Petition to save Neil Gaiman’s ‘Dead Boy Detectives’ racks up thousands of signatures

Netflix series Dead Boy Detectives –  based on author Neil Gaiman’s comic book series – has been axed just weeks after the author faced sexual abuse claims. Now a petition has launched to bring it back.

Back in July, Gaiman was accused of sexual assault by two women, claims the writer has strongly denied.

As per a report in Variety earlier this week, the eight-episode series that was part of The Sandman universe has now not been renewed. Gaiman created the book the show was based on, which was later adapted by Steve Yockey for Netflix. It followed the duo Edwin Payne (George Rexstrew) and Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri) who set up a crime-solving agency from the afterlife.

Despite receiving praise from fans and received a 92 per cent Rotten Tomatoes score and reaching number three in Neilsen’s US charts, it’s viewing success was short lived and didn’t reach the same heights as The Sandman series, which has been renewed for a new season.

Now, fans have started a petition to renew the series here and it’s already garnered 3,600 signatures.

The petition wrote: “Dead Boy Detectives tackles important societal topics and integrates them subtly within its powerful narrative, highlighting its importance in contemporary television. DC Comics and DC Entertainment have been iconic in shaping the supernatural and superhero genres, creating beloved characters such as Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.

“Despite their significant cultural impact, they often receive less promotion compared to other giants in the entertainment industry. By increasing awareness and support for these franchises, we can ensure that future generations continue to enjoy their rich stories and diverse characters.”

It continued: “Statistics from the 2019 UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report shows that people of [colour] and women are significantly underrepresented in every aspect of film and TV production. According to GLAAD, shows featuring LGBTQ+ characters contribute significantly to positive societal change. Authentic representation matters because it fosters understanding, acceptance, and visibility.

“It also provides role models for young people who may be struggling with their identities. Despite its strong fan base, there is still uncertainty about the future of the series. Renewing the series would not only satisfy existing fans but also attract new viewers to Netflix. Please sign this petition to urge Netflix to renew Dead Boy Detectives for another season!”

Back in July, as per an article and podcast by Tortoise, Gaiman was reported to be the subject of a police investigation in New Zealand.

Tortoise reported that New Zealand police made a “number of attempts to speak to key people as part of this investigation and those efforts remain ongoing” adding that “a number of factors to take into consideration with this case, including location of all parties”.

The allegations span across two decades and come from women who Gaiman was reportedly in consensual relationships with. However, the women argue they experienced what the publication describe as “rough and degrading” sex which they claim was not always consensual.

One woman alleges Gaiman sexually assaulted her within hours of their first meeting in a bath at his New Zealand residence. The second woman met Gaiman during a book signing and began a consensual relationship with him two years later.

She alleges that there were occasions where she submitted to rough and painful sex “she neither wanted nor enjoyed” and that on another occasion she didn’t consent to sex.

Gaiman strongly denied any accusation of non-consensual sex and later responded to the publication saying: “New Zealand police did not take up his offer of assistance over one woman’s complaint in 2022,” something he says reflects its lack of substance.

Gaiman is a prolific author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels and screen plays and his work has been adapted by both Netflix and Amazon, as well as for Hollywood films.

NME has reached out to representatives of Gaiman for comment.

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