American Gods: Neil Gaiman's epic fantasy to hit the small screen

American Gods, Neil Gaiman's urban fantasy epic, will forge its way on to our television screens this year.

The award-winning novel caused a few raised eyebrows when it was published in 2001. Now Hannibal creator Bryan Fuller has got his hands on it for a TV adaptation – and viewers should expect a dark, wild and brutal series.

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What's the story?

The basic premise is a standoff between the old gods, brought over to the US by immigrants over the years, and the new, who have sprung up in modern culture. The story follows protagonist Shadow Moon, who comes out of prison and meets a mysterious stranger called Wednesday. Soon he is caught up in a divine struggle.

Gaiman's epic threads together Norse mythology and new Americana and the whole black picture glimmers with a mixture of neon motel signs and something altogether more otherworldly.

Sounds juicy. Who's involved in the TV adaptation?

This is still Gaiman's baby and he is showrunner alongside Fuller. As for acting talent, the UK's Ricky Whittle, formerly of Hollyoaks and NCIS, takes the role of Shadow Moon, while Ian McShane is excellently suited to Wednesday.

How much will it differ from the book?

There's been a few changes, not least the introduction of a whole new character: Vulcan, traditionally the god of volcanoes and forges, will make an appearance, albeit in an updated, Americanised form.

"We started talking about America's obsession with guns and gun control," Fuller told Den of Geek. "And, really, if you're holding a gun in your hand, it's a mini volcano and perhaps, through this character, there's a conversation to be had."

Vanity Fair says Fuller isn't one to be gentle with his source material. The first series only gets through about a third of the book, meaning the show's creators have plenty of room for some inventions of their own.

When and where can I see it?

American Gods is due to air this year, although no exact release date has been announced. It will run on Amazon Prime in the UK, Germany, Austria and Japan while the US will see it on the Starz network.