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Ms. Smartarse's Reviews > The Sandman, Vol. 1: Preludes & Nocturnes
The Sandman, Vol. 1: Preludes & Nocturnes
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Ms. Smartarse's review
bookshelves: graphic-novel, fantasy, part_of_a_series, action-adventure, cover-love, rave, late_xx_century, psychological, kickass-protagonist, rec-from-friends
Aug 31, 2019
bookshelves: graphic-novel, fantasy, part_of_a_series, action-adventure, cover-love, rave, late_xx_century, psychological, kickass-protagonist, rec-from-friends
Read 2 times. Last read November 23, 2019 to November 25, 2019.
Dream (a.k.a. the Sandman) is mistakenly captured by a creepy cult, that had been hoping to bind Death. Attempting to make the most of their failure, the cultists try to persuade Dream to do their bidding, but he doesn't even look at them them. Instead, Dream bides his time until his captors inevitably make a mistake... 72 years later.
I loved the story, especially the first chapter where the effects of Dream's imprisonment on humanity are depicted. For all that I'm not big on horror and gore, I was positively fascinated with all the nitty-gritty details that both the story and the illustrations provided. I was so enthralled with it all, that I was simultaneously wishing for chapters not to end, as well as looking forward to the next step in Dream's quest.
There was really only one downside, when it came to fully enjoying the reading experience. Two of the more important chapters featured cameos from some minor(?) DC characters, most of whom I had no knowledge of. Before you jump on me for calling the likes of John Constantine a minor character, please keep in mind that most of my DC universe knowledge comes from a few episodes of the animated Batman series.
Initially, I had only meant to briefly flip through "Preludes and Nocturnes", vaguely recalling that Roxana had recommended the series. In the end, I found myself eagerly carting around the first 5 volumes, while waiting to board a 14-hour flight. And let me tell you, they're much heavier than they look.
The longer I thought about the upcoming reading experience, the more my excitement started to vane. What if I had paid a small fortune just for some pretty covers? The last time I tried my hand at an over-hyped graphic novel, I finished reading it in an hour, and gave it away 3 days later...
It eventually took the launching of the Romanian translation, and a notice of an upcoming Netflix series to finally push me into giving it a try. Even then, I proceeded most carefully, prolonging the experience for as long as I could. What can I say? Bragging rights spur me on like nothing else.
Score: 4.3/5 stars
When it comes to favorite quotes, I wouldn't have thought it possible that graphic novels could ever supply one, yet this one here has to be my absolute favorite from the entire book.
Awesome both in AND out of context.
I actually ended up reading the first volume twice, hoping to write a more inspiring review. While I did enjoy the story more the 2nd time around, I'm not sure I can get more eloquent than: "WOW!" and possibly "I wish I was more familiar with the DC universe".
====================
Review of volume 2: The Doll's House
Review of volume 3: Dream Country
Review of volume 4: Season of Mists
Review of volume 5: A Game of You
Review of volume 6: Fables & Reflections
Review of volume 7: Brief Lives
Review of volume 8: World's End
I loved the story, especially the first chapter where the effects of Dream's imprisonment on humanity are depicted. For all that I'm not big on horror and gore, I was positively fascinated with all the nitty-gritty details that both the story and the illustrations provided. I was so enthralled with it all, that I was simultaneously wishing for chapters not to end, as well as looking forward to the next step in Dream's quest.
There was really only one downside, when it came to fully enjoying the reading experience. Two of the more important chapters featured cameos from some minor(?) DC characters, most of whom I had no knowledge of. Before you jump on me for calling the likes of John Constantine a minor character, please keep in mind that most of my DC universe knowledge comes from a few episodes of the animated Batman series.
Initially, I had only meant to briefly flip through "Preludes and Nocturnes", vaguely recalling that Roxana had recommended the series. In the end, I found myself eagerly carting around the first 5 volumes, while waiting to board a 14-hour flight. And let me tell you, they're much heavier than they look.
The longer I thought about the upcoming reading experience, the more my excitement started to vane. What if I had paid a small fortune just for some pretty covers? The last time I tried my hand at an over-hyped graphic novel, I finished reading it in an hour, and gave it away 3 days later...
It eventually took the launching of the Romanian translation, and a notice of an upcoming Netflix series to finally push me into giving it a try. Even then, I proceeded most carefully, prolonging the experience for as long as I could. What can I say? Bragging rights spur me on like nothing else.
Score: 4.3/5 stars
When it comes to favorite quotes, I wouldn't have thought it possible that graphic novels could ever supply one, yet this one here has to be my absolute favorite from the entire book.
Awesome both in AND out of context.
I actually ended up reading the first volume twice, hoping to write a more inspiring review. While I did enjoy the story more the 2nd time around, I'm not sure I can get more eloquent than: "WOW!" and possibly "I wish I was more familiar with the DC universe".
====================
Review of volume 2: The Doll's House
Review of volume 3: Dream Country
Review of volume 4: Season of Mists
Review of volume 5: A Game of You
Review of volume 6: Fables & Reflections
Review of volume 7: Brief Lives
Review of volume 8: World's End
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Reading Progress
August 30, 2019
–
Started Reading
August 30, 2019
– Shelved
"
August 31, 2019
–
54.17%
"Intriguing... very much so. At the same time, I also feel like I need to do some homework and read up on the side-characters of the universe, for proper appreciation.
"
page
130
"
August 31, 2019
–
Finished Reading
November 23, 2019
–
Started Reading
November 25, 2019
–
Finished Reading
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There was a Constantine TV series which I've actually seen, before reading this comic, but it didn't really help with the character's familiarity here.I'm not a comic book fan at all, but this one makes me want to continue it forever and ever. I've bought volumes 6 - 10 last week, and can't wait to get my hands on them. I just hope I didn't buy them from different editions. XD
I remember than when I first read it, I was a bit lost because of the characters I didn't know well (Constantine I'd vaguely heard of - but there's all sorts there who seem plucked from somewhere else). I think the series found its real voice after these first few issues, and then even non-original character were completely comprehensible without knowing them beforehand.
I'm really happy that happened - it's part of what makes The Sandman such an enjoyable experience even if you're not into comics usually.