Neil Gaiman's stock has risen steadily since the early 1990s. The British author of the Sandman series of comic books has attracted praise, not just from fans of the genre, but also from more mainstream commentators. Literary heavyweight, Norman Mailer, suggests that the work is "a comic strip for intellectuals".

Having written children's stories, full length novels, non-fiction works and collections of short stories, Gaiman should be seen by collectors as much more than just a comic book author. To a certain extent he has transcended the genre and may offer a more contemporary alternative to the "usual suspects" of collectable authors.

His first solo novel, Neverwhere, was published in 1996 and was based on the BBC television mini-series. The book proved far more popular than the TV series and first editions are available to the collector for around $30. His subsequent Sandman novel was originally intended to be an "illustrated story book"; but in the end Gaiman was convinced to publish it as a conventional novel. The book today can fetch prices in the region of $60 to $80.

Gaiman also had an early collaboration with legendary, fantasy novelist Terry Pratchett published in 1990 by Workman. First editions of Good Omens, signed by both authors, can reach upwards of $200.

Gaiman's work is heralded for having a significant influence over the fantasy genre as a whole. But because Gaiman has received mainstream acclaim as well, a collector may see the benefit of looking further at his work. As he continues to receive accolades, his work will reach a wider audience and interest in his previous books will grow.