Hi everyone,

I am brand new to the world of Sandman. I dont really know why it took me so long to find this wonderful world but am I so glad I did. I really enjoyed all of MR. Gaiman's other work, Movies and books, so I figured it was just time to give this series a shot.

From talking to others I got the impression that you either love or hate this series, As of right now I love it but I will get back to that later, and most of the people I talked to said the first trade was, by far, the weakest book in the series; some even suggested skipping it. Instead of going to ebay and trying to find all the back issues I decided to go to the local comic shop (Have not been to one of these in years) and get the TPB. While I was looking around I found it. The Absolute Sandman Vol.#1 (What a freaking beautiful book) The price was really hefty and I know I could have gotten the TPB's for much less but I could not help myself. I did see Vol #2 sitting on the shelf but I could not bring myself to buy both volumes. Remember, at this point I dont even know if I am going to like this series, I basically plopped down $100.00 for a book because it looked wicked as hell.

I got the book home and peeled off the shrink wrap and was even more amazed. The quality of this thing blew me away. My wife peeked over my shoulder and was also impressed (She hates my funny books). Then she saw the price, the quality of the book alone saved me here, she was not pleased.

Now to the good stuff, the content. I love this. I reread the issue where he went to hell twice. Right now this is my favorite part. I think how he won the dual was classic and his example of his power in hell was brilliant. Many told me that the first few chapters were the weakest, if so, I cant wait to get to the good stuff.

quote:

Originally posted by James Mazzeo:
...most of the people I talked to said the first trade was, by far, the weakest book in the series; some even suggested skipping it...

I'm going to have to disagree with them. Although it doesn't ooze the confidence found in his later works, the first few (let's say first three) graphic novels are probably easier to get into then the rest of them. Preludes and Nocturnes wasn't as directed and confident as Brief Lives, but I'd say that it's quite an entertaining, quick read (though Brief Lives is really good, allthough filled with Endless melodrama).
Enjoy your reading.

Little opinioned note on the bit where our dear Lord of Dreams goes to Hell: I regard it as the best bit in all issues. *grin* I think I just maybe started both laughing and crying at the end of it.

Still not quite the reaction that I had at the end of The Kindly Ones when... *doesn't say it for fear of both spoiler and getting all angry again* Yes, I know, a necessary evil, but it still makes me want to shake Gaiman's hand, tell him he's a literature god, spit in his face, call him a bastard for what he did, then grin and ask for a signature. Of course even I know I'd never...

Howdy!

Recently bought a copy of Preludes and Noctures myself and was totally blown away by it. Yesterday I managed to find a copy of The Doll's House too and suspect that I will be ordering a whole lot more over the next few days....=D

Sandman is what got me into Gaiman's work in the first place a little over a year ago. A friend lent me the first two Vols shortly after that I had own then myself. In around six months I had all the G.N. volumes and I have yet to hate myself for spending all that money.
And because of Sandman I now own most of his other works as well. Its a bit addiction for me right now but without much withdraw.
Whens that Graveyard book coming out all ready?

By the way James if you go to a Barns and Noble store you can get the rest for around twenty to thirty dollars each.

Dakk

I already got the second Absolute edition and an eagerly awaiting the third volume. I am about half way through the second volume and am still very pleased. It will be a sad day when I read the last issue.

Welcome to the wonderful world - I wouldn't spoil a word or frame by telling any new readers what happens - all I would say is this: persevere though the entire series and your life will be enriched more than you could possibly imagine.

I am just starting "A Game of You" What story arc is considered the best by most?

I knew about Neil Gaiman because of Sandman - a lot of my friends in college (way back in 1989-ish) kept trying to get me to read this stuff. But - the comics were "collectible" and therefore I wasn't supposed to touch their copies, unless I used gloves and I just couldn't afford buying them all. Couldn't figure out exactly where to start either, so I never bothered.

I'm a Pratchett-fanchick, so fast forward a few years I see a paperback with Pratchett and Gaiman (Good Omens) - devoured that, I've read all his books since. Kicked myself many a time because I didn't buy this illustrated version of Stardust, it was gorgeous, had the money, hubby would've bought it for me no worries...I'maneejit.

I've been on this board for two years now, I never read Sandman. Until a few weeks ago when I bought Preludes & Nocturnes. It's just... amazing. I went back the next weekend but they didn't have #2, so I bought World's End, because of the board Haven't had a chance to read it yet because a knitting design is rattling my brain.

quote:

Originally posted by James Mazzeo:
I am just starting "A Game of You" What story arc is considered the best by most?

General Fan Favorites
Season of Mists - considered by some to be the peak of popularity for the comic.
The Kindly Ones - according to the Sandman companion, it was not recieved too well in original form, but when it was released as a graphic collection, it was recieved far better.

This is not too say that others don't have their own favorites. Mine's The Doll House. I was gonna include that in General Fan Faves, but the only place I read about it being the best was in "100 Greatest Graphic Novels" (or something like that), which had an intro from Gaiman himself.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mw/NNrules,

Brief Lives and The Wake are probably my two favourites. But in my opinion the series should be read in order from start to finish.

Warms my heart to see people discovering Sandman For me, it's the single greatest work of fiction mankind has ever produced.

hi everyone!im new to this site!n ive read few of the sandman's comics.i rly found it interesting!im writing a book of my own..but its not inspired by neil..i jst joined this site for more of socialising!

hello gothika17..if you want to socialise you need to head over to the Worlds End part of the board and introduce yourself.

we're a very friendly bunch.

you've joined on our 7th Boardiversary, so you can join the party, you can also enter the competition for fun, but unfortunately you've joined too late to win anything.

go on then, head over

thank you Smaug!

I just got my copy of The Absolute Sandman volume III. Dalmatian is spelled correctly and Delirium's eyes are the proper colors in "Brief Lives"! Was anyone else oddly excited to notice that, or am I the only one?