Royal Mail Mythical Creatures postage stamp presentation pack - Dave McKean & Neil Gaiman

Stamp collecting is boring! That was why I gave up on it way back when I entered university.

Nonetheless, I had to get my hands on this pretty postage stamp set issued by Royal Mail back in June. Why? Because they were designed by the Dave McKean, that's why! Six of the best loved mythical creatures (Dragons, Unicorns, Giants, Pixies, Mermaids & Fairies) were each featured on a postage stamp.

The presentation pack consists of heavy card stock featuring Dave McKean's instantly recognisable art designs on both sides. Furthermore, frequent collaborator Neil Gaiman wrote each blurb featured on the presentation pack. A great addition to my Gaiman collection.




A closer look at the McKean's art


The stamps


Blurbs penned by Neil Gaiman with more Dave McKean art

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (Subterranean Press)

I am a huge Neil Gaiman fan and masochistic completist when it comes to collecting his work. The Graveyard Book won various awards including the prestigious Newbery Medal.

Subterranean Press published a limited edition 500 numbered and 26 lettered edition of the Graveyard Book and accepted pre-orders for it way back in Sept 2008. In order to reward those who paid upfront and put up with the half-year wait until its release, Subterranean published a register listing the names of people who pre-ordered.

In addition, this handsome volume contained exclusive content not found in the earlier editions:

– New and very different design from the Harpers and Bloomsbury editions

– New illustrations by Dave McKean

– New photographic sections adding atmosphere under the title pages at the beginning, and under the Interlude chapter

– Use of two colour and duotone throughout

– Full colour section at the end, with alternate covers, roughs and sketches.

– Hardbound in cloth and marbled paper

– Slipcase

– Signed by Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean

Numbered 261 of 500.




I'm on page 327! Not 42!