Bruce Jensen (b. 1962)
Neuromancer: The Graphic Novel
44 pages of illustrations, 11 of which larger format, each signed and titled, with page no. in pencil (lower margin)
pencil and acrylic illustration board, with additional paste-in photographic c-prints taken from photographic slides of original artwork made digitally on a Quantel paintbox (by the artist, executed in 1987)
larger: 24¹⁄₂ x 19in. (62.3 x 48.1cm.)
smaller: 18⁷⁄₈ x 14³⁄₄in. (48 x 37.5cm.)
executed in 1987-1988

The original artwork for the graphic novel adaptation of William Gibson’s Neuromancer.

Published in 1989, Neuromancer: The Graphic Novel is a stunning visual adaptation of William Gibson’s seminal 1984 novel which defined the cyberpunk genre and reshaped the landscape of modern science fiction. The original Neuromancer won the Hugo, Nebula, and Philip K. Dick Awards for its pioneering portrayal of cyberspace, artificial intelligence, and the melding of human consciousness with digital technology. The graphic novel transforms Neuromancer into a richly illustrated narrative, with artwork that amplifies the intensity of Gibson’s world. At its core are Bruce Jensen’s striking illustrations, which powerfully capture the essence of cyberpunk: a dark, high-tech future drenched in neon light and raw energy. Jensen’s bold, stylized use of colour and form reflects the disorienting, fast-paced world of hacking and virtual heists that Case navigates. Jensen’s illustrations, alongside the text supplied by Tom de Haven, draw effusive praise from the author in the introduction to the published work:

‘Not only does their version look very much like what I saw in my head, in 1983, it also moves that way. It's probably impossible to convey exactly what I mean by this, but their graphic novel walks right. From my point of view, that's an amazing and really gratifying thing. If any of my work ever finds its way to the screen, I'll be very lucky indeed if it's this close to the author's original intent.’

The present lot encompasses the original artwork for the entire 44 pages of the graphic novel – covering the chapters 'Chiba City Blues' and 'The Shopping Expedition' – as well as Jensen’s original cover artwork for the unpublished second volume. Gibson's Neuromancer has recently been announced as Apple TV+'s latest adaptation for the small screen - the new 10-episode drama is under the creative lead of award winning filmmakers Graham Roland and JD Dillard.

[Sold with:]
Cover for the unpublished Vol. II of Neuromancer: The Graphic Novel
signed and dated 'JENSEN MCMXCI' (lower left)
pencil and acrylic on illustration board
22 x 16in. (56 x 40.9cm.)
executed in 1991