The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes - Neil Gaiman

Preludes and Nocturnes is the first of the eleven original Sandman volumes, although the series doesn't have to be read in order. In fact, since reading my first of Gaiman's works in 1995, I have found new things every time I paw through them. This is one of the reasons I can keep coming back to them every couple of years. The Sandman series takes religious, mythical, cultural and folkloric characters and themes and weaves them into an intelligent and fresh narrative. From the first pages of Preludes and Nocturnes this is apparent. An early twentieth century cult aim to capture and harness the powers of Death, but succeed instead of trapping Dream - or ...  Read the complete review

‘Preludes & Nocturnes’ is the name assigned to the first paperback graphic novel of DC Comics’ popular series ‘The Sandman,’ collecting together the first eight issues of the comic originally released between 1988 and 89. Written by Neil Gaiman at the height of the graphic novel format’s popularity and acceptance as a serious art form (Alan Moore’s ‘Watchmen’ had just won a Hugo Award), this series seemed aimed at an audience tired of predictable tales of patriotic caped crusaders, and far more interested in adult themes, seedy low-lifes and leather-clad anti-heroes, as well as the occasional glimpse of breasts. The first double-length issue introduces the ...  Read the complete review