The Sandman

Fables & reflections Vertigo

by Neil Gaiman

Hardcover, 263 pages

English language

Published Oct. 4, 1993 by DC Comics.

ISBN:: 978-1-56389-106-9

(104 reviews)

The Sandman is a comic book series written by Neil Gaiman and published by DC Comics / Vertigo. This book is the fifth in the series, titled "Brief lives"

26 editions

DavidB reviewed The Sandman. by Neil Gaiman (Sandman library -- 7)

A masterpiece

5 stars

Rereading Sandman for the first time in 20 years, it is so far my favorite volume, probably because it's one narrative unit centering around Dream and his family.

Previous volumes had amazing stories too, but there was a lack of unity in some of them (not to mention a lack of the main character). Yet, a lot of these previous stories were necessary to establish a lot of the things that make this one story as well as the following ones the masterpieces that they are. As, if I remember well, each volume gets better than the previous one at this point.

Can't wait to read volume 8 again. Probably in a few days.

auerfeld reviewed The Sandman. by Neil Gaiman (Sandman library -- 7)

A good friend, revisited

5 stars

Recently re-read the entire series, prompted (of course) by the Netflix adaptation. How immense the scope of this is, and yet the core storyline is actually pretty tight. Would recommend to anyone (though you've probably read it already, right?)

Literally Graphic reviewed The Sandman. by Neil Gaiman (Sandman library -- 7)

Review of 'The Sandman.' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

While I did enjoy this book while I read it, looking back over it to write this review I can't help but feel a little disappointed with what ended up being a rather overly glorified road trip. Of course it apparently sets up loads of interesting things for later, but that is not really important right now.

Starting out with the things I did enjoy about the book. I continue to enjoy the ways in which Gaimen shows Dream (as well as his sister) being silly and/or petty. Everyone (including myself) still loves Dream, of course, but it's nice that he still gets called out on his shit from time to time. I also enjoyed the star soaked night scenes at the very end, and how we got to know a bit more about the less popular Endless.

On the other hand I didn't feel like this volume was nearly as creative or imaginative. There was myth there certainly, so it still felt rather magical, but there was a decided lack of deeply interesting things going on. And while I felt like I should be getting to know Destruction, I was ultimitly left with more questions then answers about his nature as an Endless. Of course maybe I just missed something too.

Literally Graphic reviewed The Sandman by Neil Gaiman (Sandman, Book 5)

Review of 'The Sandman' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

But for some critical mistakes this could have been my favorite sandman novel. But alas, it was not meant to be. For all of it's interesting CIS gender women characters and anti-princess plot, the diversity (race and trans) seemed forced and off balance.

Focusing in on our main character Barbie, I was a huge fan. I felt like Gaiman did a really great job turning the princess trope on its head. When we first meet Barbie we might be tempted to judge her as shallow. With blond hair, blue eyes, dull childhood and a name synonymous with obscene beauty standards she seems like the patriarchy's wet dream!

But of course as we get to know her and explore her dream kingdom we discover a strong, creative and intricate character! And seeing her supported and encouraged by all the interesting and mature ladies that live in her building - it was a breath of fresh air. Finally a man who understands woman and isn't afraid to write about them well!

That said, this story was not without its issues. For one, Maisie seemed a little too much like the "magical African American" trope For another, why on earth did Wanda need to die at the end?

It is rather unfortunate that a comic that speaks to my experience so strongly can be so divisive for other women. And while Wanda has been named in the top 10 trans characters by gay-nerds, a lot of the reviews I read by trans women said it felt pretty cliche. Some even found it offensively so. But everyone seems to agree that Wanda should not have died. Because even while the nightmare ends and everyone else gets to ride off into their respective sunsets, the trans woman is shipped back home to be buried as someone she never was.

Once again I am reminded how much I still have yet to learn.