The Sandman Book One

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I started reading Sandman for the first time in the new collected editions. Some of the weirdest and most off-putting issues come early on, so if you get past those you'll get invested in Dream's story. Gaiman plays with a bewildering range of tones, genres, and subject matter--from cats to Shakespeare to serial killers--as the story is largely episodic. The art is purposely kind of rough, which isn't my style but you get used to it.

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JLaurenceCohen

The Sandman Book One | Neil Gaiman

Gaiman's homage to G.K. Chesterton in Sandman.

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Robotswithpersonality

The Sandman Book One | Neil Gaiman

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That went just as dark as feared, but there were some truly spectacular feats of imagination, and even some sweet, beautiful moments that help me understand why it's such a popular series. I honestly don't think I could competently list all the potential trigger warnings, but the length of these bound volumes encourages you to take your time, and take a break from it, which I recommend. 1/?

Robotswithpersonality Having attempted the American Gods graphic novels (adapted from the novel), I can say it makes a difference that this Neil Gaiman story was first shaped to accompany art; I found the American Gods series very wordy the way it was presented in graphic medium, didn't strike the same balance between text and image. 2/? 1y

Robotswithpersonality Did not know before starting that this not only originated in, but thoroughly reflects the 80s, but it's a fascinating window back - not just the fashion, the drugs and the AIDS crisis, but contemplating how groundbreaking it may have been: how it not simply humanizes but takes in stride, the existence of gay people and and drag queens. It shouldn't be a big thing, but if I've got my historical timeline right, it still was. 3/3 1y

julesG That last always struck me as a genius move. I read the GNs a few years ago and had a similar reaction. 1y

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