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changes's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
ratcousin's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Karen Burger's introduction at the beginning is delightful, and she is right about this first volume; you can really feel Gaiman hit his stride with The Sound of Her Wings.
chrys_marin's review against another edition
3.0
A mystic cult seeking to capture Death mistakingly traps Death's younger brother instead, Dream. Unable to escape, Dream remains in the human world for decades, leading to the deterioration of the Dream World, which has a devastating impact on the human world. In order to save the human world and his realm, Dream must embark on a journey to recover what he has lost.
Very dark but beautifully drawn and written, "Preludes & Nocturnes" contains the first eight issues of the graphic novel "The Sandman." Even though the volume most definitely follows a story arch, each issue is very distinctive and has its own emotional and literary tone. As Mr. Gaiman admits himself in the afterword, you can tell the difference between his early chapters and the later ones, as his storytelling skill improves with issue, the last one of the eight issues contained in this volume ("The Sound of Her Wings") being my favourite. I would recommend this graphic novel to fans of horror stories (particularly the sixth issue, "24 hours," so terrifying I just wanted to quickly end it), comic books and just generally of good storytelling.
Very dark but beautifully drawn and written, "Preludes & Nocturnes" contains the first eight issues of the graphic novel "The Sandman." Even though the volume most definitely follows a story arch, each issue is very distinctive and has its own emotional and literary tone. As Mr. Gaiman admits himself in the afterword, you can tell the difference between his early chapters and the later ones, as his storytelling skill improves with issue, the last one of the eight issues contained in this volume ("The Sound of Her Wings") being my favourite. I would recommend this graphic novel to fans of horror stories (particularly the sixth issue, "24 hours," so terrifying I just wanted to quickly end it), comic books and just generally of good storytelling.
interstellarcas's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
froginawaistcoat's review against another edition
5.0
This was great. I understand the hype now.
So much gender found in Dream. I love the way Dream and Death where characterized. It’s perfect. I felt like something new was added to the sandman idea. I’m excited to continue the series.
P.S.
I love when DC universe comics also throw in some Batman references. Scarecrow being in it made me so happy.
I also liked the casual queer elements in it. Didn’t like the single time a slur was used, though. I get the point but don’t think authors who can’t say it should write it.
So much gender found in Dream. I love the way Dream and Death where characterized. It’s perfect. I felt like something new was added to the sandman idea. I’m excited to continue the series.
P.S.
I love when DC universe comics also throw in some Batman references. Scarecrow being in it made me so happy.
I also liked the casual queer elements in it. Didn’t like the single time a slur was used, though. I get the point but don’t think authors who can’t say it should write it.
heidi0902's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
saj_81's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
As a big Neil Gaiman fan it sure has taken me a long time to get to this one. Atmospheric and challenging, Sandman is not for everyone. Some parts were very dark and creepy. I still found myself somehow uplifted and looking forward to reading more.
sterlingprimerius's review against another edition
4.0
A long time ago I borrowed this volume from a friend and absolutely loved it. Now I'm finally coming back to this, and I still love it. I am still sad over the fact I couldn't make it through American Gods, but thanks to The Sandman, I can still get my dose of Gaiman. I should dive into the next volumes soon.
The artwork, though great, might feel somewhat outdated to someone reading this in 2020 or later, but the writing is excellent.
The artwork, though great, might feel somewhat outdated to someone reading this in 2020 or later, but the writing is excellent.
juliereading's review against another edition
5.0
Where has this graphic novel series been all my life? This first volume swings from most horrific to incredibly beautiful, remaining fantastically complex and imaginative throughout - true Neil Gaiman work and perfectly illustrated to boot. I was worried I'd have trouble adjusting to Gaiman in a graphic novel, since my standard fare is black and white words on pages... but I am hooked certainly on this series, if not the medium as a whole.
crystalstarrlight's review
3.0
Bullet Review:
Neil Gaiman is a master storyteller. I like to think of him as the modern fairytale creator. He is adept at creating unique stories that just blow the mind.
This graphic novel is no different, though as early Gaiman works go, it could be seen as "rougher". Make no mistake, it is for MATURE audiences. Rape, brutal murders, drugs - these are just a taste. It can be a bit much, particularly if you aren't expecting it. The art is raw and gritty, perfect for this type of comic, though not my particular favorite.
I mostly enjoyed myself. The first issue was hard to get through - confusing and lots of bouncing around different viewpoints. Once Dream established himself as the MC, things got better.
This collection does nicely tie up loose ends, while keeping things open for new adventures and stories. I will probably be checking out the rest of the series from the library instead of buying them all and be kind to my poor pocketbook.
UPDATE: Okay, so this was nice and all, but I honestly think I was being way too gentle on this because of Gaiman. Gaiman is a master creator and while this isn't bad, I can't believe I'd rate it 4 stars. I haven't gone back to this world and honestly have almost zero desire to do so.
Also, the art was completely unappealing, even as all the fans were leaping and jumping like they were in a revival over how "amazing" this is. I just. Don't. Get. It.
So I'm bumping this to 3 stars.
Neil Gaiman is a master storyteller. I like to think of him as the modern fairytale creator. He is adept at creating unique stories that just blow the mind.
This graphic novel is no different, though as early Gaiman works go, it could be seen as "rougher". Make no mistake, it is for MATURE audiences. Rape, brutal murders, drugs - these are just a taste. It can be a bit much, particularly if you aren't expecting it. The art is raw and gritty, perfect for this type of comic, though not my particular favorite.
I mostly enjoyed myself. The first issue was hard to get through - confusing and lots of bouncing around different viewpoints. Once Dream established himself as the MC, things got better.
This collection does nicely tie up loose ends, while keeping things open for new adventures and stories. I will probably be checking out the rest of the series from the library instead of buying them all and be kind to my poor pocketbook.
UPDATE: Okay, so this was nice and all, but I honestly think I was being way too gentle on this because of Gaiman. Gaiman is a master creator and while this isn't bad, I can't believe I'd rate it 4 stars. I haven't gone back to this world and honestly have almost zero desire to do so.
Also, the art was completely unappealing, even as all the fans were leaping and jumping like they were in a revival over how "amazing" this is. I just. Don't. Get. It.
So I'm bumping this to 3 stars.