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It was night and I was standing by the entrance of a grand dining hall. The doors were opened by two crying clowns, with streaks of paint on their cheeks signifying the tears of sadness experienced by them. I felt a sense of melancholy as I walked to a massive oak dining table in the center of the room.There were candles lit all around the table, and faces that I couldn’t make out no matter how hard I tried. My eyes would focus on where I thought I heard a whisper of a voice, but I could only see a blurred distortion of movement.I sat down in a plush dining chair and noticed a goblet of blood red wine in front of me. Suddenly there was movement from the corner of my eye, and what was once unfocused…came sharply into the clarity of my vision. The man/creature/thing sitting next to me, had a long black cloak on, chalk colored skin, and eyes that glowed as if entire universes existed within them. The endless creature whispered, “Dream a little dream……..”. With those words, I noticed that everything that I thought was real…..was in fact just a dream. He reached for me….and the next thing I knew, I woke up in my bed and stayed up for the rest of the night, staring at the starry sky. Sandman…Morpheus…the endless, all of these concepts are explored by Neil Gaiman (The Anansi Boys, Stardust, Neverwhere, American Gods, 1602, The Eternals), in the classic series Sandman from DC comics. Now DC has released a hefty oversized hardcover collecting the first twenty issues of this dreamlike series.I remember reading that first issue of Sandman back in the late eighties. It was an exciting time to be a fan. Sure, you could have your superheroes, but all of a sudden there were these dark anti-heroes that were so much more fun to read. Sandman dealt with many mythologies, and each issue was an amazing read. This beautiful absolute edition comes in a slipcase featuring new art by series cover artist Dave McKean. It’s disturbing to look at, yet beautiful, just like our dreams. The hardcover itself is beautifully bound. The coloring for the first 18 issues has been redone and the effects are amazing. The reader is introduced to the concept of the endless. Dream, Death, Despair, Desire, and Destiny. The ultimate dysfunctional family, yet the characters are wonderfully tied into our basest instincts within the world we live in. As with all of DC’s Absolute editions, the extras include the preliminary proposal, unused artwork, and the script (with unfinished pencils) of the award winning issue, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.What Neil Gaiman pulls off within these first twenty issues, is that he makes the reader sympathize with Morpheus. Usually, when there are graphic novels about God like characters, it’s very hard to associate with the character, much less sympathize with it. However, in Sandman, the author writes the character in such a way…as to as to retain the majesty of the dream and still keep the character within the human psyche.If you want to dream, and read an incredible journey, then you must pick up this restored classic. Written by Neil Gaiman, with art by Sam Keith, Mike Dringenberg, Charles Vess, and Kelley Jones…the Sandman Absolute Edition is a must buy. “Dream a little dream……of the sad clowns…..the destiny of death and despair, and the tale of Morpheus……master of dreams…..The Sandman.” With that thought, I close my eyes….and who knows what dreams may come…..Read full review
It's no wonder Neil Gaiman has won so much recognition for his work and it's his The Sandman series that made him an endeared author to millions of readers out there. His vivid imagination and intense characters immerse you to believing it's real. The dark overtones of each page only make it more compelling.Even though the characters are fictional and are supposedly immortal/devine beings, the way they behave and interact make readers ponder on human nature: our vanities, passions, ambitions, and morals. The Sandman series is a must read for those who are into Sci-fi and those looking not only for a visceral experience but also an intellectual one.
Neil Gayman is a wonderful writer, but this book is a poorly put together mess. They glued the binding on a book that must weigh 15 pounds. Not smart. It has separated and it’s going to start falling apart if I don’t have it repaired. This was right out of the plastic for me and within a week it separated.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
There was only slight wear on the bottom edge of the box, and a couple small blemishes on the cover of this beautiful book. It's otherwise in perfect shape. Can't wait for hubby to open it Christnas Day!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I bought this for my husband for Christmas and haven't given it to him yet, but I think he's going to love it.
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