Reviews with content warning for Suicide - The Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes & Nocturnes

I am probably not the target audience here. As originally a comic series, it’s episodic, with a story developing in a longer arc. This is the first 8 comics in the series in one book. I don’t really like the art, but it’s evocative, dark and gross. The level of detail is impressive, however, and I probably missed a few things.

The story, of the accidental imprisonment of Dream, his eventual escape, and his quest to get back his tools, makes me wonder what the rest of the series is about. “The sound of her wings” is perfect, to me, because I thought, “okay what now,” and Morpheus was at the same place.

The other episodes are occasionally very violent and sometimes sexual. Definitely not for younger viewers, as they say. I’m sure the genre affected the storytelling. The inclusion of other DC characters was odd, to me. And, since I’m not a comic reader, I wasn’t always sure who was who. The myth and classical allusions are more my speed.

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leona's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The Sandman was an interesting experience for me. I really loved these insightful and almost philosophical stories about love, hope and humanity.

There are definitely moments of extreme horror and gore (think cannibalism, nails in hands, suicide and extreme self harm) particularly in the story 24 Hours, which is a chilling story revolving around magic used by the lonely and mistreated John Dee, previously an inmate at Arkham Asylum. (Yes, the same Arkham from Batman.) Some of the stories made me feel a bit sick or unsettled, this was one such story.

My favourites in this first volume were the hell story and the final story with Dream's sister Death. I found them to be particularly touching and the thematic elements were addressed beautifully.

The 'duel' between Dream and the demon was original and interesting, finished with the impactful line 'I AM HOPE'. (Morpheus and Kelsier have some similarities apparently.) The idea that evil can always be banished by hopes and dreams prevails throughout these stories and it's brilliant. The Death story was also excellent - Dream seeks counselling from his lively and goth-clothed sister Death, who shows him the way she works. Despite her hard-work and compassion for the people she takes, humanity still fears and despises her. The scene where she comes for the baby was destroying.

I had watched the adaptation before attempting to read this first comic, which I actually think for the most part was a rather faithful adaptation. There were obviously a few casting changes and gender-swaps, but I don't think this had any impact on the effect of the stories told. But it is always interesting to see the original material, and I can understand why this series in particular has such a cult following of devoted fans. I mean, who doesn't love Neil Gaiman? This is practically where he started out.

Overall, I definitely enjoyed reading the Sandman and would definitely recommend it (to older readers and those who have read its content warnings), even to those who have watched the adaptations. I look forward to reading some more of the comics in future, and I assume they will only get darker, (we haven't even met the Corinthian yet!).

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