Since the show came out on Netflix, about six different people have asked me if I’m watching “Sandman,” since they know I’m a huge Gaiman fanatic. But I have not. Mostly because I don’t have Netflix, but also because I’ve never read the source material, and I’m a stickler for reading the book before seeing the media.
So I finally started Sandman. Why did I wait so long???? My guess, personally, is being a little afraid of the Graphic Novel. It’s an irrational fear, and when I get into them, I always enjoy them, but I almost felt like I didn’t know where to start with Sandman, so I’ve just avoided it for years. Does anyone else avoid books? Or is it just me?
But I need not have worried. The graphic novel is extremely accessible, and I love the story. Since it’s all over Netflix, I don’t think I have to give a synopsis, aside from Dream looking to get his powers back.
Like all Gaiman stories, I’m continuously fascinated by his ability to bring angels and demons to life in such detail and humanity. It’s one of the things I loved so much about Neverwhere, and his “Murder Mysteries” short story. Gaiman is really the first author I’d ever encountered who took the mysticism of the Christian faith and turned it into reality. It was a treat to see it not only written on the page, but artistically rendered as well. The artwork of Sandman is phenomenal, and while I know a lot of fans were disappointed that the live-action has moved away from some of the original character rendering, I think both exist beautifully.
I’m very much looking forward to Vol II when it comes off hold at the library.
5 stars.
