Sandman: Preludes & Nocturnes - Neil Gaiman

Volume 1 of the Sandman Series ( a collection of the original issues 1-8 ) written by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Sam Kieth, Mike Dringenberg and Malcolm Jones III, Robbie Busch and lettered by Todd Klein.

Also my introduction to the world of Dream aka Morpheus and Oneiros. One of the Endless. Dream, the representation of dreams.

*****
As this is the very first Sandman series, i find it fairly good, the introduction of Dream when he was captured by Roderick Burgess ( in an attempt to get Death ) in "Sleep of the Just" was simple yet effective.

Well it only means one thing, from volume 2 to the last, the Sandman series is bound to get better and better as Gaiman's writing style and the artistic style of those responsible for the Sandman graphic novel becomes more attached to the story and develops more interesting plots and characters as well.

I particularly like "Dream a Little Dream of Me" mainly because of the participation of John Constantine, a cool and comical protagonist of the comic series Hellblazer. Wherein he helped Dream locate one of his valuable possession, a pouch of sand which came into the hands of John's former girlfriend.

Preludes & Nocturnes is all about the introduction of Dream, his capture, imprisonment and his attempt to locate his totems of power, which were dispersed following his capture: a pouch of sand, a helm and a ruby. A journey that will take him across the world and into the infinite abyss of Hell.

In "24 Hours" an interesting encounter with John Dee, a.k.a. Doctor Destiny, ( supervillain from the Justice League of America series). John Dee came into the possession of Dream's ruby after getting it from his mother Ethel ( a former mistress of Roderick Burgess ). John Dee reminds me of Tolkien's creature Gollum, where in they find themselves fighting the evil forces that influence what they possess. As the ring is for Gollum, here its the ruby for John Dee.

Eventually John Dee succumbs to the tempting promise of power of the Ruby and used its power to initiate a rampage that drove people worldwide mad.


The final chapter "The Sound of Her Wings" introduces as to character of "Death" also a part of the Endless family, here she gave Dream a better understanding and direction for his future journeys.


****

By Gaiman's own admission that "there's a lot in this first collection that is awkward and ungainly", but the promise alone is enough guarantee that "Preludes & Nocturnes" is a must read. There were a lot more good than bad, considering this was written when Neil Gaiman was still struggling to find his niche ( well he eventually did in a big way ).

The ingredients for a great graphic novel was laid out in here, the horror alone of "24 Hours" is enough to keep you hooked and the darkness of Dream's character, the mystery, interactions with various DC characters all make up for one thrilling and great reading experience.

I can't wait to start Volume 2: The Doll's House.