Book Reviews and Thoughts :: The world of Books and Literature

The fact that you are reading this review allows me to make a safe assumption that you like reading books. Tell me, do you read graphic novels as well?

- Yes? Great!
- No? Ah…I urge you to read The Sandman by Neil Gaiman. And, after you are done reading it, answer my question again.

Gaiman’s story line for the first volume of The Sandman series is simple: A weird wizard in search of eternal life captures Dream – Death’s little brother. Dream spends many decades imprisoned in a glass bottle before escaping back to his Dream Land, which is now in ruins. Here begins Dream’s journey to find the three objects of power, to regain his strength that’ll enable him to rule the Dream Land again.

The author adds a lot of spice to this seemingly simple storyline by introducing Lucifer and other demons from hell (BTW, hell is being ruled in coalition), members of the old Justice League of America, and John Constantine! No need to say, this is a super-treat for any comic reader. Each character of the novel is equally fascinating, be it a writer who waits the tables to gather writing material for herself or the brothers, Cain and Abel. The surreal representation of dreams (or lack of them) of a common man, and the thin line of distinction between the world as we know it and as the King of Dreams sees it, is marvelously treated by Gaiman. However, the character that won my heart over was Dream’s, perky yet practical, big sister – Death. Goth girl at her best!

Gaiman’s brilliant story is well supported by Sam Keith’s illustration most of the time. I especially like the way he has done Dream in imagery, dark, deformed lines. Nevertheless, I’ve seen much better art. In some panels, the illustration actually hinders my reading the text. When the graphics overpower the story, I am slightly put off. But, don’t let this little thing hold you back from reading this graphic novel. I’ve a feeling that once you plunge into this Dream Land, you aren’t going back. So as Gaiman would say, Pleasant Dreams.