If you’re a nerd (psh, who am I kidding? You’re a nerd) you’ve laid awake at night wondering how you can become Neil Gaiman. Its simple–all you have to do is write multiple award-winning comic books, novels, television shows, and films, and there you have it! Having a hard time getting started? Do what I do; read the genius’ work and use it as a kick in the pants to improve.

Luckily, there’s a new way to read one of Gaiman’s classics, Neverwhere. The 1996 TV-show-turned-novel will return to bookshelves next week, and this time with beautiful and haunting images drawn by Chris Riddell. If you’ve never read the book, this is the perfect time to jump in. Neverwhere is a tale about finding where you belong, taking the reader to all the dark places that such subject matter demands. But the novel expertly toes the line between lightness and darkness through Gaiman’s signature wit. Simply put, the book is both heart-wrenching and a hell of a lot of fun.

Riddell’s sketchbook style captures protagonist Richard Mayhew’s inability to fit in with the world around him, and the phantom phenomenon that makes him literally unable to do so.

The Blackfriars’ otherworldly quality channels Gaiman’s Coraline in an image disturbingly fitting of their…charm.

The book will be released September 26th, so whether you’ve never read it or you’ve spent years in London Below, get yourself a copy.

For more Neil Gaiman, be sure to check out American Gods‘ VFX reel, The Simpsons‘ Coraline parody, and everything we know about the Good Omens TV series.

Illustrations copyright © 2016 Chris Riddell, from NEVERWHERE by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Chris Riddell.

Want more from Neil Gaiman?

• Everything we know about the new Good Omens series so far
• Neil Gaiman is bringing Coraline to The Simpsons‘ “Treehouse of Horror”
• Check out Neil Gaiman’s Likely Stories on Shudder