The Price - The Original Animatic

Please Note: my original intent was to make this video available online only for a limited time, but because of the response from viewers, I have decided to keep it here (until work on the final film is complete). I hope you enjoy it!
By way of explanation, this is the animatic I created in 2006 which convinced author Neil Gaiman to grant me the rights to create a 3D CG animated film of his remarkable short story, "The Price." The intent of this "rough draft" was to showcase my ability as a filmmaker and storyteller, and focused on creating an emotional template rather than to convey a visually cohesive style (which is occurring now in production with the coordinated help of artists, designers and digital sculptors).
Because music is such a vital part of telling a story cinematically, I used portions of the incredibly moving soundtrack from "The Sixth Sense," (composed by one of my all-time favorites, James Newton Howard) as a temp score.
A successful Kickstarter campaign allowed production to begin in earnest, and work continues in hopes of completing the film soon.
If you are interested in following the progress of "The Price," please visit the Production Blog: www.theprice-movie.com/product...

[@skellymom]

Love how the black cat is the hero of the story. Very different from the devil's familiar they were associated with in past history.

[@SilverFishCreative]

I love that as well, especially how the set-up for the Black Cat is so completely reversed.

[@moonfire41]

Funny, I have a black cat that visits me in my yard too. He just showed up last spring. My neighbors adopted him but he still comes over when I'm out doing yard work. He's an ice cream theif too.

[@iReturnV1deotapes]

It left me feeling sad and depressed that the cat wouldn't have much longer to live. This poor animal that would rather sit idly by a family that it doesn't know and protect it from monsters in the night than protect itself from harm. Such loyalty always makes me sad. Beautiful production by you. One of the best short films I've ever seen.

[@UltimateDorito]

I'd keep him inside and fight the devil myself. T_T

[@SilverFishCreative]

That is such a wonderful thing to say -- I am thrilled you enjoyed it! And yes, it is a sad/hopeful story that really gets under your skin and makes you think... which is exactly what Mr. Gaiman intended.

[@moonfire41]

I love the mystery this story builds by leaving more questions than answers. It's intriguing how the binoculars see like the cat sees. I was cringing at the series of bad luck the family had that seemed to parellel that of the cat's battle wounds. The cat's role of protector reminds me of a dream I had years ago where a big black panther struck an anaconda sized cobra that was trying to get at me in an old house by a lake. When the panther swiped the snake, the snake fell dead into the water where it had come up through a hole in the floor. I walked to a higher level of the house and saw all these kittens cowering on a rail. So they had needed protection too. I wonder if there will be a sequel to this story. Its so sad but thought provoking.

[@theotherghostgirl337]

Time to get the cat some kevlar

[@reesagames]

@@theotherghostgirl337 That's what I was thinking too. I love this story and thoroughly enjoyed this visual rendition of it.

[@akiosmunre4489]

Is anyone else crying? Because this was truly beautiful.

[@scooterfish1]

+Aki Mun : i agree, i was crying too. It was very beautiful also.

[@irohaboat]

on the verge

[@sonyasurface9957]

no

[@amandal215]

i have tears streaming 😭

[@SilverFishCreative]

I can't even tell you how many times I'd be sitting at my computer editing when my eyes would blur and my heart would just lurch sideways. It still gets to me every time (thanks Neil).

[@kellybetita499]

Black cats are never the bad luck.

[@chrisneto]

more of a good omen from recalling when I've seen them

[@shannonbarritt3597]

7 years later, still brings tears to my eyes.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you Shannon; I'm so glad you feel so strongly about this remarkable story. (I am just sorry the final film isn't finished yet!)

[@Foundlilly11]

I found the first devil's depiction a bit grotesque and over the top for the lovely creepy atmossphere that was built up. The woman and the doglike thing seem to fit Gaiman better. But amazing animatic, what an atmossphere. Look forward to the short!

[@allesklarderkomissar]

+Mirthe Bloom same here...

[@SilverFishCreative]

Let's see how you feel when the final version of the film arrives...

[@Paego_]

Wonderful story! I gotta say, the CGI devil caught me off guard, but overall I was extremely impressed by the art and storytelling.

[@SilverFishCreative]

As I've mentioned before, you aren't alone in your feelings about the way I've chosen to depict the devil in this story... but I like monsters and had too much fun with how to visualize this character (even more so in the final version)!

[@mayaenglish5424]

@@SilverFishCreative I mean hey, this is just the rough draft /story board right? It's not supposed to look perfect lol! And it's pretty great as it is for like 98% of it. I love the drawing style of the rest of it. Neil's hair looks very Van Gogh swirly. (And Honestly the devil bit was probably just jarring because of the different animation style, if it was drawn like everything else it probably would have been less remarked on). I clicked the blog link, I'm really glad this is an actual thing that is still happening, it looks really cool, very labor intensive. Just keep swimming!

[@SilverFishCreative]

@@mayaenglish5424 Thanks Maya, I'm glad it's an actual thing too (and I appreciate your encouraging comments)!

[@kzookid2051]

2013 through the end of 2019 is a limited time? Yeesh. Very glad, though, that it's still here for folks to find.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Yeah, I know...(I just changed the video text to reflect my decision to leave it up until I finish the final version). I've be happily surprised at how many people have enjoyed this "rough draft," and I'm grateful for that opportunity.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thanks again my friend -- I appreciate the support!

[@kaystaton1553]

My soul has always connected with cats so I found this extremely touching. I once had a cat that would go out every night and slowly make his way back in the morning. I always felt he was protecting me. Thanks for your story.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you for sharing, Kay. I've been astounded by how many people have all felt similar things about their feline friends. I am thankful for Mr. Gaiman's beautiful and moving story, and hope to honor it with my film.

[@Bluelightning915]

We read this story in English class, this animation had wonderful graphics and makes the story even more amazing

[@SilverFishCreative]

You have the best teacher EVER! Thank you for the kind words, and I hope you continue to seek-out and read more of Mr. Gaiman's incredible tales.

[@prombo6]

Great adaptation of a great story overall, but I feel like the climax could've been reached more effectively. In my mind, the scene where he sees the devil doesn't actually reveal a huge, T-Rex style monster that screams loudly. When I read it, I got a lot more (subtly) creeped out by the notion that the devil was much closer to a human figure than portrayed in this animation. Trying to turn it into more of a scary monster than a creepy figure sort of ruined it for me.

[@geewhizhk]

i guess some stories are best left as words and our imagination. The same for me for Life of Pi - loved the book but didnt enjoy the movie as much.

[@JasonChamberlain]

my thoughts exactly.

[@jorge840311]

i thought the same!

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thanks for your comments, Scott! Many people have expressed similar feelings about my choices in depicting the various manifestations of the devil in this story (the animatic version is especially jarring). Hopefully in the final version, things will all feel more unified, but I have to confess: I love monsters and creatures, so my interpretation of the devil can't help but be influenced by my own vision and interests (demented though they may be).

[@labellagine]

To me, this depiction is kind of traditional for the devil. When somebody says, "I saw The Devil," that's more or less what I imagine.

[@kerosoldier]

this is from a christian's perspective, but the cat is an angel sent by God to watch over the family, fighting the devil to keep him from harming the family. for a time, my church was visited, nearly weekly, by an orange tabby. very friendly, always coming to the church's front steps to greet and mingle with the parishioners. despite being owned by our neighbors across the street they never minded him coming over. if you sat either on the steps or the flag post, he always come and visit. nuzzling you, never actually leaving you if you were on the flag post. it was believed that he was an angel, always watching over the church, making sure the people were doing ok. God can send his protectors in various forms. sometimes a guardian or merely a loving friend.

[@SilverFishCreative]

I think that is a lovely sentiment, and thank you for sharing your story about that sweet Tabby cat. As I've already mentioned, good stories (and good art) connect with us in deeply personal ways. As a Christian myself (I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), I have my own insights and feelings about this story that have directly contributed to the passion I have for this project.

[@PitchforkPillowcase]

This is one of my favorite Gaiman tales. What a treasure you have given us all.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you Raina -- it's one of my personal favorites as well, so it means a lot to me that you enjoyed this!

[@moonethealien]

Well that escalated quickly

[@SilverFishCreative]

Yes indeed!

[@jennaevangelista9709]

Aw id spoil that cat like the hero it is. Good kitty and poor kitty

[@SilverFishCreative]

Haha, I know what you mean, Jenna; he is the best!

[@felipegonzalez-lj7fg]

I've never knew this story existed. I've read it today and after that I found this video. Very nice work. This should have at least 10 times more views.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thanks my friend -- so glad you enjoyed it! Mr. Gaiman really is a phenomenal storyteller.

[@Yrch16]

I've loved this video version of this spectacular short story ! Congratulations! It's amazing!

[@jennaevangelista9709]

Love this story, art, sound affects, and voice. I wish there was happy ending for the kitty and an explanation on why the devil comes and why the cat fights

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you Jenna. Those are interesting questions...

[@jennaevangelista9709]

SilverFishCreative are there answers

[@youlist]

This is so beautiful! Visuals, colours, screenplay etc

[@GabyGibson]

Wonderful! This is one of my fave stories Neil Gaiman wrote, and you brought it to life perfectly.

[@chloedevlin4132]

Neil Gaiman is narrating this, that’s why! he’s wonderful

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you so very much, Gaby! I do love this story deeply, so that means a lot to me!

[@SilverFishCreative]

And yes Chloe, you are spot-on! Mr. Gaiman is The Man! :)

[@theotherghostgirl337]

I’m so happy this came back!

[@flankz2950]

please keep making these I love you guys

[@brainrussell6811]

Still stunning after all these years. Bless you, Christopher, for posting this little masterpiece.

[@Christophylax1313]

Thank you so much -- I'm grateful you enjoyed it! (And yes, I am still working away on the final piece!)

[@irohaboat]

that was heavy, epic and amazing. I am always game for a good story, and this takes the cake

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thanks for the kind words David! And you can't ask for a better storyteller than Mr. Gaiman!

[@selkie7021]

This is a masterpiece, an amazing tribute to Neil Gaiman's words. Thank you for sharing with us!

[@SilverFishCreative]

Wow! Your are very generous, and I'm glad you feel that way; I'm so grateful for the chance to honor such a wonderful, moving story.

[@nicoleg.490]

Absolutely wonderful. One of my favorites by Mr. Gaiman done so well it is remarkable. Well done sir!

[@SilverFishCreative]

Much thanks Nicole -- it's one of my very favorites as well!

[@sanfaconma]

This is a beautiful imagery of the story. Stunning and emotional. Thank you for making this wonderful piece of art.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Wow, that means so much to me! I was trying hard to project the emotions I feel every time I read this story, so I am grateful for your comments.

[@ClementsRock]

Finally! I have been waiting for this since the day it was announced. The Price was always my favourite Neil Gaiman story I was so excited when you decided to make a project of it. I think it's a great job and I can't wait to hear more.

[@SilverFishCreative]

I'm thrilled you like it (thus far), and hope you'll continue in patience until the final version is ready!

[@stephanieblommaerttracy6554]

Thank you for putting such a stunning piece of art together. I am a huge fan of Neil Gaiman & of short films as a whole, so when your sister Meg told me about your making this I just had to check it out. Again well done, you did such an extrodinary job on bringing this piece to life the way you did. Absolutely amazing!

[@SilverFishCreative]

Wow! Thank you for the kind words Stephanie! (And it's nice to hear my siblings are out spreading the word for me!) Mr. Gaiman is a storytelling force of nature, and I feel honored that he would entrust me with one of his gems.

[@Beatlejuice64]

Incredible work! I know the finished product will turn out amazing. There is so much material in Neil's body of work that would make excellent films, and I'm so glad you're making this one! I would love to see even more of his stories adapted in a similar way.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thanks so much Casey, and I agree with you -- he is a phenomenal talent, and I would dearly love to be a part of bringing more of his work to cinematic life (once I've finished this one that is). :)

[@MegaTdent]

I love Neil Gaimen and I loved your artwork as well... Thank you for sharing your awesome talent

[@SilverFishCreative]

Wow, thanks so much Taletta! I can't wait for you to see the final version!

[@federica4207]

Simply beautiful...

[@rebeccastein3203]

Absolutely wonderful story. Moving, facinating, memorable.

[@SilverFishCreative]

I feel the same, Rebecca (which is why I have been obsessed with making my film version of it for so many years).

[@Girl-Supersonicboy]

amazing artistry and story telling. Loved every bit of it and I hope to never see it go

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you for saying so -- I am grateful for the chance to add what I can to Mr. Gaiman's powerful tale.

[@davidbarton3361]

@SilverFishCreative I loved this. The 2.5d style really blends with the book, in that it leaves space for our imagination. I didn't realise you released this so many years ago, and really enjoyed what you've done.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thanks David, I appreciate your thoughts! The 2018 trailer (that is also here on this channel) gives you a peek at what I’m try to accomplish.

[@sherlockedambience8380]

10 years later still gives me those goosebumps and tears, raw and real emotional rollercoaster, tho back in 2012 I didn't know English, and I was only twelve years old, I actually saw it first back in 2017 I think, and my English was getting better, every year now, and then I came back to re-watch this and my English got better over the years, going from scary to deep meaning. I've had a black cat for the last 3 years, every time I see this video again it reminds me of him, all black cats are really a patch of the night, and a distinguished gentleman.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Hey Sherlocked -- thank you for your touching comment. The reason why I started this project (and continue to work on it, piece by piece) is because of how it makes me feel.

[@vasiab]

Loved it! Great adaptation! I'll show this to my students, too.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you -- lucky students to have a teacher with such good taste in stories!

[@wonderwoman1100]

Truly fantastic film! I love the story and the animation really brought it to life. Nicely done!

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you so much Melissa! I am still working on the final version, so I hope you will enjoy that as well.

[@WearArtThou]

Oh did this ever get to me. It is magnificent in every way. Please don't remove it! It is perfect in every way. Mesmerizing. As a cat rescuer it really affected me. Bravo!

[@SilverFishCreative]

I am so glad you felt a connection -- that's the whole reason for telling stories and making films, so I am thrilled! As I mentioned in the video description, this is really just a rough draft, so I can't wait to be able to share the final version with you!

[@TalGalili]

Wow - thank you so much for sharing this with us! I hope to see more of your work. Tal

[@SilverFishCreative]

You are most welcome -- I'm so glad you enjoyed it Tal! And I hope you'll be seeing more of my work as well! ;)

[@d.lan3y]

I, myself, have a black cat very similar to the one described here. I had to go hug him after listening to this.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Good for you -- the more hugs the better!

[@badrabbit0077]

I cried...I Just... I'd have done something, anything, to keep it from coming back and hurting that cat. I have three cats with me now and all I can think about is cuddling with them now.

[@SilverFishCreative]

I'm sorry Jill, but that's how the story goes (I guess you can blame Mr. Gaiman for tugging on those heartstrings). Cuddling your cats is a good thing, however, so I'm happy to have contributed to some additional cat-kindness. ;)

[@badrabbit0077]

@@SilverFishCreative Wooow, you're a blast from the past. This was 7 years ago... Oof. With all things considering, are you doing well? Y'all ok out there?

[@SilverFishCreative]

All things considered, yes! My family and I dealt with our bout of Covid and all have our antibodies now, so that is a good thing. I am still moving forward with the film, slowly but surely, so hang in there! :)

[@SayWhat644]

I absolutley loved it! So beautiful!

[@SilverFishCreative]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it -- thank you!

[@BlackKaida]

I shared the Kickerstarter for the project on my Facebook wall in 2010 and I have it shown back to me today though my "Facebook memories". I am so glad it's still kicking and I just read your post on the Production Blog from yesterday. Can't wait till it's released!

[@SilverFishCreative]

Still kicking, scratching, and clawing its way to cinematic life! Thanks for not giving up!

[@stormphoenix14]

I’ve always had kitties who’ve protected me from all kinds of night creatures and terrors, so this tale broke my heart. I hope the black cat is only on one of his first lives, and will come back stronger with each one, until he banishes the devil once and for all. ❤🐈‍⬛❤

[@LadyFel001]

This is amazing ❤️ one of my favourite stories

[@MegaCatlady66]

omfg i loved this the story was great and so was the anime well done in producing such a great piece of work to go with a great story it touched my heart as i have cats so this one was close to home for me

[@SilverFishCreative]

So glad it connected with you Angela -- thank you for sharing!

[@kabetsu]

Glad to see you’re still commenting on this masterpiece to this day, what a great watch and interpretation of a classic story.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thanks Kabetsu -- and I am so glad you are still enjoying it! (I am also still working hard on the final version.)

[@opossumd]

It's a stunning piece of work, both by Neil Gaiman, whose artistic skills are rightly celebrated, and by the graphic artist/studio. Well done. Story,voice and images and soundtrack are perfectly combined. Please accept my sincerest congratulations.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Wow Daniela, I appreciate your kind words so much! Mr. Gaiman's story affected me deeply, and I want to do the very best I can with the cinematic version.

[@Mahleek760]

This story was read to me in 7th grade. Good times. Great story.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Cool -- I'm pleased you had a teacher with such good taste!

[@loonynightrider6120]

Im so glad you got the permission to make this. I think tonight is going to be a bit of a game changer for me. This is the second piece of work by Neil Gaimon that I've stumbled across now and I think Im going to be hooked. Thank you for bringing it to my attention! Good luck with the film, going from the vibes I got from this, you've got something. Well done 👍👍👍

[@SilverFishCreative]

You are so welcome! (I too am exceedingly grateful for the opportunity to create a cinematic version of this gem!) You should check out "The Neil Gaiman Reader" over at Amazon -- it's a great way to dive headlong into the magical world of Gaiman -- and it includes "The Price" as well!

[@Fuzzykit]

I usually have several windows and about a dozen tabs open when I'm on my computer, so I have a bad habit of 'background watching' videos after a minute or so of properly paying attention- but this video had me totally rivetted all the way through (to the point were I nearly jumped out of my skin during one of the scenes- serves me right for watching it in the dark!)

[@SilverFishCreative]

Haha -- I love it! I'm so grateful for your comments and to know it managed to keep your attention! ;)

[@hanscnielsen]

extraordinary. One of my favorite stories. You have created the narrator as Neil Gaiman, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. "I wonder what we did to deserve the black cat."

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thanks Hans. After reading the story and then hearing Neil performing the audiobook, I thought, "...well of course the narrator has to be him!"

[@wolf8793]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@SilverFishCreative]

You are most welcome, Barb!

[@zrashid3350]

I know it's been 8 years but I just wanted to say, I watched this and I sobbed at the end. It was beautiful! Ik it's only a draft but I still really enjoyed it

[@tm502010]

Amazing!

[@SoundscapesstudiosNet]

What a great story. You did it a great justice.

[@SilverFishCreative]

It is a great story, so I truly appreciate your kind words!

[@setovanboxtel7078]

This was done beautifully.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you for taking the time to say so, Seto!

[@616Snookie]

Stunning, simply stunning! Well done, you brilliant person :)

[@SilverFishCreative]

Well thank you kindly, Snookie! (I don't know about brilliant, but I appreciate the positivity!)

[@ColetteHatesYou]

This is just so amazing omg

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thanks Colette -- glad you enjoyed it!

[@ngashjr]

thanks for sharing this keep up the good work,,,, your passion and dedications is an inspiration to us all.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you so much! I truly appreciate the positive support and patience of those who are waiting to see the final film.

[@skaterboy221841]

i love this film. And i love the rising action the most. It was brilliant! keep it up. We want to see more!! :D

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you Ivan -- I tried hard to maintain the building intensity in the film's pacing that I felt when reading the story.

[@alicearmstrong1702]

This is magical

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you so much!

[@mrs.sockeysenglishclass2928]

This is amazing!

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you so much!

[@Judostefke1Gaming]

We need to watch this for a school exam. Thank you for making it is a good story.

[@SilverFishCreative]

I'm glad you enjoyed it -- but your thanks belongs to Mr. Gaiman (I just have the privilege of retelling it cinematically).

[@Fuzzykit]

Beautiful- and haunting.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you so much! (Just what I was going for!)

[@SweetSeline777]

No wonder black cats are my favorite ones :D Awesome animatic and story

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you so much (although I can only take credit for the animatic).

[@brankitties]

Love it!!!

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thanks so much!

[@John-fp6cd]

I enjoyed that very much. Thank you. :)

[@SilverFishCreative]

You are very welcome, John!

[@Christophylax1313]

Thanks -- that was definitely what I was going for! :)

[@WonderGirl362]

Oh wow! That is amazing!

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you Anna! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MightyMezzo]

Lovely.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you Elizabeth!

[@FlinkDimensions]

Superb work! Very cool and engaging story with a visual treatment that totally enhanced the experience =D

[@SilverFishCreative]

Hey, thank you for saying so! (The story is all Mr. Gaiman, of course.)

[@monicaalvarez8390]

It is a good story and a great adaptation. Today I read this story to my students for Children’s day. Thank your for sharing.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Wow! Glad you liked it and even more glad you shared it with your students; we need more teachers like you!

[@lavane26]

amazing, truly stunning animatic of this story, beautifully done, the music, the editing, wonderful. the only thing i would remark upon is that the devil looks too caricaturesque, the whole concept of the horned hooved monster. i too, as someone else pointed out, read the description of the story as something more human-like. i envisioned it as something difficult to describe, the way that it was initially described in the story i would interpret it as neil saying that it was the devil more out of an instinct or a feeling rather than because he saw something undeniably textbook devil-like. i think not being able to see what the devil looks like fully would actually make it even scarier. other than that, it was brilliantly done. i hope this work is finished eventually. it's one of my favourite short stories by neil.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you Vanessa! I can see your point, and several others have shared similar feelings to my interpretation of the devil. In the final version of the film, the character is definitely more transient, but I have a strong bias towards monsters, so... what can I say? I can't help myself! :)

[@GlennPeters]

My favorite story -- really enjoy it. I could do with a little less typing noise. I never imagined the devil's initial form so gigantic. Also, I don't think the sign in the dark binoculars emit light. But the black cat himself and other cats are simply gorgeous. Already watched this twice, I'd love to see the final version.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you Glen (the final film is coming, slowly but surely)! And yeah, I've taken some liberties in depicting various elements of the story (including the Night Vision binoculars), but that's part of the fun in making a film! :)

[@Stormy77]

This story made me cry and the I cried even more watching this animatic. I don't know why the guy couldn't have taken the cat to the vet to get medical help (and just handled the "bad luck" for a few days) so it could recover, or asked the church, exorcists or even ghost hunters for help dealing with the devil.

[@SilverFishCreative]

So sorry Stormy, it is a very emotional story (even for me)!

[@theotherghostgirl337]

I’m assuming he was taken to the vet at least once because it’s difficult to get antibiotics otherwise

[@theotherghostgirl337]

Particularly antibiotics that won’t cause anaphylaxis

[@danaedwards7314]

My cat fortuna looks the black one. I worked at the eye bank in 2012 and my other black cat had an eye tear problem. An ex named Sean from Bethesda MD wears his hair and body like that cartoon but with different face.

[@dominic9983]

Woah they animated gaiman handsome didn't they, I bet he was pleased with that.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Your comment made me chuckle, Dominic! I haven't heard from him directly about his depiction, but his Director of Development said he was pleased. :)

[@sxcore87]

That was brilliant

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you Stephen!

[@zenguin5933]

Makes me wonder why he didn't try to contact a church to help deal with this while the cat was recuperating. Sure, it'd sound nuts saying the cat was fending off the devil, but he could get help if he said he needed something to ward off evil influences.

[@SilverFishCreative]

That's definitely something to consider!

[@jaypoxx]

This is among one of my favorite stories from Gaiman. It's one of the stories that affected me most. I guess like many commenters I was expecting something more subtle, the big heavy footsteps from the large monter were a bit too much for me. I still love the much of the art. Part of me was maybe hoping for a different ending (like moving to a new house or something like that), but I guess that would be defeating the purpose of making this doesn't it. Still, I think it's good work.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thanks for your kind words and comments JP. I respect that everyone has their own ideas and interpretations of the stories that affect them, and I hope I can do this one justice (especially in the final version).

[@shannonsutter8559]

I loved this story. I once had a black cat that resided with me. She showed up and I took her in just like in the story. I believe she warded off evil as well. RIP “Blackie”, I sure miss your presence on my porch.

[@SilverFishCreative]

I'm sure "Blackie" is still watching out for you; thanks so much for sharing.

[@judyt.5702]

Brave and loving cat. Thank you N G

[@PatriseHenkel]

That hurt too much

[@dellsantiago8108]

this is gloriouz

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you Dell!

[@TheDyingGiant]

More!!

[@SilverFishCreative]

Haha -- I'm trying Bosha, I'm trying! :)

[@yasminecop]

I wanna watch it!

[@SilverFishCreative]

So do I (believe me)! Hang in there...

[@shelliingle571]

I really like Neil Gaiman. I always thought he is a good writer,because he reminds me of the modern day Edgar Allen Poe. I wonder that has happened to him in real life with his cat when his house got broke in by bulgar and the cat defends off,but probably he changed a bulgar into devil to had a supernatural twist to it. XD

[@SilverFishCreative]

I like him too, Shelli! (Although I find him much more optimistic than Mr. Poe, even in many of his darker tales.)

[@Windwolf14]

perfect Halloween tale :)

[@SilverFishCreative]

I happen to agree with this statement, whole-heartedly. :)

[@lauraluther1365]

I had a great black cat and now I have always been a cat lover and my boyfriend and I have a wonderful 🐈 named ferbee and can sense when I have panic attacks and he reminds me to take my medicine and my daughter calls him her little brother

[@SilverFishCreative]

Wow! Ferbee sounds like a wonderful companion -- thanks for sharing!

[@Windwolf14]

Always a Halloween favorite

[@nightcorejaniejane6703]

NewWindwolf14 Yeah But I love Halloween so many candies yummy choopie

[@bridgetmmb]

i’m: crying

[@SilverFishCreative]

Sorry, but still I'm glad it moved you. :)

[@Uranus707]

lost my copy of smoke and mirrors. was looking for it to show to my wife this story. googled and this is what she found. i love it.

[@SilverFishCreative]

So glad you both found this version! (But I hope you've replaced your book -- so many fantastic gems inside!)

[@persnikity12345]

Amazing!! :) I hope you post your short film here as well :)

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thanks so much! I'm not sure where the final film will wind up, but I hope it will reach as wide an audience as possible.

[@Kimdino1]

I read 'The Price' several years ago and thought it was an okay story but nothing special. However, the addition of the graphics in this reading give it more impact, possibly from getting a greater empathy with the Black Cat.

[@clarahesse3970]

I’m crying into a sock

[@SilverFishCreative]

Sorry about that! (If it's any consolation, I still get emotional about this story.)

[@legendbird2008]

What would happen to the brave black cat after the story? Would it die after the last battle? Or would there be a last battle against the monstrous devil?

[@SilverFishCreative]

Those are very good questions! Author Neil Gaiman told me he wanted the reader to get involved and think about what might happen next, and left the story open-ended for that purpose. He said, "The story isn't called "The Cool Black Cat," it's called "The Price..."

[@chriswatson7488]

Love the story as black cats are usually seen as evil. I do hope however that he gets some armour and a lightsaber...

[@MissDsPlace]

Very Impressive, both story and art, Reminds me of the two black cats I have, we rescued their mother in May of 2012, they were born June 13 2012, One was given a home, we kept the two black ones.

[@SilverFishCreative]

Thank you for the kind words, and for your kind deeds in taking care of your lucky feline friends!

[@MissDsPlace]

@@SilverFishCreative My male sleeps by my bedroom door...I always felt he was standing guard as we slept.....who knows :-) I love them both so much

[@SilverFishCreative]

I'm sure he is; thanks for sharing.