Seventeen years after he put the title to rest, Neil Gaiman returns to “The Sandman.” While a revival of this scope definitely gives rise to a lot of apprehension and skepticism, I’m happy to report that “The Sandman Overture” is far from a “Before Watchmen”-esque cash grab.
Written by Neil Gaiman
Illustrated by J.H. Williams IIITwenty-five years since THE SANDMAN changed the landscape of modern comics, Neil Gaiman’s legendary series is back!
THE SANDMAN: OVERTURE heralds New York Times best-selling writer Neil Gaiman’s return to the art form that made him famous, ably abetted by artistic luminary JH Williams III (BATWOMAN, PROMETHEA), whose lush, widescreen images provide an epic scope to The Sandman’s origin story. From the birth of a galaxy to the moment that Morpheus is captured, THE SANDMAN: OVERTURE will feature cameo appearances by fan-favorite characters such as The Corinthian, Merv Pumpkinhead and, of course, the Dream King’s siblings: Death, Desire, Despair, Delirium, Destruction and Destiny.
“People have often asked me what happened to Morpheus to make it possible for him to be captured in THE SANDMAN #1,” Gaiman said. “And now they get to find out. And finding out, they get to learn secrets of the Endless that I’ve kept to myself for 25 years. Family secrets. And I should warn you: one of the Endless dies on page five.”
The first issue of this 6-issue, bimonthly miniseries features a stunning double-page interior foldout.
If you’ve been around comics for any amount of time, you’ve likely at least heard about Neil Gaiman’s “Sandman.” The series rivals “Watchmen” and the “Walking Dead” in its place in public consciousness, and helped launch Gaiman’s career as a best-selling novelist. While stranger things have happened (such as Gaiman getting to finish his “Marvelman” run, for instance), it’s extremely surreal to see the writer return to the book after so many years.
Some will question the necessity of such a return, and cry fowl of cartoonish corporate big wigs with dollar signs in their eyes. Of course, anyone who has read even a snippet of “Sandman” knows the rich depths of the world Gaiman created, and can think of at least one story waiting in the wings to be told. One such untold story has been sitting there since “Sandman” #1, the story of Morpheus’ “great battle” before his long imprisonment. As you likely know if you’re reading this, that’s exactly the story that Gaiman has set out to tell.
Gaiman’s return isn’t the only surreal thing about “Sandman Overture” #1. The entire issue is a psychedelic, transcendental meta-fiction about stories within stories and anthropomorphic embodiments of abstract ideas. Of course, that’s par for the course when it comes to “Sandman.” Gaiman carries the reader through time and space, from distant galaxies, to 1915 London, and back to the Dreaming itself. Best of all, it’s wonderfully rendered by J.H. Williams III and colorist Dave Stewart.
Williams III and Stewart slot into the book perfectly, feeling right at home with “Sandman” artists of times past. Williams carries over the widescreen storytelling he’s known for in books like “Promethea” and “Batwoman,” while continuing to push the boundaries of graphic storytelling. For Williams, each page is a brand new opportunity for experimentation, and as such there are hardly two pages that feel quite the same (that is, outside of the numerous double page spreads). Who needs panels when you can tell a story across the exposed teeth of the Corinthian’s sinister grin, or the well-worn pages of the Book of Destiny? Williams even takes a page from fellow envelope pusher Francis Manapul, incorporating words and lettering into the page layout. The entire issue is an artistic surprise, right up to the magnificent fold out four page spread.
The best part about “Sandman Overture” is its unwillingness to rest on its laurels. While it would be perfectly understandable for Gaiman to treat this as a “who’s who of the Sandman universe,” he goes the extra mile, creating new characters that match the magic of the original series. If George Portcullis isn’t the breakout character of 2013, then I quit comics.
As fantastic as this issue is to behold, it carries the distinction of being somewhat unfriendly to new readers. The choice between catering to those who are well versed in “Sandman” lore and making the book presentable to neophytes is a tough line to walk, and Gaiman is clearly appealing to the former. Still, a fair attempt is made at fleshing out several characters featured, such as the previously mentioned Corinthian and Destiny. In fact, new readers may find the issue’s obtuseness as more of an inherent quality of the story than any lack of knowledge on their own part.
Continued belowThere are a few instances where the story doesn’t flow quite as fluidly as it should. With the crux of the issue resting on Dream’s journey as he is pulled from place to place, the story occasionally feels disjointed. It seems that Gaiman will occasionally begin a thought, only to lose interest and move on. This is perhaps most present in the scenes pertaining to the Corinthian, which, ironically or purposely, have a vague, airy quality. Just like when you are dreaming, the issue often feels as if there is something just outside your field of vision, some crucial piece of information that is the key to understanding your surroundings. If this was, in fact, the intention, then bravo to Mr. Gaiman and Mr. Williams.
Perhaps second only to “Hellblazer,” “Sandman” is one of the best exemplars of the worth and importance of the Vertigo imprint. With DC apparently looking to put some wind back in those sails, it’s only fitting that the series return to lead the way. While each individual reader will likely come away from “Sandman Overture” #1 with a grossly different take, it’s safe to say the Gaiman’s return to the Dreaming is a momentous success. This could be the definitive “Sandman” story that no one expected. “Crisis of Infinite Dreams,” anyone?
Final Verdict: 9.0 – Buy. Unsurprisingly, “Sandman Overture” #1 is one of the most gorgeous and provocative books you’ll read in 2013.
