A review by leona
The Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes & Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman

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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