Reading the Sandman and really loving it.

[erastes]

I don't know why I didn't order Parts 1 - 4 of Sandman or something.  I read the first volume in no time at all. I'm not an artist, so other than to marvel at the wonderful depiction of Dream/Morpheus/Sandman, I didn't really linger over the pictures. I didn't see anything to make me want to do so, no little joke-lets or tiny details here and there.

But I am enjoying it, if that's the right phrase.  "24 hours" was rather hard to take, but progressively predictable, although I felt so sorry for them all, and hoped that in the end that it was dreams and Dream could help, but it seems it was actually real.  It reminded me of Shadwell in Weaveworld, how he wanted the power, but when he finally harnessed it, it tore him apart, figaratively, if not physically.

But more enticing than Sandman, I couldn't help but notice that Lucifer has his own spin off series (and how happy was I to see Lucifer portrayed as the most beautiful being that ever lived?), and that at the end of the novel, there's the MOST amazing picture of Lucifer with white ash hair and white wings and snakes curled around him, and he's SO beautiful.  I can't help but wonder if Lucius IS a long lost relation... 

I'm a newbie to graphic novels, this is (believe it or not) only the 3rd one I've ever read. I read Eric, years ago and was unimpressed, but it was long before I'd read any of the books so it didn't make a lot of sense. Then last year I read the Hedge Knight which I really liked. You guys who have been reading them for years will laugh when I say that I never know which panel is supposed to be next, there's no set rule for that.

Anyway, looking forward to the rest of Sandman, and also to the Lucifer series.  I think I could easily be an addict. Thank gawd for libraries.  I need to get hold of 300 too.

I can't resist sporking this cover - is the heroine in love with a Lady?  Or is the Warrior just a good looking Brienne?  It's certainly not a bloke, and if it is, he looks like he's going to be SICK at the thought of loving the bint in purple.

Comments

[tammylee.livejournal.com]

I quite enjoyed the Sandman comics even if I DO think Morpheus is a prat.

[erastes.livejournal.com]

ah - he's not a prat yet, he's jut a bit vengeful and a little bit emo, which suits a younger brother

[zoepaleologa.livejournal.com]

And why oh why has he got his mailshirt cut away in the second most important bit you want to protect? An arrow in the chest - so not kewl in any form of mediaeval combat. Silly twonk. The rest of the knights would have bounced martels de feu off his head for funzies and to learn him.

Art wise, the first Sandman collection book is probably the least successful, because Sam Kieth admitted he wasn't really right for the series. Most people believe the series didn't find its 'voice' until the "Sound of Her Wings" story. The best drawings, IMHO are the ones in Season of Mists (part four, I think) with more Lucifer. Oddly enough, one frame of Lucifer in that bit, he looks exactly like a bloke I had a series big time crush on (ie, stunning).

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Careful, your research is showing! Havent seen that bit yet.

And yes, Lucifer is a darling, I'm so looking forward to seeing more of him

[zoepaleologa.livejournal.com]

Tsk, I knew about things like Martel de Feu AGES ago! It's a mace *is geeky about stuff like that*

[vinnie-tesla.livejournal.com]

I think the illos for Season of Mist are plodding and fussy., I adore Kieth's work on the first four issues--for one thing, unlike just about every subsequent artist, he wasn't preoccupied with Morpheus's Goth Boy h0tness & dignitude. Where his Morpheus emotes, other artist just have him striking poses. I also love his ornate panel borders.

[lareinenoire.livejournal.com]

Lots of people I know seem to think that Preludes and Nocturnes is somewhat weaker than later volumes -- and, aside from 'A Hope in Hell' (which I adore), I agree. Season of Mists is my favourite, at least in part for the Lucifer storyline. I actually ended up presenting a paper at a conference last year on Gaiman's conceptions of Lucifer in general and that was a nice excuse to buy Sandman #4. ;) Though if you like his Lucifer, definitely read Murder Mysteries (first a short story in his Smoke and Mirrors anthology, later a graphic novel on its own). It's gorgeous and chilling and heartbreaking at once.

[erastes.livejournal.com]

in that case i'm REALLY looking forward to the rest of them!!

[glowering.livejournal.com]

Do you think that Lucifer looks a little like Julian Rhind-Tutt/Mac from Green Wing or is it just me?

[erastes.livejournal.com]

No clue about that, never seen it!!!

[copperbeech.livejournal.com]

Sandman is my fave graphic novel series. It's just gorgeous. I like the earlier ones better than the latter ones, but I adore their minds throughout. Glad you are discovering them!