The Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes and Nocturnes (1989)

I've read this (and all the volumes) many times, but I didn't realize how gruesome it was until a friend thumbed through it for the first time. Really not the best in the series. ( )

20 ( )

20 ( )

I am going around to different public library branches in an attempt to begin reading this series in order now that I've started at book #9. I finally tracked down the first book, and raced through it while sitting on the patio at Panera. There are some pretty gruesome and horrific episodes collected in this volume, some blatant and some more subtle; the encounter where Dream curses someone with endless waking dreams -- *shudder*

It did look and feel quite a bit different than "The Kindly Ones" so it will be interesting to continue on in the series and see how it develops, though it will take a while for me to track down the others in the order that I ought to read them. ( )

I decided awhile ago I would stop trying to read fiction by Gaiman. I love his speeches, essays, etc but his fiction is so-so for me. However, this series so lauded I figured I'd give it a whirl. As with all of his fiction, it had good points and bad. I loved the concept and some of the scenes, particularly those between Dream and Death. This crossover with classic superheroes was odd but kind of worked. I hated the artwork in the first few volumes but then the muted colors and grittiness worked with the story; the first part was too bright, garish, and gruesome for me. I also couldn't help that Dream looked like the love child of Neil Gaiman and Robert Smith of the Cure. It was a bit distracting at times but still worked for me.

So like, not love (as usual). I'll try some more volumes since people seem to think they improve. ( )