Kerri's Reviews > The Sandman, Vol. 1: Preludes & Nocturnes

** spoiler alert **
“You say I have no power? Perhaps you speak truly... But — you say that dreams have no power here? Tell me, Lucifer Morningstar... Ask yourselves, all of you... What power would hell have if those imprisoned were not able to dream of heaven?”
― Neil Gaiman, Preludes & Nocturnes

I have had a copy of The Sandman Omnibus Volume I* for well over a year now. I kept putting off reading it, not because I didn't think I would like it, but because I was certain I would. I had a feeling it was probably my favourite book and for that reason I kept delaying actually reading it. I could have kept this up for much longer I'm sure, but when I read that they have starting filming the show for Netflix, I realised I should get started now, so I can check that out as soon as it is released -- I know that may take a while, but there are a lot of issues to read. Also, I really want to listen to the Audible version that came out last year--- the voice cast is incredible.

I did briefly have the idea that I would read one issue per day, rationing the story out to make it last, but I've already abandoned that plan because I am too caught up in the story, too enthused about what happens next to bother pacing myself. Going into this I was pretty sure Death would be my favourite character (and so far, this is proving true). I already have a bit of obsession with her -- but she is kind of the character, right? There's something about her that's wonderful and appealing. Everyone loves her. I would quite like to be her, and I know I'm not alone there. I was so looking forward to Death's first appearance, that I hadn't given anywhere near as much thought to Dream. It turns out I love him too. Those seven issues where he's the only sibling we really see --- they were riveting. He's intriguing and strange and I'm already very enamoured with him.

It's odd to try to review this, because I'm so near the beginning. It's a strong start without a doubt, but I'm not sure I can sum it up. Even at this early point, that feels daunting. Morpheus/Dream is imprisoned for seventy years. He gets out. He seeks revenge. He begins a search for his lost objects of power -- he has encounters with Hecate (or some version of her?), John Constantine, Lucifer Morningstar, his sister Death. He goes to Hell, the Dream Realm, Arkham Asylum, New York. There is a baby gargoyle that I would quite like to have for myself --- this unexpected dose of cuteness in the middle of a dark comic. We follow along as he regains his strength and see glimpses of a creature/god (is he a god?**) with a dizzying amount of power and time and knowledge. The page where he is holding John Dee in his hand was so beautiful. I wanted a copy of it that I could frame and hang up. I found it on Pinterest and saved it to my phone.

Apparently it continues to get better, which I think bodes well for my reading plans this year! I want to know more about all of the characters we have met so far, especially the three Endless, Dream, Death, and the briefly seen Destiny, and also look forward to being introduced to the other siblings.

This is a story where I can completely understand why people rave about it, why it has remained so loved and valued. Onto the next part!

*But writing my reviews under these smaller volumes. Otherwise I'll have one unwieldy, epic, confusing review that tries and fails to encompass far too much!

**It seems he isn't. From The Sandman #9: "... One of the Endless, who are not gods, and will never die like gods."