The Sandman Volume 1 - Preludes & Nocturnes

Reviewed by Clyde Grapa
October 13, 2005

Author: Neil Gaiman Publisher: Vertigo/DC Review Rating: Highly Recommended

Preludes and Nocturnes is the first volume of the ten book series collecting the complete run of Neil Gaiman's award winning Sandman. Originally published in 1989 in magazine form, the main character of the story is Morpheus, aka Sandman, aka the king of dreams. He is one of the “Endless”, a family of immortals who each command a realm of their own. The story begins in the year 1916 when an occult leader tries to summon the Endless (known as “Death”) but inadvertently summons “Dream” instead. For over seventy years he is their captive. This is possible because he is placed in a specially made cell surrounded by a spell to hold him powerless. While he is captive, dreams around the world become erratic. Problems occur such as a woman who can't seem to wake up often, or a man who can't wake up from his dreams literally making him a zombie. It isn't until present day (well, present day for when the book was published) that Morpheus is reluctantly freed. Since 70 years has passed, Morpheus goes to his last captor, the aging son of the occult leader, to hand him his punishment (endless nightmares). Weakened, the Sandman returns to his world to discover that much has changed in the realm of dreams since his disappearance. To correct what has happened, he must find three of his lost possessions in order to regain his power to restore balance. This journey will have him meet recognizable faces such as John Constantine and the Martian Manhunter. The situation becomes dire when one of the three pieces comes into the hands of a madman. The world is brought into chaos with mass suicides and murders since Morpheus' power is the key to everyone's dreams. Morpheus must confront the madman, who has scientifically altered the gem for his control only, and stop the madness that transpires throughout the world.

Although the stories in the Sandman series were first published in the late 80's, this is my first time reading them. I've only read a few of Gaiman's work (American Gods, 1602) and I have to say, this is one of his finest. Because it's so different from my cup of tea, being a “spandex” reader more often, I couldn't put this book down. I will warn you, just because it's a comic book doesn't mean it is kiddie fair. Very dark material with strong characters make for a thought-provoking read. The art is by famed “Maxx” artist Sam Keith. I enjoyed Keiths' Maxx during the height of Image comics and his MTV animated in the 90's, but I never knew he helped create Sandman. His art has aged a little and isn't as stylish as his Maxx art, but nonetheless his storytelling flows. Mike Dringenberg is credited as one of the artist (Inker I believe), then eventually takes over the series from Keith in the last chapter of the book.

Sandman is the series that launched DC's Vertigo books. This is because of the adult content of the book. It has a medium evolution factor because it stands the test of time with its keen storytelling and characterization. The art is a bit crude compared to today's standards, but it fits perfectly to the type of story that is being told. Pick up this book and dream into the world of Sandman.