I’m reading Stardust by Neil Gaiman right now. I just found out the part where Aziraphale spoke in French about an aunt, a gardener, and a pen is a direct reference from this line in Stardust.
I painted Tristan (or Tristran, depending on your perspective) because Stardust is both my favourite book and my favourite film of all time.
I swear I thought I was through with the concept of love, at least that of the romantic variety, but the way I feel about this story and these characters has genuinely made me feel like I might just believe again.
Aaaaaaaahhhh. Neil Gaiman, you legend. Thank you. Sincerely. Stardust is magic.
Reading Stardust. Never wished I could jump into a story and punch someone as much as I wish I could punch Tristran. "I'm trusting on your honor as a star not to run away!" Her honour doesn't depend on pleasing her captor. Idiot. "I'm the most miserable person who ever lived!" Said in the tails of thinking about how the star must be cold and lonely and her broken leg must be hurting like her back from horse riding bareback. "If my hand wasn't burned you wouldn't be alive!" It also saved your life so you would've done it anyway. Also, it doesn't impress that you were just as willing to save her as you were to kidnap her. Let Victoria thank you 🖕. Also 70% of the way in and the main couple has not had any friendly interactions that weren't forced by Tristran, mostly to convince himself that he's still a good guy even though he's got Yvaine kidnapped.
"Stardust" has always been one of my all-time favourite films, and I finally got my hands on the book and read it! I loved it very much, although I do have a question...
While reading the bonus content at the back of the edition I bought, I came across this little snippet at the end of the preface:
"The other story set in the world of Stardust that I still intend to tell explains how and why Tristran Thorn went to Hell in a hot-air balloon."
Naturally, I am intrigued. Was this a joke? Is anything going to come of it? Did it end up becoming an abandoned project? Was it teasing a Good Omens crossover, as funny as that would be?
👀
It's not a joke. Actually Charles Vess did an illustration for it. One day I need to write it.