Daredevil Message Board

Dorian Gray · Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 11:41 pm Post subject: Who is the better writer?

Neil Gaiman, Alan Moore, or Frank Miller and why?

Greg · Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 11:14 am Post subject:

I have to say Alan Moore. No disrespect to Miller or Gaiman, since I worship everything that both of those guys put out as well; but Moore has such an incredible range... he wrote stunning "horror" with Swampthing; he redefined superheroes with his work at Image; he wrote some of the funniest dialog I've ever read with Bojeffries and some of his ABC books; From Hell was an incredibly detailed historical accounting of the Ripper murders; his Tom Strong is a great look at the science-hero; on and on and on... the man has captured almost every single writing genre that a person can capture.

Miller is a brilliant hard-boiled crime-noir writer (ala DD and Sin City), but - other than 300 - that seems to be his niche market; Gaiman writes brilliant fantasy-operas... Sandman, Stardust, 1602... even his books are myth/fantasy based.

So, for breadth and depth and overall brilliance in all categories, my tip of the hat goes to Alan Moore.

By the way, one other writer that probably is deserving of being in that good company of Moore, Miller & Gaiman (sounds like a law-firm!) is Grant Morrison... BRILLIANT writer.

Dorian Gray · Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 3:04 pm Post subject:

I siad Gaiman because I liked all the stuff that he has done just a little bit over what Moore has done. There is a better poll of this over at newsarama.com, last time I checked it was Gaiman 19, Moore 22, Miller 9.

james castle · Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 4:29 pm Post subject:

Watchmen, V, League, it's Moore hands down. Killing Joke? Comon. Greg is dead on: it's the range that makes Moore unreal.
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So why can't you see the funny side?
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ozddzealot · Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 10:04 am Post subject:

Dorian

you are an utter utter bastard (to quote vivian) (I really hope you get the joke) i feel hugely torn for you making me choose! but even when i threw garth ennis (hello..... preacher) into the mix I still couldn't top Moore, and to not mention Gaiman in my second breath

I also think Greg short changed Miller by saying his niche, he's equal third on my list but give me liberty had some very strong moments.

Greg was right to include Morrison into this company though... he rocks but i've always had a weakness for the pommy writers.

and jc seriously if DC want to throw money at miller to do batman ad infinitum shoot the editor. Miller's ouvre is much larger than killing joke and not to acknowledge it is a bit of a cheap shot.

...but just to clarify... all hail moore!

mark
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DDmikeMN · Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 11:30 am Post subject:

I'll agree with Alan Moore being the best of the three. I know there is a stong element of respect for Neil Gaiman because of when most of us started reading comic books and for Frank Miller because this is a DD board. But Alan is the best writer.

His writing is meticulously researched but that research leads to a nuanced story instead of being inflicted on the reader. While the reasoning rides behind the scenes, a wonderful story unfolds in its complexity. You could even go so far as to say Alan's writing is the one of the three whose stories need the illustrations the least. Or rather his are the stories which are illuminated least by the art.

Which means his stories are told through the writing itself. Not that the art is a crutch for Gaiman or Miller. But the strength of the writing is what makes Moore's stuff work. I think he would be a sucessful writer on some level whether he was in comic books or not.

Dorian Gray · Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 11:15 pm Post subject:

The Privateer · Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 3:12 am Post subject:

Dorian Gray · Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 3:18 am Post subject:

kingforaday · Flying Blind Joined: 20 Jan 2005 Posts: 8

I voted for Neil Gaiman because of my love for the Sandman series and the 1602 story. I loved his neverwhere series that was produced by the BBC. Sure it looked cheesy and the acting at some points were absurd, but enjoyed the story thouroughly. Also I am looking forward to seeing the Mirrormask movie.

I feel this is a bit of a poor decision on my part as I have not opened myself to alot of stories by the other writers. I've only read the Frank Miller series from 80's Daredevil and Elektra Lives; and have only read the watchmen by Alan Moore. Maybe I should get my s--- together and buy some. Twisted Evil

The Privateer · Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 3:30 am Post subject:

I will dig them out of the loft for you then. I was reading Sleeper and Global Frequency Back issues, but I will slot in some Sandman then. Laughing

I was planning on funding my retirement on selling them on eBay!
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Always Out-Manned, Never Out-Gunned

cas · Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 4:49 am Post subject:

fox_limbo · Humanity's Fathom Joined: 01 Aug 2004 Posts: 335

Wow!! What a great question...

This is a difficult question to answer. But for me, it is a two-man race between Neil Gaiman and Alan Moore. Everyone else is pretty much lagging behind (yes, even Frank Miller.... which is pretty much blasphemous around these parts, isn't it?). And I do mean everyone. These two authors are operating, in this medium, on a completely different level than all others.

Neil Gaiman is phenomenal. His work, while it delves mostly in fantasy, is incredible well-told. And writes some of the best endings to stories that I have ever seen. They just feel right. Writers like Brian Michael Bendis and Stephen King --granted Stephen's never written a comic book, I'm just using him as a high-profile example-- should take notes (as much as I respect those authors' work, for the most part, they simply CANNOT write endings to their stories. I mean they really can't. Analyze them.). Neil Gaiman writes pretty good characterization... sometimes, it's hit and miss, but mostly it is on.

"Sandman" was very well done. And the thing that I enjoyed most was watching Neil grow as an author as the series comtinued, and ultimately (sadly), concluded. His range within the genre of fantasy is breth-taking. "Neverwhere" was an interesting concept that was pure Gaiman. "American Gods" was wonderfully told. "A Small Film About John Bolton" was pure Neil Gaiman sense of humor and an interesting and very fine directorial debut.

While Neil range lies within, specifically, the fantasy genre, Alan Moore is the definition of "wide range"... in the comics field or anywhere else (have you read his first, and so far only, novel "The Voice of the Fire"?). "Watchemen". A classic. "V for Vendetta". A dark examination... the comic books equivilant to George Orwell's "1984"... that is very well written. "Promethea" is just plain stunning. "From Hell", "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen".... I could go on and on and on, but I don't have to, because Alan Moore had already done that. And that's the point. Absolutely brillient body of work.

As people have already said, Alan's range is the clincher in this debate about these two, very fine, authors. And I happen to agree with it.

Even Neil Gaiman, himself, had said Alan Moore is a genius. And how can I possibly disagree with that??

But Neil Gaiman, to me, is also a genius... he doesn't have to take a back seat to anyone.

Greg · Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 4:04 pm Post subject:

Dorian Gray · Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 4:32 pm Post subject:

The Message Board is currently in read-only mode, as the software is now out of date. Several features and pages have been removed. If/When I get time I intend to re-launch the board with updated software.