[Cover]Sandman vol. 1: Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman; Artists – Sam Kieth, Mike Dringenberg, and Malcolm Jones III

Reviewed by: Laura Warren, Reference Assistant

Genre: Graphic Novel, Science Fiction

Suggested Age: Adult

What is the book about?: Our story begins in a world inhabited by humans like you and I, but under the mundane surface, supernatural entities work their magic. Among them are the physical “human” manifestations of Dream, Death, Destiny and Destruction, along with a few more recognizable characters from the larger DC Comics Universe.  We begin in England in the year 1916. A cult led by Mr. Burgess, in an attempt to gain immortality, conducts a ritual to capture Death, but instead imprisons Dream. Due to Dream’s absence from the world, a sleeping sickness sweeps the globe, manifesting itself in a variety of fashions.  Some experience a waking zombie-like existence, while others slip into a coma-like sleep and only have brief waking moments. While all of this is happening, Dream methodically waits more than 70 years for a chance to escape. Finally in 1989, when a careless guard falls asleep on duty, Dream seizes his chance. He gains power from the sleeping guard and escapes when the guard awakens. Dream is out for revenge and is looking to reclaim the three talismans that were taken from him. A visit from the three graces sets Dream on his path to regain the realm of Dream and everything else that was taken from him. We follow Dream down his path to reclaim each item, and we meet a host of characters from the DC universe, including John Constantine and Dr. Destiny. Dream must be cunning to recover these items since he is still weak. Will he, in his weakened state, be able to recapture the power he once had from such powerful adversaries? We follow him through addiction, Hell, and madness to find out.

My review:  Writing this review bewildered me some, because of the way graphic novels are serialized. If this were a novel, the portion of the book I am discussing would only be the first few chapters. When you reach the end of the book, you are left wanting more, and there is significantly more in the books that follow. The Sandman comics have been one of my favorites since the first time I read them in the 1990s. The series definitely reflects many themes and the feel of the 90s, yet has remained timeless and able to be enjoyed two decades after its run was complete. The collaboration of all those involved leaves us with a timeless unique classic. The artists that they chose to bring these fascinating characters to the page do a fantastic job. The images fit the story in sometimes unexpected ways. The characters have depth, wit, and longing for things which remain out of their grasp. This series has won more industry awards than any other comic series. Through Neil Gaiman’s reimagining of Sandman, DC Comics added a series with a very different atmosphere to their brand. Once again, we see Gaiman’s love of the dark fairytale as well as his great admiration of mythology.  He weaves together a beautifully unique story, which manages to develop and enrich its numerous components. This pairing of story and physical art creates an engaging series which is next to impossible to put down.

Rating: 5/5

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About FDL Reads

FDL ReadsWelcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.  Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available.  If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently.  We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!