A review by byrdies
The Sandman Vol. 5: A Game of You by Neil Gaiman

adventurous challenging dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

My enjoyment of this volume of The Sandman was limited by Neil Gaiman’s portrayal of Wanda, a transgender woman. Wanda’s gender is repeatedly questioned by friend and foe alike
She dies in the end and an epilogue centers around Barbie’s feelings on the matter as Wanda is deadnamed by her family
While there is a time and place for stories exploring transphobic violence, The Sandman is clearly not appropriate for it (nor is Gaiman the appropriate author). This is a shame because I personally really loved all other aspects of this volume, and think it could have been his strongest work in the series if not for Wanda.
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