Early literary influences on Neil Gaiman stem from his love of fantasy, mythology, and comic books. Growing up in a household filled with books, Gaiman developed a fascination for storytelling. Notable figures such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis inspired his imagination and helped shape his narrative style. Additionally, his career as a journalist and comic book writer honed his ability to craft complex, engaging stories. These early experiences combined with a deep-seated interest in the fantastical contributed to Gaiman's distinctive voice in contemporary literature.