Signal to Noise (comics)

Signal to Noise is a graphic novel written and drawn by Neil Gaiman, with art by Dave McKean. First serialized in The Face magazine from 1989 to 1992, it was later published as a single volume graphic novel.

The story centers on a film director, known only as "the filmmaker," who is dying of cancer and has been given six weeks to live. Unable to complete his current project, he is instead driven to create a film in his mind, a grandiose and surreal epic about the coming of the year 1000 AD, which he refers to as a "pagan movie."

The narrative explores themes of creativity, mortality, religion, superstition, the power of stories, and the acceptance of death. As the filmmaker's body deteriorates, his imagined film becomes more vivid and urgent, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. He enlists the help of his friends and colleagues, who become characters in his imaginary movie.

McKean's distinctive artwork, a blend of painting, photography, collage, and digital manipulation, complements Gaiman's writing perfectly. The visuals are dreamlike and evocative, reflecting the filmmaker's fragmented mental state and the fantastical nature of his imagined project. The artwork mirrors the decay and beauty described in the narrative.

Signal to Noise is a powerful and thought-provoking work that is considered to be one of Gaiman and McKean's most accomplished collaborations. It is a unique exploration of the human condition and the enduring power of art in the face of mortality. It is known for its experimental storytelling approach and the emotional depth of its characters.