, reader is mentioned to be immortal or at least never aging, but i added it for good reason. trust me it makes it a lot better then when i wrote this originally

Y/n sits down in the grass waiting for Coraline. She'd grown close with the blue haired girl over the time she had been here. It was hard for her to grow close to anyone after losing so many people, but she had faith in Coraline. The Beldam would be no match for her Coraline. Maybe she'd even set her other self free. It was only a matter of time until the other mother got sick of the doll's disobedience and eventually destroyed her and reused her parts.

Maybe then she wouldn't feel so empty inside. It was like apart of her was missing, and in ways it was. A part of her soul was borrowed by the other mother and was used to entice her friends and kill them, stealing their eyes and making her stronger. As long as that part of her was in the other world she was unable to grow old. She would only be free when that part of her was let go.

Y/n continues to wait for the girl. Where was she? When Coraline makes a promise she sticks to it. Y/n plays with her fingers anxiously, what if something bad happened to her.

Coraline was so excited to see everything in the other world. She hadn't even went to bed. "Oh Coraline! Y/n is here for you! She wants to take you and Wybie to see Mr. Bobinsky's circus! Isn't that fun." The Beldam smiles at her 'daughter'. Coraline was easier to manipulate than anticipating. The Beldam was thankful for those parents of hers.

"Oh y/n's here! Sweet!" The other mother nods and opens the door fully to show the two preteens standing outside. Wybie smiles at Coraline and y/n waves softly. "Oh Wybie"

"Don't worry dear this is other Wybie. You'll find he's a bit less talkative then real Wybie." Coraline sighs but goes with the two anyways. She waves goodbye to her other mother and happily skips off. Y/n stays behind for a few seconds. She looks at the Beldam expectantly.

The Beldam sighs. "Get along now y/n. Face it, you've lost. Maybe after this I'll finally let you grow old and die. A shame you won't see your friends when you're dead." The other y/n lowers her head slightly before the Beldam yells at her to go.

Y/n follows Coraline upstairs. Right when she tries to enter y/n grabs her arm. Wybie stands there knowing what was happening. Even as one of her tools he never really listened to the Beldam. It was like he knew what was her plan as well. "Wha, what's going on y/n. Don't you want to see the circus again?"

"What are you doing here Coraline?" Y/n speaks softly so Bobinsky can't hear from inside and report to the Beldam.

Coraline giggles. "I'm hanging out with you. What do you mean?"

Y/n remains still. The buttons in her eyes doing little to reflect her emotions. "No, Coraline what are you doing here. The other me will miss you if you're gone for too long. She gets scared when she doesn't see you."

"What? What do you mean y/n."

"Please go home Coraline. She'll think you abandoned her like her other friends did. She hates being left forever. I don't think she can handle that again."

Coraline looks to Wybie whose smile has now fallen. He looks around awkwardly before nodding at Coraline. "She loves you, don't do this to her."

Y/n sighs and gets up from the dewey grass. Coraline wasn't coming after all. Maybe it was time she just went home. It was dumb of her to think Coraline was different from her friends. Maybe her love for the girl just made her hope for something that was impossible to avoid.

[s4turnzbarzzz]

Uhh erm uh. Can you write the dad from coraline x reader. Im. Normal about him. Can be sfw or nsfw idrc. i need new meds.,

okay so im not sure which version of the dad you meant so ill give you both!! btw i looked it up and his names charles/charlie so theres a fun fact about him that i didnt know

Charlie Jones x GN reader

(sfw)

requested: yes

tw: none

Charlie Jones (other vers)

Yes he still works on his music most of the time, but he makes sure to cook dinner for you and cleans up afterwards when you get home because he knows your job can be tiring

(not) suprisingly he loves to cuddle and hold hands with you, makes sure you feel loved and cared for

will absolutely run bubble baths for you if thats something you enjoy

you guys definently have weird bug/plant themed nicknames for each other

will 100% write songs for and about you

he loves you so much like omg

probably one of the healthiest relationships ever tbh

he loves if you garden with him

it makes his heart melt if you take care of his plants while hes busy with music or if hes doing stuff around the house

Charlie Jones (reg vers)

he gets pretty busy with writing and it makes his back hurt sometimes (his posture is atrocious) so if you offer to rub his back he will melt in your hands

his cooking isnt the greatest but if you can cook well he will cook with you and try to pick up some stuff

when you guys fall asleep at night he will cuddle up to you and then be out like a light

loves it if you wake him up with kisses

when you guys eat breakfast together(if hes the one who cooked) expect some heart shaped pancakes or smiley face eggs and bacon

he loves to give you hugs, it makes him happy and makes him feel safe and loved

he has designated days that he takes breaks on so just know that you will be cuddling until you have to go do something like work or go to the bathroom

sometimes he falls asleep while writing so if you check on him and hes asleep, save his work and put his glasses on his desk and give him a blanket, it makes him really happy if you save his work for him because he knows that he forgets to sometimes

A/N: sorry if this was short or if it wasnt what you wanted, its late at night where i am so i tried my best lol

[eclipseofthemoonsmood]

Tangled AU's I have written ( Or writing )

I wrote a Corpse Bride AU on Wattpad, its completed, and got #1 in Varian x reader- which i am pretty proud about if i do say so myself- In this AU, the reader is in the place of Victor Van Dort, and Varian is...✨a corpse groom✨ Coraline AU- This one is still ongoing, but it is a VAT7K AU where Varian is 16 and in the place of Coraline Jones, and Hugo is in the place of Wybie, and Other Mother is Ulla. Hunger Games AU- a 3 part Oneshot series that is completed, it is in my oneshot book on my profile. Rapunzel is in the place of Katniss Everdeen, and Varian- well- you'll just have to see! *grins evilly* So um yeah! I would love it if someone would check any of those out, and vote, because it really helps my motivation to write these! https://www.wattpad.com/user/DisneyReferenceQueen

[ravenboysandcrows]

welcome to my blog!

"What about the nobodies and the nothings, the invisible girls? We learn to hold our heads as if we wear crowns. We learn to wring magic from the ordinary. That was how you survived when you weren't chosen, when there was no royal blood in your veins. When the world owed you nothing, you demanded something of it anyway." - Inej Ghafa, Crooked Kingdom

Hello! Welcome to my goofy little blog. I’m Maya, I’m 15, and I’m a really delusional hopeless romantic and dreamer. This is just a random little thing I decided to start. I will mainly be reblogging things and occasionally I might add a headcanon or little rambling/thought I have. As my bio says, I am obsessed with fictional bird boys, so the Raven Boys from the Raven Cycle and the Crows from Six of Crows.

some basic info about me: white/caucasian, she/they, fifteen, lesbian, infp, scorpio, ravenclaw, sweet tea addict, cat lover, huge reader, introvert, english and history lover, autumn stan, apple music > spotify, folklore and evermore girlie, kinda mentally unstable (😅), perfectionist, suffers from a lot of burn out

Hobbies: reading, listening to music, writing fanfiction, watching anime, napping, baking, hiking, deep intellectual conversations and debates, playlist-making, procrastinating, overthinking everything at 3 a.m.

Artists: Phoebe Bridgers (probably my favorite), Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus, boygenius, Mitski, beabadoobee, Taylor Swift, Cavetown, Lizzy McAlpine, Searows, Bon Iver, Iron & Wine, Jason Isbell, Elliott Smith, Death Cab for Cutie, Bright Eyes, the Lumineers

Books: Six of Crows duology, the Raven Cycle, King of Scars duology, Lonely Castle in the Mirror, the Secret History, Normal People, Conversations with Friends, Legends and Lattes, the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, Into the Wild, Slaughterhouse Five

TV Shows + Movies: Coraline, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Spy x Family, Skip and Loafer, Fruits Basket, A Silent Voice, Gintama, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Haibane Renmei, Natsume’s Book of Friends, basically any Studio Ghibli movie, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Wolfwalkers, the Breadwinner, Juno, the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, Shadow and Bone, Lockwood and Co.

Characters: Wylan Van Eck, Inej Ghafa, Nina Zenik, Jesper Fahey, Ronan Lynch, Adam Parrish, Blue Sargent, Noah Czerny, Francis Abernathy, Connell Waldron, Coraline Jones, Alphonse Elric, Yuki Sohma, Saki Hanajima, Shoya Ishida, Kagura Yato, Natsume Takashi, Ash Fox (not a furry I promise 😭)

Thank you for visiting my blog! Feel free to ask or message me anytime!

[coraline-jones353]

Coraline Jones Headquarters 🐈‍⬛

Hey, Welcome to my blog! I just go by Coraline on here.

Requests

Henry Danger Master list

Henry Hart

Your ink adorns my skin Henry x reader soulmate au

Summary: In which the reader is an inspiring tattoo artist and draws on themselves for practice when bored in class. One day Henry has to switch classes mid period and sees them drawing exactly what is appearing on his skin, his favorite animal.

The Hottest guy on the team Henry x teammates sister!reader

Summary: What happens when Henry sees a competor flirting with his y/n. Will he finally admit his burning crush for his teammates sister or will he let her get flirted with right in front of him.

Wall dogs world Henry x walldog!reader

Summary: In which Kid Danger finds his soulmate in a rough wall dog. Will she give up her status on the team for her soulmate or will her soulmate force her away from him in an attempt to keep his identity hidden.

The true parents Ray x reader

Summary: At Henry's graduation party Y/n, his god mom comes to his party from out of town. Henry comes in late to his party and ofc his parents aren't worried, but Ray and Y/n are. Henry seizes the moment to get his actual parents off his back and to make them both happy, together.

Campsite Love Part 1 Henry x Reader

Summary: On a family trip to a campsite, you romanticize having a campsite love story. But this time it ends up coming true.

A Ceo's World Ray x CEO!Reader

Summary: Y/n is a single mother of a lovely young lady, melody. She's a big CEO in Swellview. She needs a particular object that can only be found at Junk n stuff for her daughters 10th birthday, or so she thought.

In the works...

Was it all a joke to you Henry x Mitch's sister!reader

Tournament Henry x Reader

My life with the Walter Brothers Masterlist

Alex Walter

2 part series: I'd love to dance with you (named reader)

Summary: After Jackie moved in with the Walters she really missed her best friend Evangeline. After hearing from Katherine that Jackie is having a hard time adjusting she thinks it's a good idea to pay her best friend a visit.

Part 1

Part 2

Cobra Kai Masterlist

Tory Nichols

The First Confession Tory x reader

Summary: Tory and Y/n have been dating for a year now. Y/n decided to invite Tory over to their house for a sleepover.

In the works...

Just get rid of him Tory x f!reader

My Body Guard at School Tory x f!reader

My Body Guard at a Concert Tory x f!reader

[bumblesimagines]

Imagine:

Being Coraline's neighbor

Request: Yes or No

Coraline looked over the last letter, knocking on the door next to April and Miriam.

"Hello? Our mail got mixed-" A young boy, maybe a year or two older than her, opened the door. She handed him the letter, glancing at the name.

"You're (Y/N)?" He nodded, tossing the letter to the side.

"I'm Coraline. Coraline Jones." She stuck out her hand. (Y/N) shook it, taking off his earbuds.

"Have any mice problems?" He asked. Coraline cocked a brow.

"Uh.." She thought back onto the night before with her Other Mother.

"Not really, no." Coraline shook her head. (Y/N) hummed.

"See you around, Coraline." Finally, someone got her name right on the first time. Plus it was a cute guy.

Coraline burped, patting her stomach afterward. She heard a meow and turned her head seeing (Y/N) and the cat. First thing she noticed was that he didn't have buttons for eyes.

"How come the other (Y/N) doesn't have buttons?" She tilted her head.

"Other (Y/N)?" He chuckled, petting the cat.

"We're not the other anything." The cat replied, shocking Coraline.

"If you're the same cat, how can you talk?"

"I just can."

"Cats don't normally talk, right?" Coraline glanced at (Y/N) as they followed the cat. (Y/N) shrugged, sitting on the log.

"You're clearly the expert. Afterall, I'm just a big fat wuss puss!" The cat said, glaring.

"You called him a wuss puss?" (Y/N) chuckled, shaking his head. Coraline rubbed her arm.

"I'm sorry I called you that, I really am." She apologized.

"How'd you two get here?" She asked. (Y/N) glanced at the cat.

"I've been coming here for a while."

"Same way you did." They replied in unison.

"It's a dangerous game." (Y/N) said, crossing his arms.

"She hates cats." The cat said, ducking into a hole and his head appeared somewhere else. Coraline watched in awe.

"The other mother hates cats?"

"She hates a lot of things."

"But she's so nice!" Coraline stared at (Y/N). He shook his head in return.

"You'll learn soon enough, Cora. Be careful." (Y/N) twirled a strand of her hair around his finger. He climbed onto the fallen tree, disappearing behind a branch. Coraline's eyes widen.

"Not everything is what it seems, girl." The cat said. She frowned, eyes flickering over to the apartment letters. Aprt A, B, and C. No D.

[running-with-kn1ves]

I loved your yandere! Male Beldam X Reader

Could you do Belsire again, but fluff this time? I love monsters, and I think they deserve some love too ✨

Wow! Everybody really liked male beldam-- super happy that he was enjoyed! and you're right anon, monsters deserve wholesomeness too >:) The og can be found here!

TW: Threats, possessive/ unhealthy behaviors, abuse 

Male! Beldam X GN! Reader

He demanded your utmost silence and stillness, watching you thread the needle in and out. You were no world class seamster, but weaving thread through a few holes wasn’t as hard as it looked. Well, it was easier when you weren’t sitting uncomfortably on someone’s lap, feeling and hearing their every move. 

The belsire for an unknown reason required your presence at the moment; you didn’t dare talk back, instead moving to the kitchen table with him, bringing your work with you. Being in the middle of sewing up a hole in his coat, you focused intently on stitching before he lifted you-- situating you onto his lap. Despite the sunken in and boney form he was left with, the belsire was indubitably strong. His fingers curled around your soft skin, digging into it to pull you slightly up. His thighs shifted sharply underneath. propping up your back against his chest, you felt surreal being in such a close position with your captor. 

A faint scent of bergamot and chamomile filled your nose. The belsires chest expanded against you as his breath hit your ear, making your hands shake. It was strange, he felt almost human like this. Often your close proximity to him was more demon-like: the cold of each finger and sunken in skin terrifying his victims to the core.

Outside, loud rushes of rain poured on and off. At the moment it’s weak thump against the roof was calming, letting you grow sleepy to the low candlelight and rhythmical in and out of your needle. Though the clearing of the belsire’s throat brought you out of that trance, making you straighten. The tips of each shoulder touched his own as you fixed your posture, making you seem more presentable. 

The creature’s hands methodically smoothened the grip of your waist, rubbing the tips of his fingers against your skin, underneath your shirt. At first you panicked, fearing he would move lower. But instead, his cold hands stayed there, drawing small circles onto the flesh. 

You were thankful he was in a good mood today; your lack of the specified clothing he had prepared would usually draw into a punishment. The belsire’s lack of harsh judgement or insulting glares almost brought genuine relief-- till he gripped harder. 

Your waist had become a malleable stress ball, the pale, tall creature’s thumbs pressing into the back of your flesh. His breath came closer, and suddenly the smell of bergamot did too. 

You felt yourself shake, bare feet growing cold. You tapped each toe against the ground lightly to keep from showing how afraid you were; playing it off as if it was a rhythmic habit. 

“Keep still. You missed a spot.” The belsire said monotonously, pointing to a gap between the thread and fabric. His jagged nail threatened to pull a few stitches out. 

You whispered the word “oh,” barely able to hide your surprise and distress. The belsire stared at your fingers, scrutinizing the way your hands quivered sewing the hole he pointed out.

Stop your incessant trembling, it’s insulting.” 

You ceased moving your feet immediately, forcing the shaking to stop. But your hands sung a different tune, continuing to move out of fear. Removing his hands from your waist, the belsire brought his long fingers against your arms, making goosebumps rise. His nimble hands covered your own, stopping your weaving with the needle. You had only a few more stitches left before finishing, it irked you but gave more unease to see him stop your work.

 There it was, his breath against your ear again. The waft of black tea and herbs you smelled every time he got near was breathtaking-- and not in a good way. 

The belsire’s fingers twitched against yours, their extreme whiteness contrasting against the fabric and your own skin tone. 

One of his hands lifted to grip your chin. The change of pressure on your knuckles and chin made you realize he was deciding whether to be firm or tender. The needle hidden beneath a mess of fingers began to poke your thumb, the pain being a small reminder that this was in fact real, and not the dream you wished it was.

His face was sunken, but not as much as it used to be. Looking at the belsire now-- he just appeared tired. Worn and sick. 

You did what you always promised you wouldn’t: you stared back at him. Instead of lowering your gaze, you made eye contact, conveying no specific emotion. 

He did the same, gazing with a bit of bored intrigue through those hollow buttons. You gave him a small, sad smile. 

You hoped he did not mistake your look for happiness; you would trade anything to leave this hellhole of a fake reality. But a part of you did feel bad. Despite it all, his grieving, almost desolate look pulled at your own emotions. 

The belsire’s face hardened, forcing your head to turn further back to stare at him. He inched closer, sharp features becoming even more terrifying as the candlelight shifted. 

“Don’t ever look at me like that,” He spat, gripping your chin harder. The freeze of his fingers dug into you, causing shivers to rise.  “Don’t you ever give me that pitied look. Do you know where you are?” 

Your body began to tremble again, dropping the needle. The belsires fingers hardened, causing your fingers to curl into a fist. His hand on your chin gripped your lower cheeks.

You continued to stare at him as he glared, his anger rising; leading no doubt to another punishment. Before he could get up and drag you to the basement again you turned and removed your hands from the belsires. Holding his face with gentleness, you did it as if not to scare or threaten him. Even though the belsires face appeared jagged and angular, it was soft and hard in the normal places like a human, truly furthering the uncanny valley he already portrayed.

Leaning in, you gave the gentlest of pecks on his cheek, not daring to go any farther.

“Calm down,” You said with risk, fully knowing the possible threat. “I didn’t look at you with pity. I understand.”

Giving him another sad smile, you stared into the empty void of buttons for eyes. The belsire stiffened, his bony hand coming up to grip your own on his cheek.

“How can a disgusting being like you understand me?”

Rhetorical and quiet, his tone was in complete contrast with the words spoken. Instead of pulling away or hurting you, he softened. The belsire moved in towards you, not even taking a glance at your lips before pressing his own on yours. They were cold and hard, but made you want to teach him gentleness. Your warm skin against his was comforting, and made you feel more secure despite the lingering threat of his mood shifting.

The belsire pushed lightly against you at first, still trying to understand how to convey the affection. You held him more firmly, moving your hands to caress his ears and hair. Small and short pecks were all you both could give, the hesitation still bubbling inside you and uncertainty in him.

Your heart pounded against your chest, but this time it wasn’t due to fear. 

[alexsfictionaddiction]

Spookiest Middle-Grade Books For Halloween

There’s something very special about books that set you up for a cosy ride and then take a dark turn. I find that most middle-grade horror and supernatural books do this and the clever offsetting of places that should be so familiar -schools, family homes and small suburban towns- can be so unsettling. Whether it’s encounters with spirits, investigating grisly mysteries or fighting monsters, spooky middle-grade books are the ideal whimsical companion to a night in front of the fire. Enjoy my selection! -Love, Alex x

1. Coraline by Neil Gaiman

When Coraline moves into a new house with her parents, it’s not long before she discovers a door to a world that perfectly mirrors the one she came from, only things look ever so slightly... different. This incredibly creepy macabre and wonderfully written story is an October staple for me and it’s the perfect introduction to dark fantasy for children. The film is one of my favourites of all time, so be sure to watch that after you’ve read it! 

2. The House With A Clock In Its Walls by John Bellairs

When orphan Lewis goes to stay with his uncle Jonathan, he has no idea that he’s about to discover that both Jonathan and his neighbour Mrs Zimmermann are magic wielders. Through a string of unfortunate experiments, Lewis ends up unleashing the angry spirit of the evil previous owner of the house who is hell-bent on destroying the human race. This whimsical book was published in the 1970s but it still holds up as strong, dark, magical tomfoolery with a just-scary-enough Gothic vibe, which is perfect for young spooksters.

3. City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab

Cassidy’s parents have a ghosthunting TV show but it’s Cass who can really see ghosts, including her best friend Jacob who happens to be one. When her parents’ TV show takes them to the haunted streets of Edinburgh, Cass comes face to face with a less than pleasant mission and a deadly threat. Coated in a mist that dawdles on every page, Schwab’s middle-grade novel is a fantastic ghost adventure story, full of darkness and friendship.

4. Small Spaces by Katherine Arden

When the bus breaks down on the way back from a school trip to an old farm, the driver warns the kids that they’d better run. Only Ollie and two of her friends heed his warning and enter the dark woods, flanked by scarecrows...  It has a wonderfully disturbing, folksy, rural vibe and Arden is a master at conjuring an ominous unseen presence. If you weren’t afraid of scarecrows before reading this book, you will be after!

5. The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

Fearless Corinne finds herself following a suspected jumbie into the forest and the next day, she spots a strange woman in town. When this strange woman begins to get close to her father, Corinne learns an ancient magic to try to stop the jumbies from taking over the island. Drawing on Haitian folklore, this is a wonderfully unique tale of threat and magic that thoroughly transports its readers.

6. Crater Lake by Jennifer Killick

When a Year Six class turn up to a deserted Crater Lake activity camp, the extra-terrestrial horrors are only just about to begin and no one is getting any sleep. There is a lot of humour in this book, which juxtaposes the bizarre, horrific events that are happening and it makes for the perfect light-hearted, sci-fi horror story. Indulge in a quick fix of alien madness alongside a fantastic band of characters.

7. The Hungry Ghost by H. S. Norup

When Danish-born Freja arrives in Singapore to spend the summer with her father and stepmother, she is just in time for The Hungry Ghost festival, the time of year where spirits can roam amongst the living. Suddenly, she is seeing and spending time with a mysterious ghost girl who seems to have a connection to her family. Set against a stunning backdrop, this is a beautiful new novel, full of mythology and Asian culture as well as a compelling story and fantastic characterisations.

8. The Creakers by Tom Fletcher

When Lucy wakes up one morning and all of the adults in her town have vanished, she’s a little confused to say the least. All the kids are causing chaos but Lucy just wants to find out what really happened. The Creakers have other ideas though... Full of imagination and intrigue, this is a mystery novel like no other. The Creakers serve just the right amount of creep to unsettle you and it’s dotted with smile-inducing moments. It’s the ideal Halloween read for the younger end of middle-graders.

9. The Haunting of Aveline Jones by Phil Hickes

When ghost story lover Aveline spends some time at her aunt’s house in a small coastal town, she uncovers the key to a long-buried mystery. A tale of friendship, tragedy and spook ensues. Hickes is great at developing a brooding, unfeeling atmosphere and this haunts every page of his book. I did cry at several parts  because it is such a beautiful, chilling read. Wrap up warm for this one!

10. The Ghost of Gosswater by Lucy Strange

When Lady Agatha is thrown out of her family home, she has to make a new life for herself in a small cottage while dealing with the fact that a stranger may be her real father. But a ghost girl is haunting the local lake and she could hold the answers as to who Agatha really is. Set in 1899, this Gothic ghost story is thoroughly compelling, incredibly eerie and expertly written in an almost poetic fashion. A fantastic reading choice for a Halloween night!

[medialists]

Mamma Mia

Atomic Blonde 

Filth 

Regression 

Colonia 

El círculo 

Beauty and the Beast 

Trance 

Victor Frankenstein 

Atonement 

Starter for 10 

Becoming Jane 

The Conspirator

The Last King of Scotland 

X-Men.

Glass 

The Last Station 

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind 

Big Fish 

La desaparición de Eleanor Rigby 

Submergence 

Thor 

The Avengers 

Intensamente 

Las ventajas de ser invisible 

IT. 

Inception 

Harry Potter.

At eternity's gate 

Catch me if you can 

Her 

Pulp Fiction 

Xavier Dolan 

Memorias de una Geisha 

Ready player one 

Battle angel 

Taxi Driver 

El doble 

Shutter island 

Cube 

My week with Marilyn 

Noé 

Ballet shoes 

El diablo viste a la moda 

Cazafantasmas 

Les miserables 

Lady Bird 

The Truman Show 

Irene, yo y mi otro yo 

Call me by your name 

The Favorite 

La la land 

La chica del tren 

Jolene 

Winter's war 

Tomb Raider 

Ex machina 

El código Da Vinci 

Ángeles y demonios 

Mean Girls 

Mulan 

Coraline 

Mujer Bonita 

E.T. 

Crimson Peak. 

Extraordinario. 

Las de Marvel que faltan 

The Room 

A quiet place 

Blade Runner 

Animales Nocturnos 

Animales Fantásticos  

La Propuesta 

A star is born 

Begin again 

Anon. 

From Russia with Love

Goldfinger

Thunderball

You Only Live Twice

On Her Majesty's Secret Service

Diamonds Are Forever

The Man with the Golden Gun

For Your Eyes Only

Octopussy

Never Say Never Again

A View to a Kill

The Living Daylights

GoldenEye

Tomorrow Never Dies

The World is not Enough

Die Other Day

Casino Royale

Quantum of Solace

Dawn of the Dead

Blade II

RED

The Dark Knight Rises

Kick-Ass 2

Die Hard

Scarface

From Dusk till Dawn

Face/Off

No Escape

Impostor

Death Race 2

Jobs

Les Quatre Cents Coups

The Wolf of Wall Street

The Murder of Princess Diana

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Fight Club

My Sister's Keeper

Ida

Loreak

Sowon

Gran Torino

All About Eve

The Nun's Story

The Sunset Limited

A Clockwork Orange

Kingsman.

Batman: Under the Red Hood

Lords of Dogtown

Unbroken

Ip Man

Million Dollar Baby

Concussion

The Great Gatsby

Lilting

Birdman

The Theory of Everything

War and Peace

Collateral Beauty

The Children's Hours

Moulin Rouge!

Dolls

The Bridges of Madison County

As Good as It Gets

Me Before You

Before Sunrise

Before Midnight

Carol

The Reader

Like Crazy

New York, I Love You

Anna Karenina

Pride & Prejudice

Bridget Jones's Diary

How to Marry a Millionaire

Bus Stop

The Prince and the Showgirl

Ladies of the Chorus

Roman Holiday

Prendimi l'Anima

The Young Victoria

Sabrina

Ed Wood

My Life Without Me

A Woman of Paris

Metropolis

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Fantasia 2000

Punisher: War Zone

Robin and Marian

The Unforgiven

Green Mansions

Live and Let Die

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

To the Bone

T2 Trainspotting

La Grande Bellezza

Men, Women & Children

Lost in Translation

Ghost World

Before Sunset

Evil Dead

Army of Darkness

After Earth

Hulk

Get Smart

Raiders of the Lost Ark

The Dark Crystal

Labyrinth

300

Mononoke Hime

Edge of Tomorrow

Death Race 2050

L'Écume des Jours

Paris When It Sizzles

The Seven Year Itch

Down with Love

Monkey Business

Dead Alive

Monty Python's Life of Brian

Vertigo

They All Laughed

Love Among Thieves

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Let's Make Love

Funny Face

On the Town

The Sky's the Limit

A Damsel in Distress

Shall We Dance

There's No Business Like Show Business

It's Always Fair Weather

My Fair Lady

Don't Bother to Knock

Monte Carlo Baby

Las Dos Caras de la Verdad

Ciudad en Tinieblas

El Bebé de Rose Mary

The Chuck Net Atrapado Sin Salida

El Experimento

Holy Motors

Mindscape

Twin Peaks Fire Walk With Me

Antichrist

Bottom of the Worlds

High Rise

Southland Tales

Magnolia

Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy

Inherent Vice

The Lobster

The Number 23

They Look Like People

Upstream Color

Twelve Monkeys

Minority Report

Los Cromocrímenes

Predestination

About time

Blue Velvet

Pi: Faith in Chaos

The Box

Identity

The Life of David Gale

The Gift

Lovesong

Miss Sloane

The Meyerowitz Stories

The Big Sick

Efectos Secundarios

The Notebook

The Odd Life of Timothy Green

The Little Mermaid

Manchester By the Sea

Silence

Moonlight

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

Snowpiercer

Star Trek Beyond

Moonrise Kingdom

No Country for Old Men

The Exorcist

The Darjeeling Limited

House of Sand and Fog

Napoleon Dynamite

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

Armores Perros

La Dictadura Perfecta

Frida

El Crimen del Padre Amado

El Estudiante

Cilantro y Perejil

Perfume de Violetas

Arráncame la Vida

Como Agua para Chocolate

Solo Con tu Pareja

El Callejón de los Milagros

Rojo Amanecer

La Ley de Herodes

Un Monstruo de Mil Cabezas

Las Horas Contigo

Maquinaria Paramericana

Ella es Ramona

El Jeremias

Sopladora de Hojas

Los Insólitos Peces Gatos

Guten Tag, Ramon

El Infierno

Mientras el Lobo No Está

Sexo, Pudor y Lágrimas

Miss Bala

Cronos

Después de Lucía

Qué Culpa Tiene el Niño

Nosotros los Nobles

La Jaula de Oro

Y tu Mamá También

Canoa

Amar te Duele

Toki Wo Kakeru Shoujo

Transformers

Harry Potter

Old Yeller

Legally Blonde

Miller's Crossing

Faustrecht der Freiheit

It's Called Murder, Baby

Heathers

The Love Witch

Southside With You

Pink Flamingos

Hr's Just Not That Into You

Windstruck

What's Your Number?

There's Something About Mary

When Harry Met Sally

Forgettin Sarah Marshall

Say Anything

Pretty Woman

Not Another Teen Movie

Kate & Leopold

Sleepless in Seattle

Pretty in Pink

Serendipity

Four Weddings And A Funeral

50 First Dates

Bridget Jones' Diary

Something's Gotta Give

Pánico Antes del Amanecer

Cumpleaños Mortal

Viernes 13

La Quema

The Slumber Party Massacre

Campamento Sangriento

Curtains

Siete Mujeres Atrapadas

The House On Sorority Row

Detrás de la Máscara

April Fool's Day

Lovecraft

Bubba Ho-Tep

Thor Ragnarok

Lo Que Hacemos en las Sombras

Zombies Party

La Noche de los Muertos Vivientes

El Regreso de los Muertos Vivientes

Army of Darkness

Pasion Infernal

Terroríficamente muertos

El Baile de los Vampiros

Braindead

Creepshow

El Jovencito Frankeinstein

Gremlins

Un Hombre Lobo Americano en Londres

The Edge Of Seventeen

Murder of Cats

The Book of Love

Atomic Falafel

Buddies

Tiempos felices

Illegal

Nise: El Corazón de la Locura

Kill Command

The Blind Side

The Fundamentals of Caring

The Danish Girl

Miss You Already

Fantastic Beasts the Crimes of Grindelwald

Side Effects

Requiem for a Dream

Constantine

The Island

The Box

The Tall Man

Oblivion

Gods of Egypt

Twilight Zone

Dusk Dawn

Jeepers Creepers

The Descent

30 Days of Night

The Midnight Meat Train

VHS

Minority Report

Terminator

Avatar

Midnight Sun

The Book of Henry

Lady Bird

Truth or Dare

Adrift

Stronger

Every Day

A Nightmire on Elm Street

REC

Monsters

American Mary

Found

The Witches

Let Me In

Let the Right One In

Oculus

Insidious 4: The Last Key

Trainspotting

Night of the Living Dead

Life of Brian

Drive

Snatch

Blade Runner

Scarface

Lord of the Rings

Ben - Hur

Cantinflas

Tin tan

Pedro Infante

Gone With the Wind

Indiana Jones

Salon Kitty

The Wild Bunch

Harold and Maude

The Warriors

The Long Goodbye

Deep End

Coonskin

The Bestia in Calore

La Cage aux Folles

Badlands

The Brood

1941

Eraserhead

Labyrinth

Legend

The Sound of Music

Repo! The Genetic Opera

Enemy Mine

Cannibal Holocaust

The Evil Dead

Lola Montes

King Kong

Rock and Roll High School

Blood In Blood Out

Easy Rider

Heavy Metal

Pink Floyd The Wall

Wicker Park

Lars and the Real Girl

The Cable Guy

Sophie's Choice

Brokeback Mountain

A Wrinkle in Time

Scream

Presagio

Señales

Titanes del pacífico

Clint Eastwood

Dirty Harry

Chappie

The Greatest Showman

Safe Heaven

Across the Universe

Thirteen

Perfect Sense

A Life Less Ordinary

Shallow Grave

No Reservations

The Holiday

Ali G in da House

The Reader

The Dressmaker

Brigsby Bear

Cast Away

Romeo + Juliet

What's Eating Gilberte Grape?

Body of Lies

Little Nemo Adventures in Slumberland

Apt Pupil

Stand by Me

Shawshank Redemption

Excalibur

Hearts Beat Loud

Velvet Buzzsaw

Nightcrawler

Chungking Express

Twin Peaks

Throne of Blood

Harakiri

2046

Tokyo Story

F for Fake

Allegrophobia

Lost in Translation

Hereditary

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me

Rear Window

West Side Story

Manhattan

David Lynch Cooking Quinoa

Ikiru

Midnight Cowboy

Bonnie and Clyde

The Straight Story

Annie Hall

The Great Dictator

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

M

Y tu Mamá También

Paddington

Paddington 2

Birdman

Autumn Sonata

To Kill a Mockingbird

Barry Lyndon

It's a Wonderful Life

The Wrestler

The Florida Project

Rashomon

It's Such a Beautiful Day

Paths of Glory

Kung Fury

Boogie Nights

Gone with the Wind

The Prestige

Shaun of the Dead

The World's End

In the Mood for Love

Handmaiden

Intolerance

El Bola

Celda 211

El Olivo

Las 13 Rosas

Blue Valentine

Closer

Like Crazy

(500) Days of Summer

Le Mépris

Match Point

Ruby Sparks

Once

Revolutionary Road

Happy Together

Sleepy Hollow

Vampyr

Black Sunday

The Hunger

The Haunting

Rebecca

Crimson Peak

The Crow

Pan's Labyrinth

Bram Stoker's Dracula

Drácula

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

A Cure for Wellness

Horror of Dracula

The Bride

La Novia

Flavors of Youth

Dead Poet's Society

Mary and Max

Dear Zachary: a Letter to a Son about His Father

Big Fish & Begonia

20th Century Women

The Villainess

Touch of Evil

Christine

Zero Dark Thirty

The Stranger

Hannibal

El Autor

Short Term 12

Grave of the Fireflies

Cinema Paradiso

My Girl

A Ghost Story

Hasta el viento tiene miedo

El libro de piedra

Veneno para hadas

Pearl Harbor

Infierno azul

Guerra de Novias

El Bar Coyote

Needful Things

Sense & Sensibility

El Diario de Carlota

Batman vs Superman

Black Panther

Dredd

Scream

Valentine

Camino hacia el terror

Sé lo que hicieron el verano pasado

Joy Ride

Jeepers Creepers

La reunión del diablo

Viernes 13

Another Earth

A Quiet Place

Mississippi en llamas

The breakfast club

The revenant

birdman

sing street *

frida

roma

catch me if you can

dead poets society

the age of adaline

changeling

brooklyn

good will hunting

artificial intelligence

paranoia

to the bone

the danish girl

90 minutes in heaven

while you were sleeping

james and the giant peach

Crimson peak

pretty woman

summer days with coo

the breadwinner

summer wars

the gift

cargo

julie & julia

spirit

8 mile

raw

okja

schindler's list

blue valentine

the hateful eight

the untouchables

old boy

ghost in the shell

sophie's choice

ip man 2

frances ha

the tree of life

amanda knox

hail, caesar!

Janis: little girl blue

my beautiful broken brain

noah

the badadook

origin: spirits of the past

project almanac

the thing

bird box

death note

death note ii

1922

death note: light up the new world

pandora

american gangster

the nightmare

pasión por las letras

le dîner de cons

la grande vadrouille

la traversée de paris

le fabuleux destin d'Amelie Poulain

El secreto de Adeline

La boda de mi mejor amigo

Loco por ella

Quédate a mi lado

The mexican

A él no le gustas tanto

El regalo

Lo imposible

Con derecho a roce

Mi segunda vez

Canta!

El examen

El número 23

The game

Clown house

Km3!

Macario

Once upon a time in Mexico

Wes Creaven's New Nightmare

Don't look now

Eyes without a face

Como si fuera la primera vez

El diario de Biridget Jones

500 días con ella

Juno

El descanso

Virgen a los 40

Eterno resplandor de una mente sin recuerdos

Realmente amor

Ligeramente embarazada

¿Cómo sobrevivir a un ex?

Mensajero del futuro

El imperio del fuego

El libro de Emo

Oblivion: el tiempo del olvido

La última esperanza

Escape de NY

El expresó del miedo

Soy leyenda

El último camino

Cuando el destino nos alcance

Sunset boulevard

North by northwest

The artist

The good the bad and the ugly

Highlander

Hair

The Maltese falcon

The road

Independence day

Armageddon

28 dias después

Hijos de los hombres

La guerra de los mundos

Stake land

Take shelter

Snowpiercer

2012

Supersalidos

American Pie

Rumores y mentiras

Todo en un día

Chicas malas

El club de los cinco

El exorcista

El descenso

The babadook

La matanza de Texas

La cosa

Martyrs

Rec 2

El conjuro 2

Pulse

Evil dead

Voice from the stone

Clinical

Dig two graves

Kidnap

Black butterfly

Grey Lady

Dans la maison

Memories of a murder

Incendies

The prestige

Gone baby gone

El secreto de sus ojos

Mystic River

[aion-rsa]

INTERVIEW: P. Craig Russell Brings Neil Gaiman’s American Gods to Comic Books

P. Craig Russell and Neil Gaiman have a shared history of making fantasy. Their working relationship dates back to “Sandman” #24 (where Russell inked Kelley Jones) and includes the legendary 50th issue of “Sandman,” “Endless Nights,” “Dream Hunters,” and many adaptations of Gaiman’s prose stories, including “Coraline” and “The Graveyard Book.” Russell’s lyrical layouts bring Gaiman’s visual, vivid prose to life like no other artist.

Russell and Gaiman are working together again, this time to bring the Hugo and Nebula-winning novel “American Gods” to the comic book medium. This time, Russell handles scripting and layouts, while artist Scott Hampton (whose own history with Gaiman goes back to “The Books of Magic”) provides the heavy-lifting illustration.

RELATED: “American Gods”: Meet Neil Gaiman’s Deities Before You Watch Them on TV

This March, “American Gods: Shadows” #1 from Dark Horse Comics starts Russell and Hampton’s journey in Gaiman’s world. Russell carved out some time from a very busy schedule to answer some questions for CBR News, on what impact the upcoming “American Gods” television series (debuting in April on Starz) had on the adaptation, Russell’s thoughts on making the unspeakable speakable, and which sequence he wanted to take a crack at drawing himself.

CBR: You’ve worked on several Gaiman adaptations. What drew you to “American Gods” this time? Did the upcoming TV series play into the decision at all?

P. Craig Russell: I’ve been working with Neil for 25 years and my attraction to that partnership has always been the quality of his writing. The unique challenge of “American Gods” was the sheer size and scope of the project. 598 pages of script and layout is a major piece of work. I know that a TV series will bring a whole other dimension of attention to the project, but it had no bearing on my decision to be a part of it. Just being Neil’s novel was enough. Also, I can’t even look at the TV series until I finish my adaptation. I can’t risk the cross-pollination. It was the same situation when I did “Coraline” and there was a competing animated film in progress at the same time. I do look forward to binge watching it once I’m finished.

Do you have a favorite character to bring to life in comics?

The three Eastern (or were they Central?) European “Yaya” sisters were great fun to work with.

“American Gods: Shadows” #1 variant cover by David Mack.

Were there any new or unexpected challenges this time around?

The first story arc of nine issues comprises about 200 pages of Neil’s novel, which means there is approximately one page of prose to one page of graphic novel, and Neil can get a lot into one page. So there is a lot of serious paring down, more than will be in the next two story arcs. There are times when whole scenes are pared down into two or three wordless panels. If done right the reader should have no sense that anything is missing.

One of the wrinkles to adapting prose is how much of the internal narration to keep — Neil’s a very visual writer and his prose very distinct and conversational. Is ever it tricky to find the balance in how much to show versus how much to tell?

My first impulse is to put in as much as I can and I do. But then I let that simmer on its own for a while and come back to it fresh. That’s when it becomes obvious, looking at it on the art page as separate from the novel, what more can be pared down. It is tricky to find that balance. Sometimes a scene can be done entirely with pictures and no prose at all. Other times you can do that and it works as a story but curiously feels as if you’re watching TV with the sound turned off. That’s when you go back and add in the writing. It’s very subjective but with experience you get a feel for what works.

How much of the language comes directly from the text? And obviously you’ve established a level of trust in your handling of his stories, but how involved is Neil with a project like this?

The language comes directly from the text, at least that which survives the paring down. Descriptive prose is usually the first to go because the picture of a location is doing that already. Where I might have to do some original writing is where a scene has been condensed to the point where existing prose no longer flows seamlessly. My contribution there to Neil’s voice is pretty much limited to two or three word sentences, just enough to sew up the seams.

Neil’s involvement is that he gets back to me whenever I have a question on the text or where I need to know if my trimming an event isn’t going to impact the story later on. I should know these things but it’s hard to keep all the events of a 500+ page novel in your head. The author is better at that than I am.

“American Gods: Shadows” #1 variant cover by Dave McKean

Although you gain a very powerful visual impact by putting a story like this in comics, you’re also surrendering some visual mystery. I think, for example, of Silas in “The Graveyard Book,” who is never explicitly said to be a vampire but is clearly drawn as one. Here, that visual reveal is not as apparent, but the various deities have physical traits that are more apparent illustrated than in prose. Did you have any concerns about character designs or visuals giving away some of the mystique?

It’s true that an author can evoke an image in the reader’s mind that may be spookier or lovelier or more transcendent than reality. When you attempt to draw the ‘unspeakable’ in the Lovecraftian sense you’ve made it ‘speakable’. Nevertheless, we try. In “The Graveyard Book,” Neil described the unseen Sleer in the pitch black pit as the sound of dry rustling leaves. First off, we can’t draw it as pitch black or we’d have nothing but pages of solid black panels, as tempting as that might be to an overworked artist. So we work with the colorist to come up with a color palette that evokes darkness while still showing our characters. With the Sleer I drew in abstract swirling shapes that felt like rustling leaves and incorporated the Sleer’s speech into those shapes, as part of the shapes so that the lettering is in the art as opposed to outside it in word balloons which would have looked ridiculous.

Scott Hampton is handling the artwork from your layouts. How has that collaboration gone? Did you both work on the designs?

Scott is doing the character design. There are times where my layout indicates what the direction of a character’s design might be but that’s about it.

“American Gods: Shadows” main cover by Glenn Fabry.

You provided full line art for a side-story in the first issue. Why did you take that piece for yourself?

I thought that short story was so gloriously outrageous in its action and would be such a challenge to illustrate without an X-rating being slapped on it that I wanted to have a go at it. I even thought about asking Tim Vigil to illustrate it but then I’m sure we would have earned our ‘X’. A man being swallowed whole by a giant vulva is a visually tricky business.

Do you have anything else in the works that fans should watch for?

I’m within a few months of completing a 178-page adaptation of Lois Lowry’s “The Giver.” Coincidentally, Scott Hampton is illustrating about 20 pages worth of ‘memory’ sequences in that novel. I wanted those memories to have a visual look separate from the rest of the book. And of course, there’s my final fairy tale from Oscar Wilde that I should be able to get to next year. I’ve been waiting to get to that for a long time.

“American Gods: Shadows” #1 is scheduled for release on March 15 from Dark Horse Comics.

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