I find it interesting that so many of the reviews I have read elsewhere are put off more by the lack of colorization than the trivial (and often absent) annotations. The uncolored pages are absolutely gorgeous and add a whole new layer of depth and emotion to the story. What I LOVE about this volume, is that it is presented entirely in black and white. If you are buying this edition for stellar commentary and insight into the creative process, the characters and the world itself, you will be highly disappointed. There are also a plethora of pages where 'In Issue -, this page was followed by an ad page' is the only commentary listed.

Instead, we are left with an enormous amount of blank pages with no comments whatsoever. I would much rather have had in-depth commentaries from Gaiman, the artists and the rest of the creative team. Given what a landmark series The Sandman was and what an influence it continues to be, I expected more profound notes than the history of British rock bands or song lyrics to show tunes. I am hugely disappointed with the lack of commentary on most pages, especially as this was sold as Gaiman's way of jotting down his reasons for writing The Sandman, and his driving inspirations for the stories. There are things I absolutely love about The Annotated Sandman, and things I am enormously disappointed with. Recommended for graphic novel readers who like their stories gothic, mythical and with a sprawling storyline. I suppose we'll have to see how the story develops in the next volume. The characters in that tale weren't necessarily likeable either. But in that one moment, no spoilers but readers know what I'm talking about. Again, I'm guessing that this is a story of redemption. I really disliked the way he treated women- in multiple relationships. I suspect that subsequent volumes deal with this exact issue. His immortal nature has made him unable to understand emotions or even desire to. I found I wasn't a fan of the Lord of Dream himself.

Within these pages, there's serial killers, child abusers, psychotic mental ward escapees, kidnapping rapists- one after another in a seemingly endless parade. In Neverwhere or The Ocean at the End of the Lane, there is darkness, but nothing like this. Neil Gaiman is known for his dark fantasy, but there are usually moments of light. Some of these are nightmare creatures- fatal to humankind. So, he needs to get those back.Īlso, the denizens of the realm of Dream have gone off the rails since their lord has been missing. He's lost his symbols of authority, which are literally pieces of his power. This volume details the Lord of Dream's struggle to reassert his power after being locked away for so many years. Instead, they catch another important figure, the Lord of Dream.

In Sandman, a powerful group of mortals is trying to trap Death itself.

Sandman vol 1 neil gaiman