I had always heard of him through the Comics world in the late 80s early 90s through the DC comics line “The Sandman” which is actually a pretty sophisticated read for a comic.
I really got into him through a book called “Nevermore” which was the screenplay for a BBC series and reminded me of a meld between “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Labyrinth” with Bowie.

I haven't been, but thanks to your post I'm going to find out if I am. One of his books in particular, sounds intriguing to me.
As far as your eye-rolling moment...I just recently had one of those, too. I've loved the song "For What It's Worth" (written by Stephen Stills) for over 50 years, really liked the bands he's been in, and even sort of met him once. I just realized Stills wrote the song, a few days ago. 🙄

He's a great writer. I love, "The Ocean At the End of the Lane."

He is a superb writer and I enjoy most of his work.

My favourite is Coraline. I am going to recommend it to my daughter shortly. Could be a bit risky, because some of it is really quite scary, but it's very good literature.

Yeah he is pretty good. American Gods would be one of his more well known books.

Read anything with his name on it. You won't regret it.

The Graveyard Book is fantastic by Neil Gaiman

Never heard of him.

Who is he and why is he important?

I've been wanting to read Good Omens for a while now

Yeth