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4.63 AVERAGE
4.63 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
So so so good. Simply wonderful. These graphic novels are like nothing I have ever read.
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
With this volume, the Sandman artwork has blossomed into something amazing. We're starting to see gorgeous two-page spreads and the page layouts blown open. The stories, too, are all over the place in wonderful ways. This volume made me think about actually owning the set rather than just checking them out from the library as I have been. The time spent with Delirium and Destruction gave such a different sense of the Endless family. I'm looking forward to getting the next volume.
Sandman: Knjiga treća
Priče su nikakve i dosadne a ni crtež nije nešto.
Priče su nikakve i dosadne a ni crtež nije nešto.
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Oh don't worry, 'Sandman's still good. The series simply couldn't sustain the level of the first 20 issues or the superb "Season of Mists" and "A Game of You" arcs found in 'Absolute Sandman, Vol. 2'.
Collecting issues #40-56, plus the usual bonus features, the two arcs here are "Brief Lives" and "World's End", the first beginning with a separate story detailing Dream's son Orpheus' beginnings and continuing through a bizarre road trip Dream takes with Delirium, ostensibly in search of their missing brother. I feel like I'm alone when I say I was underwhelmed by it. As potentially satisfying the revelation of the mysterious seventh Endless could have been, I had to fight to keep the glaze off my eyeballs sometimes. The only part I really enjoyed out of the whole situation was Despair's relationship with the missing brother. Also: Everybody Gets a Pet!
Gaiman's often faded The Sandman into the background of his own title for the interests of a greater story, so I have no problem with the extremes that that took place - more so than the quartet of issues that featured the Emperor Augustus and Element Girl with only the most tenuous connections to the Endless - in these issues. "World's End" was very fragmented. Narratives in narratives in narratives, nesting to an almost Conrad-like level where the very idea that one person is telling this to a crowd of strangers in an Inn was ridiculous. As much as I appreciated the lateral view of Gaiman's take on the DC universe, it's a given that these smaller stories don't have the success that the grand over-arching story-lines have. Even with the big splash at the conclusion of "World's End" I wasn't left feeling much.
I'm sure that 'Absolute Sandman, Vol. 4' will tie these strands more strongly together, but for now this collection is where the series starts to plateau. Nothing lost, but nothing gained either.
Sandman
Next: 'Volume 4'
Previous: 'Volume 2'
Collecting issues #40-56, plus the usual bonus features, the two arcs here are "Brief Lives" and "World's End", the first beginning with a separate story detailing Dream's son Orpheus' beginnings and continuing through a bizarre road trip Dream takes with Delirium, ostensibly in search of their missing brother. I feel like I'm alone when I say I was underwhelmed by it. As potentially satisfying the revelation of the mysterious seventh Endless could have been, I had to fight to keep the glaze off my eyeballs sometimes. The only part I really enjoyed out of the whole situation was Despair's relationship with the missing brother. Also: Everybody Gets a Pet!
Gaiman's often faded The Sandman into the background of his own title for the interests of a greater story, so I have no problem with the extremes that that took place - more so than the quartet of issues that featured the Emperor Augustus and Element Girl with only the most tenuous connections to the Endless - in these issues. "World's End" was very fragmented. Narratives in narratives in narratives, nesting to an almost Conrad-like level where the very idea that one person is telling this to a crowd of strangers in an Inn was ridiculous. As much as I appreciated the lateral view of Gaiman's take on the DC universe, it's a given that these smaller stories don't have the success that the grand over-arching story-lines have. Even with the big splash at the conclusion of "World's End" I wasn't left feeling much.
I'm sure that 'Absolute Sandman, Vol. 4' will tie these strands more strongly together, but for now this collection is where the series starts to plateau. Nothing lost, but nothing gained either.
Sandman
Next: 'Volume 4'
Previous: 'Volume 2'
Loved A Game of You and World's End. The story about the fantastical city of Baghdad is a particular favorite.
How much of reality is reality and how much of it is filled in by story?
Naked endless, do not like. Chibi endless are super cute.
How much of reality is reality and how much of it is filled in by story?
Naked endless, do not like. Chibi endless are super cute.
I have owned The Sandman in almost every iteration, from the original monthly comic books to softbound 'graphic novel' collected works. With Absolute Sandman, I will never need another copy as they are simply beautiful. Each large leather bound tome is encased in a matching sleeve with artwork by the legendary Dave McKean. His distinctive stylings are further reproduced on each cover, with attractive stamped detail and silver lettering. Whether you are an old fan or a newcomer, I can't recommend this set of books highly enough. They are still as fresh and immersive today as the first time I found them, and stand up well as the pinnacle of the author's storytelling powers. I'll forever be appreciative of Neil Gaiman's other work but for me The Sandman is a true legacy.
Volume Three begins with a foreword from the artist who illustrated "Brief Lives", Jill Thompson. Brief Lives is a standout story for me because we get to follow Delirium of the Endless in her search for her brother, Destruction, and learn more about this elusive character. It is in this set of stories that the true nature of the Sandman finally begins to reveal itself, and seeds are sown for the tragedies to come. There are also many one-shot stories at the end of this volume that are highly enjoyable, such as Cluracan's Tale and World's End. For myself, the jewel in this particular book comes in the form of a story called Ramadan, which was written by Neil Gaiman for the landmark issue number 50. Illustrated by P. Craig Russell, Ramadan tells the tale of Haroun Al Raschid, King of Baghdad, whose only wish is to preserve the beauty of his city. Of all the Sandman stories, I find Ramadan to be one of the most affecting, a powerful piece of visual art.
Volume Three begins with a foreword from the artist who illustrated "Brief Lives", Jill Thompson. Brief Lives is a standout story for me because we get to follow Delirium of the Endless in her search for her brother, Destruction, and learn more about this elusive character. It is in this set of stories that the true nature of the Sandman finally begins to reveal itself, and seeds are sown for the tragedies to come. There are also many one-shot stories at the end of this volume that are highly enjoyable, such as Cluracan's Tale and World's End. For myself, the jewel in this particular book comes in the form of a story called Ramadan, which was written by Neil Gaiman for the landmark issue number 50. Illustrated by P. Craig Russell, Ramadan tells the tale of Haroun Al Raschid, King of Baghdad, whose only wish is to preserve the beauty of his city. Of all the Sandman stories, I find Ramadan to be one of the most affecting, a powerful piece of visual art.
This was wonderful. <3
Also, little Dream and Death were adorable, though they weren't there very long.
Also, little Dream and Death were adorable, though they weren't there very long.