bigbookslilreads's review against another edition
4.0
This art *.*
If you ever thought why Morpheus was so exhausted to get captured in the beginning of [b:Preludes & Nocturnes|23754|Preludes & Nocturnes (The Sandman, #1)|Neil Gaiman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1411609637l/23754._SY75_.jpg|1228437], then Overture is your answer. It is a prequel to the series, and it weaves in some of questions many fans might have been wondering about, such as who created The Endless to being with. This is not a story in the dreamworld, nor in the human real world, but rather out in space, near the end of the universe, and we're following Morpheus (plus a few companions) as he tries to stop it.
The less interesting part for me, however, was the plot. I find myself often being disappointed in Gaiman's plot structure and story in general, like something is lacking, or rushed. It was explained by him in his notes at the end of the issue that he did have to cut and shove several things in the later issues, and it shows. That franctiness of trying to make everything fit. He seems to make things on the go and I'm often left with more questions than answers, which I don't particularly like in stories that, even though serialised, are mostly self-contained in each issue.
What I really enjoyed was the characters we were introduced to, and even some developments in Morpheus. Also, the art made everything extraordinarily better. It was some of the best I've seen, not just in Sandman, and I would recommend everyone to just grab and flip through this volume, even if you're not interested in reading it.
Was this a good farewell to The Sandman for me? I don't think I really needed this story, though I appreciate some of the world-building, and the incredible art I was introduced to with this. This also seems to cement Morpheus' increasing humane side, his caring self. And that was very heart-warming.
If you ever thought why Morpheus was so exhausted to get captured in the beginning of [b:Preludes & Nocturnes|23754|Preludes & Nocturnes (The Sandman, #1)|Neil Gaiman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1411609637l/23754._SY75_.jpg|1228437], then Overture is your answer. It is a prequel to the series, and it weaves in some of questions many fans might have been wondering about, such as who created The Endless to being with. This is not a story in the dreamworld, nor in the human real world, but rather out in space, near the end of the universe, and we're following Morpheus (plus a few companions) as he tries to stop it.
The less interesting part for me, however, was the plot. I find myself often being disappointed in Gaiman's plot structure and story in general, like something is lacking, or rushed. It was explained by him in his notes at the end of the issue that he did have to cut and shove several things in the later issues, and it shows. That franctiness of trying to make everything fit. He seems to make things on the go and I'm often left with more questions than answers, which I don't particularly like in stories that, even though serialised, are mostly self-contained in each issue.
What I really enjoyed was the characters we were introduced to, and even some developments in Morpheus. Also, the art made everything extraordinarily better. It was some of the best I've seen, not just in Sandman, and I would recommend everyone to just grab and flip through this volume, even if you're not interested in reading it.
Was this a good farewell to The Sandman for me? I don't think I really needed this story, though I appreciate some of the world-building
Spoiler
, especially with Time and NightSpoiler
Though I keep wishing he didn't always need to be in a relationship.annahlee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lightlux's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
caliesha's review against another edition
5.0
Twas wonderful. Even though this is technically Sandman #0, I'm very glad I listened to the fandom and saved ir for last. Gaiman's prose shone in this collection and helped to tie together these stories with the main series. I especially loved the set-up of Hope's character as a nod to the debate in Hell in Issue #4 and, in general, how the ending took us right up to the events in Issue #1. Although the Sandman timeline is crazy, this collection did help to clarify the period of time in and around Morpheus' captivity. As always, the art was stunning. 5 stars & 5 cheers for my 13th Neil Gaiman book this year.
rodarolada's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nagyovka's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
marpesea's review against another edition
3.0
Very pretty and interesting, but not as good as the original run. If you've read the others, you know where it ends.
jcschildbach's review against another edition
5.0
The tone and imagery was a perfect fit with all that has come before (or after, as it were). Admittedly, there were references to events/characters I didn't fully remember. Guess it's time to go back and read through the entire series again. Fortunately, I gave that to my daughter as a holiday gift just a few months back.