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jamesv_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Written by Gaiman for the 10th anniversary of the Sandman series, The Sandman: The Dream Hunters is a beautiful reimagining set in mythical ancient Japan. The dream/parable-like character fluidity and soft, suggestive writing feel familiar despite the originality of the story. The illustrations by Russell combine the best elements of evocative graphic novels and the (Westernized) Japanese aesthetic that pervades so much of modern anime. As usual, Gaiman's moral message is ambiguous at best but hints of Buddhist compassion and Taoist reciprocation abound. The boundary between spirit and material world, between the desires of humanity and the world of dreams here is very thin.
isabellas_book_row's review against another edition
dark
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
janetsavill's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful and complementary to the Sandman series. I love seeing Sandman fables set in various eras around the world.
careymacaulay's review against another edition
5.0
"'All that I did,' she said, 'everything I tried to do. All for nothing.' 'Nothing is done entirely for nothing,' said the fox of dreams. 'Nothing is wasted. You are older, and you have made decisions, and you are not the fox you were yesterday. Take what you have learned, and move on.'"
Neil Gaiman writes in the back of this book that The Sandman: The Dream Hunters is based on Rev. B.W. Ashton's story "The Fox, the Monk, and the Mikado of All Night's Dreaming", originally published in his Fairy Tales of Old Japan. Gaiman further writes "I was struck by the similarities - some of them almost disquieting - between the Japanese tale and my own Sandman series."
As soon as I laid eyes on the cover of this book and saw Yoshitaka Amano's artwork, I knew this was going to be something special. The art is unbelievably stunning and is perfect for this Japanese fable/Sandman mash-up. Written as an illustrated fable and not a comic, with cameos by a few of our favourite characters from the Sandman series, the end result is something both gorgeous and moving. I absolutely loved it and I am putting it on my list for my super talented, artistic niece. She needs to experience this beautiful work of art and, like her Aunty, she loves a good story.
Neil Gaiman, once again, surpasses all my expectations!!!
Neil Gaiman writes in the back of this book that The Sandman: The Dream Hunters is based on Rev. B.W. Ashton's story "The Fox, the Monk, and the Mikado of All Night's Dreaming", originally published in his Fairy Tales of Old Japan. Gaiman further writes "I was struck by the similarities - some of them almost disquieting - between the Japanese tale and my own Sandman series."
As soon as I laid eyes on the cover of this book and saw Yoshitaka Amano's artwork, I knew this was going to be something special. The art is unbelievably stunning and is perfect for this Japanese fable/Sandman mash-up. Written as an illustrated fable and not a comic, with cameos by a few of our favourite characters from the Sandman series, the end result is something both gorgeous and moving. I absolutely loved it and I am putting it on my list for my super talented, artistic niece. She needs to experience this beautiful work of art and, like her Aunty, she loves a good story.
Neil Gaiman, once again, surpasses all my expectations!!!
firstwords's review against another edition
4.0
The artwork in this one is very abstract, but the closest to actual "art." There are paintings in this book that would be good as standalone wall covering.
This is, according to the Afterword, the retelling of a Japanese folk tale, interpreted by Gaiman and illustrated. The artwork is ethereal, vague, and very stylized. The story itself is a straightforward one, that fits in surprisingly nicely with the Sandman series (Gaiman mentions his surprise at this in the interesting Afterword). There is some very stylized nudity (breasts by Picasso, e.g.), but I think this is actually a good fairy tale to tell to kids aged 8 and up, with those 10 and up probably truly enjoying it. This is the closest in design and pacing to [b:The Three Questions|218152|The Three Questions|Jon J. Muth|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1386923922l/218152._SX50_.jpg|211219], but decidedly more adult. I only compare the general themes (learning Buddhist teachings) and stylized artwork. I would almost classify this as a YA novel, and will probably pick up a copy for long storytimes at night.
This is, according to the Afterword, the retelling of a Japanese folk tale, interpreted by Gaiman and illustrated. The artwork is ethereal, vague, and very stylized. The story itself is a straightforward one, that fits in surprisingly nicely with the Sandman series (Gaiman mentions his surprise at this in the interesting Afterword). There is some very stylized nudity (breasts by Picasso, e.g.), but I think this is actually a good fairy tale to tell to kids aged 8 and up, with those 10 and up probably truly enjoying it. This is the closest in design and pacing to [b:The Three Questions|218152|The Three Questions|Jon J. Muth|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1386923922l/218152._SX50_.jpg|211219], but decidedly more adult. I only compare the general themes (learning Buddhist teachings) and stylized artwork. I would almost classify this as a YA novel, and will probably pick up a copy for long storytimes at night.
alannabarras's review against another edition
4.0
As with all things written by Neil Gaiman, I loved falling into the world created in this graphic novel. The art was beautiful and the story was detailed and perfectly paced. This was also nice in that it was less uncomfortable than many of his other stories, probably because the world it was set in is obviously another time and less likely to be a true story disguised as fiction.
johnboyce's review against another edition
5.0
A lovely additional tale to independently add to the Sandman universe.
wgsaraband's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best things I've read in a while. It was so good I read it all in one go, and I'm already looking forward to re-reading it sometime in the future.
This is Neil Gaiman retelling a well-known Japanese tale, through the lens of his Sandman universe, and the two mesh together seamlessly. What makes this work of art transcend, however, are the accompanying illustrations by the inimitable Yoshitaka Amano, breathing life into the story and making you go "wow" at almost every turn of the page.
This is Neil Gaiman retelling a well-known Japanese tale, through the lens of his Sandman universe, and the two mesh together seamlessly. What makes this work of art transcend, however, are the accompanying illustrations by the inimitable Yoshitaka Amano, breathing life into the story and making you go "wow" at almost every turn of the page.