***Contains Spoilers***
The Sandman Omnibus Vol. 1 collects the beginning of Neil Gaiman’s legendary comic series, an intricate blend of mythology, literature, and original storytelling. The story follows Morpheus, the Lord of Dreams, as he escapes captivity and rebuilds his realm, weaving through tales that feature gods, mortals, and everything in between. With themes ranging from power and revenge to human creativity and the passage of time, this is storytelling at its most ambitious. As I made my way through the first half of this omnibus, I immediately understood why The Sandman is held in such high regard.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is its sheer depth. Every issue feels like it holds a dozen layers of meaning, from mythology and human nature to dark comedy and existential musings. I particularly loved the retelling of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which reimagines Shakespeare collaborating with Morpheus. It’s such a clever way of tying human creativity to the metaphysical, and the story really stuck with me.
Death was another standout. Her interactions with her siblings, especially Morpheus, made her an instantly likable and intriguing character. Despite her role, she exudes warmth and humor, and her perspective on mortality adds a surprising sense of comfort amidst the darkness. And speaking of dark moments, the Dr. Destiny arc? Absolutely chilling. Gaiman doesn’t hold back here, showing how truly horrifying and twisted a villain can be. It’s a gut punch, but one that cements the stakes of the world.
The “Cereal Convention” storyline (yes, a convention for serial killers) is another example of Gaiman’s ability to balance disturbing content with dark humor. I’d forgotten how unsettling this part of the series could be, but I couldn’t help but appreciate how well it’s written. It’s moments like these that highlight the series’ mix of horror and wit.
The storyline about Hell was another standout. Morpheus’ negotiations to decide the fate of Hell were not only intricate but also a fresh way of reinterpreting human lore and theology. It’s fascinating how Gaiman ties in so many mythologies and belief systems, making them feel cohesive in a single universe.
While I loved most of the book, there were moments when the darkness felt overwhelming. I’m not opposed to darker stories, but some scenes, particularly in the Dr. Destiny arc, were so intense that I had to take breaks. That said, this intensity is part of what makes The Sandman what it is—it’s not afraid to show the raw, unfiltered side of humanity.
Additionally, while I enjoyed catching minor references to DC’s broader universe (and I’ve been catching up on DC lore lately), some were subtle enough that I probably missed them on my first read. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but readers less familiar with the DC universe might not catch every nod or connection.
Halfway through this omnibus, I can confidently say that The Sandman is one of the most impressive stories I’ve read. It’s dark, intricate, and layered with meaning, yet it also knows when to inject humor or moments of humanity. While it’s occasionally a bit too dark for me, the storytelling, worldbuilding, and characters are so compelling that I couldn’t put it down. This is an all-time favorite for me—an easy 5 stars.
Feature Image The Sandman #8 cover art by Dave McKean
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