What makes Sandman so good?

[Cyphon]

I've never had a chance to read Sandman, and all I really know are the marking blurbs talking about how great it is. What is it about, and what makes it so great?

Inform me please!!

[cncoyle]

I like how it employs a mixture of mythology, religion, folklore and superhero genres. But yet, it's also very human in scale and scope (e.g. Death enjoying hot dogs).

Hrm, it's hard to describe why I like it. It's similar to why I ate a whole pint of Haagen-Daaz Bailey's Irish Cream last night--it's just good because it is!

Read it. DO IT. DO IT NOW!!

[NeoSamurai]

It's the scope of the story and how EVERY story relates thematically or directly to continuity. The subject matter is treated with respect to the mythological roots and concepts. The characterizations are mature and does not delve in to charicatures (something very tempting to do with mythological figures).

Those are just a few of the reasons why I like it.

Plus one of the reasons why it's so great is it drew quite a bit of women into the comic hobby because of its strong female characters. Anything that brings in more chicks is awesome in my book :D

It's also one of the first comic books to go beyond the genre of superheroes and draw literary attention because of it.

[MaryJayne]

It's the scope of the story and how EVERY story relates thematically or directly to continuity. The subject matter is treated with respect to the mythological roots and concepts. The characterizations are mature and does not delve in to charicatures (something very tempting to do with mythological figures).

Those are just a few of the reasons why I like it.

Plus one of the reasons why it's so great is it drew quite a bit of women into the comic hobby because of its strong female characters. Anything that brings in more chicks is awesome in my book :D
.
Haha, it brought me in. The stories are so personal they spoke to my heart.

[genetic freak]

It's the scope of the story and how EVERY story relates thematically or directly to continuity. The subject matter is treated with respect to the mythological roots and concepts. The characterizations are mature and does not delve in to charicatures (something very tempting to do with mythological figures).

.

I dunno, as bad ass Loki has been, him Odin and Thor I still consider as charicatures. Many featured characters still were.

I liked it because it had a conscious lyrical construction and presentation. It is far from being the greatest comics ever made like some people seem to allude it to, but I'd be liar if I say I dont like it or it wasnt beautiful.

Plus, it had Dave McKean covers. That was the main draw for me back when I was in highschool in the 90s.

[NeoSamurai]

Haha, it brought me in. The stories are so personal they spoke to my heart.

See!!! Anybook that brings in more women to read comics has to be awesome. :D

[kyussfan]

IIRC, Sandman was based on the look of The Cure's Robert Smith.

That and the Seasons of Mists story arc. Hands down my favorite Sandman tale, which helped spawn Mike Carey's brilliant Lucifer series.

[themidnitedr]

As a few have already stated the scope of the story was just fantastic for it's time.The stories themes are also a large part of why people bought into it.

[Cyphon]

Thanks everyone. I'm considering picking up the first Absolute volume. Worst case scenario, if I don't like it, it has resale value on eBay!

[NeoSamurai]

Thanks everyone. I'm considering picking up the first Absolute volume. Worst case scenario, if I don't like it, it has resale value on eBay!
I'd recommend against going for the Absolutes unless you can get it for less than $20 if you're just starting to get into Sandman. Less of a investment.

Also, for first entries, I'd recommend Seasons of the Mist as the one to start with, then backtrack. It tends to be the best regarded of them all and it's a cheaper investment than picking up--

wait a minute.

if you have the flow to go for an absolute edition, why not just start with the regulars graphic novels? you could get at least 4 of them.

[Alexander Knox]

That comic sparked my interest in: the Justice Society/ Infinity Inc, horror comics, Swamp Thing, the JLA, Hellblazer, mythology, and Shakespeare. That's just off the top of my head. Sandman was a huuuuugely influential series to me personally and my tastes in comics. Plus its a damn good read.

[Cyphon]

I'd recommend against going for the Absolutes unless you can get it for less than $20 if you're just starting to get into Sandman. Less of a investment.

Also, for first entries, I'd recommend Seasons of the Mist as the one to start with, then backtrack. It tends to be the best regarded of them all and it's a cheaper investment than picking up--

wait a minute.

if you have the flow to go for an absolute edition, why not just start with the regulars graphic novels? you could get at least 4 of them.

I have a fascination with big pretty hardcover things :)

[genetic freak]

I'd recommend against going for the Absolutes unless you can get it for less than $20 if you're just starting to get into Sandman. Less of a investment.

Also, for first entries, I'd recommend Seasons of the Mist as the one to start with, then backtrack. It tends to be the best regarded of them all and it's a cheaper investment than picking up--

wait a minute.

if you have the flow to go for an absolute edition, why not just start with the regulars graphic novels? you could get at least 4 of them.
I do believe that the first few trades wouldnt really grab anybody starting from scratch. It's such a different beast to where it ended. I recommend either Seasons of Mist or Kindly Ones or Worlds' End or Fables and Reflections.

[NeoSamurai]

I have a fascination with big pretty hardcover things :)

but-but you could get more comic books for the price of one absolute:confused: ;) :D

[Cyphon]

but-but you could get more comic books for the price of one absolute:confused: ;) :D

But I can't buy comics at the book store, where I have gift cards and coupons, so I look at big pretty hardcover things!

So, I don't need to read Sandman sequentially then? I could just pick and choose trades and be okay? I wouldn't have expected that.

[NeoSamurai]

I do believe that the first few trades wouldnt really grab anybody starting from scratch. It's such a different beast to where it ended. I recommend either Seasons of Mist or Kindly Ones or Worlds' End or Fables and Reflections.
that's why I actually recommended Seasons. I'd actually avoid the Kindly Ones until finished with the others. But World's End and Fables and Reflections are other's I'd add to Seasons.

[NeoSamurai]

But I can't buy comics at the book store, where I have gift cards and coupons, so I look at big pretty hardcover things!

So, I don't need to read Sandman sequentially then? I could just pick and choose trades and be okay? I wouldn't have expected that.
for the most part--though A game of you is pretty out there to pick to start with.

meaning: don't start with that one.

[chap22]

Hrm, it's hard to describe why I like it. It's similar to why I ate a whole pint of Haagen-Daaz Bailey's Irish Cream last night--it's just good because it is!


fatty. :p :p ;)

[Punchy]

The gasmask.

[cncoyle]

fatty. :p :p ;)I started off with a firm mindset of only eating half of it. But those starving people on Survivor made me realize how blessed I was to have such a delicious new flavor of H-D!:D

(Okay, I'm a fatty that pigged out.:o)

[nietoperz]

In my opinion, Gaiman is the best writer (as in prose quality) in the medium. On top of that he is a font of storytelling and mythological knowledge. Sandman is literature, plain and simple, and I would (and have) recommended it to anyone who enjoys great writing.

On top of that, the artwork is (leaving aside the first trade) just wonderful. Shawn McManus, Michael Zulli, Charless Vess, Marc Hempel... you can't really go wrong.

[MaryJayne]

I do believe that the first few trades wouldnt really grab anybody starting from scratch. It's such a different beast to where it ended. I recommend either Seasons of Mist or Kindly Ones or Worlds' End or Fables and Reflections.
I would not recommend The Kindly Ones to anyone. Seasons of Mists Yes. Worlds End might be good. My first issue was "Three Septembers and a January" I would start with a self contained story.

[nietoperz]

I'd say that it would be best to start at the beginning and go from there. It's worth persevering with...

[KSChris]

I love Sandman. Love it!

The one word that describes it the best is "special".. and it is. You get a sense, when reading it, that you're reading something very special.. something that comics won't ever likely get again in terms of scope.

It has it's ups and it has it's downs.. there are exciting times and boring parts.. but overall, it is truly one of the best reads I have ever had, comic or otherwise.

[genetic freak]

I would not recommend The Kindly Ones to anyone. Seasons of Mists Yes. Worlds End might be good. My first issue was "Three Septembers and a January" I would start with a self contained story.
Trust me. Most of the people I got hooked, Kindly Ones has the strongest track record. Yeah it spoils the ending, but so what? I've seen tons of people so touched and impressed that they dont mind tracking back from there.

[MaryJayne]

I'd say that it would be best to start at the beginning and go from there. It's worth persevering with...
I agree, but I think it wouldn't hurt to read a single issue tale first. Maybe Dream of 1000 cats. I like the first trade alot. It is very readable. Classic DC horror style in parts.

[genetic freak]

I'd say that it would be best to start at the beginning and go from there. It's worth persevering with...
You're biased and predictable Grampa Goth. We're suggesting the practical and more effective way of getting people into the series.:p

[MaryJayne]

Trust me. Most of the people I got hooked, Kindly Ones has the strongest track record. Yeah it spoils the ending, but so what? I've seen tons of people so touched and impressed that they dont mind tracking back from there.
The Kindly Ones drags. That arc alone puts Starman>Sandman as one of the best stories ever.

[Shinji16]

I'm a Gaiman fan. Meaning I have over 50 of his publications and have written papers and other writings about his work. Given that information....

I'm in agreement that perhaps you should check out the comics first before buying the Absolute series. And by check out I mean leaf through the collections, get a feel for the look and the style of storytelling. If you're content, then go for the Absolute. Even if your not happy with it, if you're nice to your books it'll be an easy re-sell or re-gifting.

Also, I strongly suggest reading them in sequence. Granted, some of the them can be out of order with no harm what so ever... but I feel that in order provides better momentum and pacing as it gives some time between the major story arcs.

[nietoperz]

You're biased and predictable Grampa Goth. We're suggesting the practical and more effective way of getting people into the series.:p


...and I maintain that this is the best way, either that or a single issue story (the Emperor Norton one is a good start). As much as I love The Kindly Ones, if you think that's a good place to start you are high. There are too many characters needing introduction and / or explanation (Rose Walker, Thessaly - heck, even Lyta and Daniel), and why would one want to read an epic's denouement before one reads its start?

[cncoyle]

You're biased and predictable Grampa Goth.That's one of the funniest lines I've read here in a long time.:D

[MaryJayne]

Read Issue #17 first Calliope.

[MaryJayne]

...and I maintain that this is the best way, either that or a single issue story (the Emperor Norton one is a good start). As much as I love The Kindly Ones, if you think that's a good place to start you are high. There are too many characters needing introduction and / or explanation (Rose Walker, Thessaly - heck, even Lyta and Daniel), and why would one want to read an epic's denouement before one reads its start?
I have to agree with Grampa Goth (sorry, can I call you that, it's cute and funny?)
I think that He should read a solo tale to get a feel for the writing style. I've listed maybe the three best. 17, 18(the cat one?), and 31. In a the Worlds End is a seven part self contained tale. If you don't like the solo issues, I doubt you'll like the series.

[genetic freak]

...and I maintain that this is the best way, either that or a single issue story (the Emperor Norton one is a good start). As much as I love The Kindly Ones, if you think that's a good place to start you are high. There are too many characters needing introduction and / or explanation (Rose Walker, Thessaly - heck, even Lyta and Daniel), and why would one want to read an epic's denouement before one reads its start?
You know, I just remembered why myc trade copy works good in hooking people up. It's an old version where "The Castle" was put in as a primer for the main story. That's a good intro for anyody. They should just put that sucker online free for anybody to sample.

I still maintain my stance though, that trade of mine like I've said has a good track record. I've got firsthand annecdotal evidence to back me up it works.

[Humphrey Lee]

Because it's everything comic books could and should be; a sprawling epic featuring a fantastic cast of characters and written in such a lyrical style that you really couldn't call it anything other than beautiful.

[nietoperz]

I have to agree with Grampa Goth (sorry, can I call you that, it's cute and funny?)


Sure! I quite like it myself! :)

[genetic freak]

Sure! I quite like it myself! :)
Wow! So I just created a new official nickname for you? Cool! :D

[nietoperz]

Wow! So I just created a new official nickname for you? Cool! :D

Check out my custom user title! :cool:

[MaryJayne]

Because it's everything comic books could and should be; a sprawling epic featuring a fantastic cast of characters and written in such a lyrical style that you really couldn't call it anything other than beautiful.
It's no Grand Guignol, and Sandman made me love comics. Maybe I need to reread the Kindly Ones.

[genetic freak]

Check out my custom user title! :cool:
Amazing how an offhand spur of the moment joke becomes an offical nickname. :D

I feel so proud.

[Shinji16]

Read Issue #17 first Calliope.

Interesting choice... I'd recommend #8 "Sound of her wings" more than anything else as an introduction. Gives a great sense of the depth possible in the series, plus you get to meet Death, one of my favorite characters of all time.

[Cyphon]

Now you're all just confusing me!!!! :)

As a note on my impulsiveness, I bought (and loved) the Alias Omnibus based solely on the recommendations from Newsarama. I love great, make you think stories, period.

[Alexander Knox]

Trust me. Most of the people I got hooked, Kindly Ones has the strongest track record. Yeah it spoils the ending, but so what? I've seen tons of people so touched and impressed that they dont mind tracking back from there.

Kindly Ones is my favorite arc. Love the art, and that ending is a real punch to the gut.

[Alexander Knox]

The Kindly Ones drags. That arc alone puts Starman>Sandman as one of the best stories ever.

No way. Grand Guiginol tries so hard to be The Kindly Ones and falls short. And I'm saying this as a huuuuge Starman fan.

[nietoperz]

Kindly Ones is my favorite arc. Love the art, and that ending is a real punch to the gut.

It's mine too, but I think it packs more of a punch if you've read some or all of the earlier stories...

[NovemberRose]

That very last page was one of the best endings ever.

Sandman gets 6 thumbs up from me, my highest rating ever. I say go with the whole thing. The Dr. Destiny story is genuinely creepy as fcuk!

[Alexander Knox]

That very last page was one of the best endings ever.

Sandman gets 6 thumbs up from me, my highest rating ever. I say go with the whole thing. The Dr. Destiny story is genuinely creepy as fcuk!

The Dr Destiny arc is the only comic-book story that's ever given me nightmares. What a brutal brutal issue "24 Hours" is. It makes the "Cereal Convention" storyline look like Captain Carrot by comparison. Walking Dead #33 doesn't even compare with that story for distrurbing violence.

[Alexander Knox]

It's mine too, but I think it packs more of a punch if you've read some or all of the earlier stories...

Oh yeah, no question about that.

[ducktales23]

Sandman is the quintessential comics character study. Unlike many comics which establish a character and status quo and then continue forever telling tales of the character, this is a story with a definite beginning, middle, and ending. Its the story of Morpheus, who is a being omnipotent power but with many human traits that make him both relatable and likable.

I'd say regardless of where you start, read it slowly and savor the nuances in each issue.

[JSA2814]

I'd been interested in this series for a long time and recently was able to find the rereleased version of Issue #1. So, I picked it up, loved it, bought the first trade. I'm loving it. I don't see how anyone could say not to start at the beginning. The series has such potential to go anywhere (well, even though it has already gone there by the time I'm reading it...) and the backdrop is so interesting. If you like comics, fantasy, mythology, and/or history... you just have to see for yourself why Sandman is so good. You won't regret it.

[Drunken Fist]

Whenever I try to hook someone on this series, I loan them my copy of Fables and Reflections and have them read "Ramadan." Works every time. :)
I agree that World's End would be a great start, if you're looking to just pick up a good "sampler" trade. But "Ramadan" is my favorite single issue of the entire series.
The Kindly Ones drags. That arc alone puts Starman>Sandman as one of the best stories ever.
I didn't think "Kindly Ones" drags, but I won't deny that Starman is better. :cool: