This is a review for Sandman 1, and I will refrain from commenting on the rest of the series too much, but I feel that I need to say that this is a fantastic debut to an incredible series. I was drawn in from the first chapter of this volume, and found the idea and plotline intriguing. The artwork might be dated for some - this was published in 1988, I started reading it in 2002, but even now it's almost bar none for this series. This volume has some pretty neat stuff, and quite a few cameos from more well-known DC characters (Dr. Destiny, Scott Free, J'onn Jonzz as well as Batman) and the beginning is a fascinating tale into itself.
I needed to see what the hubbub was about. I was not engaged by this first entry in a praised series. The story was disjointed. The reader a mere observer. Why would one care about this character? I need a reason to go on.
I have just begun a re-reading of all of the Sandman volumes. I'm purchasing the current printings of the standalone volumes after having made what I now consider a mistake. I had gotten rid of my earlier Sandman books to buy the volumes in THE ABSOLUTE SANDMAN series. Big mistake, with emphasis on "big." I found that the volumes were, while quite beautiful, simply too heavy to use. They were so heavy that I could not find a comfortable way to read them. So, after having sold my original individual volumes so I could buy the larger collections, I sold the first two ABSOLUTE SANDMAN books so I could go back and get the newer editions of what I had previously gotten rid of. The result is that I've ended up buying Sandman three times. What I wish Vertigo had done was produce volumes that corresponded precisely to each individual original volume. I loved how great the pages in the ABSOLUTE SANDMAN looked, but it simply wasn't practical to use.
The Sandman series definitely got better as it went along, but even so it started marvelously. I had forgotten some of the things in this first volume, like the very brief appearance of J'onn J'onzz, which had completely escaped my memory. As I remembered it John Considine had not played as big a role as he did. Gaiman started off definitely wanting to locate the book in the DC universe. What we most love about the Sandman series, however, are the things that Gaiman brought to it.
I loved this volume, but it really takes off for me with "A Death in the Family," in which we meet the Sandman's sister Death for the first time. I'm quite excited about getting back to the later volumes. Without any question, this is, along with FABLES, my favorite long series ever created.
"Excellent Book"
2009-07-06
- Reviewed By User: A1KY1WHMEVT4P7
This story is one of the best comics I have ever read. I am typically a follower of the superhero genre of stories. This book portrays a completely new comic experience with me. The story is deep and fulfilling. The story also gives a nod to real world events and fits them into the Sandman mythos. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of the Vertigo imprint, DC comic characters, and those looking for a new experence from comics and literature in general.
"Just Beautiful"
2009-06-26
- Reviewed By User: A2POPNMW3E6P8E
This Graphic Novel is Breath Taking. I like Neil Gaimen's work but this would be my favorite. Preludes & Nocturnes is instantly one of my favorite graphic novels. It has an original plot and characters that you just find interesting at the moment that they are introduced. The writing style is wonderful. I can't wait until I get the next Sandman.
"TRIPPY"
2009-04-22
- Reviewed By User: A3PINSXMVDD42R
Even Neil Gaiman proclaims that this is his clumsiest and least favorite of all of the sandman titles. In that case this has to be the greatest series of all time because i thought the first volume was amazing. What lost it a star was it was a bit anti-climactic in places and the showdown with doctor destiny didn't live up to my expectations. But this book will forever change how you sleep. Some find this book a little weird and rightfully so. But aren't our dreams trippy and crazy? This book is like nothing else I have ever read or experienced. I recommend it to everyone who is ready for a huge departure from your everyday superhero comic.
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