In the mid-1980s, Stephen King introduced a young English novelist to the realm of genre writing, and since then, this remarkable talent has broadened his creative endeavors. This book, crafted by Phil and Sarah Stokes, is the first to explore the extensive scope of Barker's work. With insights from Barker and contributions from his collaborators, it features analyses and reflections from industry contemporaries and friends like Ramsey Campbell, Quentin Tarantino, Neil Gaiman, and Wes Craven, spanning four decades. The book delves into Barker's universe, showcasing iconic creations like Pinhead from the Hellraiser series, which includes ten films and an upcoming HBO miniseries. It also discusses cult classics such as Nightbreed and Candyman, the latter rebooted by Jordan Peele in 2021. In literature, Barker's horror anthology series Books of Blood was recently adapted by Hulu, alongside his famed fantasy works. Weaveworld and The Great and Secret Show are recognized as genre staples, while Abarat has captivated young adult readers. Barker's influence extends to comics, collaborating with major publishers like Marvel and BOOM! Studios. Additionally, he has ventured into toys, video games, and art, with his impressive collection of paintings, drawings, and photographs showcased in galleries worldwide.
