Episode #54 - "So Sad"

[jaflanagan]

http://www.ifanboy.com/images/iFanboy_054_100x100.jpg

Running Time: 00:24:10

The topic of Neil Gaiman's Sandman has long been one of controversy at the iFanboy offices. Ron took up the challenge and read the whole epic, and Conor jumped in too. Did Lord Morpheus, the Dream King have any lasting effect? You will certainly be surprised by what transpires within.

Click here for download info and show notes! (http://www.ifanboy.com/archive/weblog/ifanboy_episode_105.html)

[gungadin]

Silly question: Are there spoilers? I read the first two, and I have 3-10 on deck, and I've managed to make it without spoilers all the way till now... So... yeah. Spoilers?

[paper]

Best intro of all time.

How long did you keep the nails, Ron?

[itsbecca]

Best intro of all time.

Paha. Agreed. Way to take one for the team.

[benjaminsimpson]

Good god, Ron. You are a trooper!

[adelgadorey]

Dear lord, I'm going to have nightmares of Ron's face for weeks. Thanks a lot, buddy—and to think I used to have a crush on you.

*shudder*

[luthor]

Ron totally pulled off the goth look. Good on ya, buddy.

So now that Sandman is done...I'm throwing down the gauntlet: You guys need to read Cerebus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebus).

[esophagus]

I just about cried from laughing so hard multiple times during that intro.

Good show. That's basically how I was expecting Ron to end up feeling.

[itsbecca]

Ron totally pulled off the goth look. Good on ya, buddy.

You know I sat there for awhile thinking, "He actually looks good in that coat." The rest though. No. No.

...

No.


As for the actual subject matter. I've never read The Sandman. It's on that everlong "To Read", but it's kind of a daunting purchase. One of these days.

[esophagus]

I don't know, Sandman has never really had that "goth" stigma for me. I see why it would, I guess just because no one I know who has read it really looks like that.

[s1lentslayer]

I read the first trade but the art was crap and the story didn't really grab me enough to make me want to get the rest. After watching this it confirmed my decision not to continue with it.

[esophagus]

I read the first trade but the art was crap and the story didn't really grab me enough to make me want to get the rest. After watching this it confirmed my decision not to continue with it.
Can I ask why?

Two out of three of them liked it, the one who didn't said he understood why a lot of people do, and they all actually said it gets a lot better after the first trade. Those seem like reasons to read it, rather than not to.

[itsbecca]

Didn't they also say that the artists change (with each arc?) Not saying you gotta like it. Just throwing it out there.

[paper]

Not really a glowing endorsement though.

[s1lentslayer]

Changing artists all the time isn't a good thing for me, I'd like consistency. Plus it sounded like it's a bunch of standalone volumes and half of them don't even have the main character in it apparently. Plus there's no consistent theme from beginning to end. It also seems depressing to me and that's not the mood I want to be in. Plus there's tons of stuff out there that I know I'll like and I'd rather spend my money on that. All their opinions overall sounded like "meh" to me.

[itsbecca]

I hear you (although I would point out Conor seemed to really like it.) The artist thing can really cut me out of a story, but it can work nicely if a good artist is paired with a good story that fits them. Like Queen and Country. But then you get stuck for an arc with an artist you dont like and you're screwed.

[labor_days]

Good episode.

I re-read Sandman not too long ago and thought it was rather good. The thing that struck me was how elegant the book(s) is in tone and writing. It's...beautiful, in a way.

Anywho, enjoyed the vidcast.

[paper]

In my continuing quest for iFanboy behind the scenes bonus content, I demand footage of Ron actually browsing in the Hot Topic.

[bean6344]

I don't know, Sandman has never really had that "goth" stigma for me. I see why it would, I guess just because no one I know who has read it really looks like that.


Agreed. I live in what was Goth Central during the Sandman's print run (Tampa FL) and do not recall anyone with black eyeliner and fishnet gloves shopping in my comic shops (Merlin's [RIP] and Greenshift).

Personally, I equate Sandman more with bringing in female non-comic readers than any other group.

I saw someone throw Cerebus into the ring for future discussionm and reads. I would like to add two other excellent comic runs.

1) Mage by Matt Wagner
or
2) Nexus by Steve Rude and Mike Baron.

-Bean

[luthor]

1) Mage by Matt Wagner
2) Nexus by Steve Rude and Mike Baron.

I think they've talked about Mage a couple of times on the audio show but I'm not positive. Is Nexus really good? I remember always seeing it when I was younger and liking the way he looked but I never picked it up.

[paper]

they definitely discussed Mage at some point.

[jaflanagan]

they definitely discussed Mage at some point.

We all agree that we briefly did, but none of us can remember when.

[bean6344]

Is Nexus really good? I remember always seeing it when I was younger and liking the way he looked but I never picked it up.

Nexus is IMHO one of the finest comics ever. Most of the initial run from Capital and First in the 80s was pencilled by Steve Rude. There were some good fill-ins late into the run w/ some great Paul Smith art, too, but I kinda tuned out of the last year or so until Steve came back on board for the series of minis put out by Dark Horse in the 90's.

The storyline was fantastic (Sci-fi, revenge, mass murder and politics).

The hardcover reprints aren't cheap but they are worth reading.
Bean

[d3isme]

Haven't watched the whole episode yet. But just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the intro! Good on ya, Ron!
Made me think of Phonogram.

[conorkilpatrick]

Not really a glowing endorsement though.

All their opinions overall sounded like "meh" to me.


Hmmm... I know that Josh really loves Sandman and I really, really liked it after reading them all. Perhaps it was our exhaustion that day that tempered our enthusiasm, but Josh and I are very much in the strongly-pro Sandman camp.

I'm tempted to pick up the Absolutes now.

[itsbecca]

I'm tempted to pick up the Absolutes now.

There's this thing about Conor. He's made of money. No literally, I've seen pictures. Solid gold. The video shows are just edited so he doesn't get self-conscious.

In related news, earlier I requested for the first couple trades to come down to my library from their various odd places around the area. So we'll see how that goes in a week-ish.

[humphrey-lee]

Sandman typically gets called Goth for the same reason 80% of the music that 21 and unders that listen to it get called "Emo": because of people who really don't know what they're talking about and are actually pretty ignorant of the source material feel the need to have a reason to rag on something they deem different. Sadly though, since they're usually is at least a small percentage of people involved in these kinds of things that perpetuate the stereotype they can typically point to these people as proof of their prejudice...


And I'm not talking about Ron or anyone here, but as someone who has watched both these examples of mine devolve into these little stereotypes most of the last decade or so.

[benjaminsimpson]

Hmmm... I know that Josh really loves Sandman and I really, really liked it after reading them all. Perhaps it was our exhaustion that day that tempered our enthusiasm, but Josh and I are very much in the strongly-pro Sandman camp.

I'm tempted to pick up the Absolutes now.
They're beautiful, even moreso than all of the other Absolutes which are known for their high quality. The recolouring they did on these is amazing. In fact, the bad colours on the first volume were what made me put down the first trade years ago. This is the ULTIMATE presentation, and I like the anticipation that builds while waiting a year for each new volume. Great extra material, too.

[ronxo]

hey everyone..really quick post as I finally got to a computer

Glad you all enjoyed my transformation - that damn nail polish still isn't 100% off yet!

As for the Sandman stuff, I was very forgiving in this episode - I read the whole run, as I said, I thought it was fine, but still not my cup of tea. Ultimately I don't like it. I wish I had read something else instead of those 10 TPBs, but now I've read it and can at least say I tried and I think I get it why others like it

that said - if you like it, then the Absolutes are must haves.

:)

[esophagus]

Hmmm... I know that Josh really loves Sandman and I really, really liked it after reading them all. Perhaps it was our exhaustion that day that tempered our enthusiasm, but Josh and I are very much in the strongly-pro Sandman camp.

I'm tempted to pick up the Absolutes now.I got the general impression you two both really liked it, but overall it was focused on addressing Ron's criticisms. When talking about a books low points, its hard to make it come across as good.

Despite Sandman being one of my favorite series, I don't actually own my own copies. I think Absolutes will be the way I go. They're so snazzy.

[conorkilpatrick]

I got the general impression you two both really liked it, but overall it was focused on addressing Ron's criticisms. When talking about a books low points, its hard to make it come across as good.

Right. Ultimately, the show was about Ron's Sandman Challenge so it was inevitably going to be mostly about his thoughts on the books.

[esophagus]

Right. Ultimately, the show was about Ron's Sandman Challenge so it was inevitably going to be mostly about his thoughts on the books.Yeah, I wasn't complaining. Just saying that's where I think the impression of negativity came from. Anything to get Ron in strange arm-fishnet-things.

I'm willing to send cash and trades if you agree to do a follow-up show after Conor rereads Lucifer, this time with Conor in the goth attire.

[itsbecca]

Yeah, I wasn't complaining. Just saying that's where I think the impression of negativity came from. Anything to get Ron in strange arm-fishnet-things.

I'm willing to send cash and trades if you agree to do a follow-up show after Conor rereads Lucifer, this time with Conor in the goth attire.

I'm willing to send cash and trades for that not to happen.

Question: What else is notable of Gaiman's in the comic world? I beleive the only thing I've read from him is Marvel 1602.

[esophagus]

I'm willing to send cash and trades for that not to happen.

Question: What else is notable of Gaiman's in the comic world? I beleive the only thing I've read from him is Marvel 1602.Stardust is all I can really recommend. I'm going to assume Miracle Man, but much like me I doubt you'll get the chance to read that.

[dave-accampo]

I'm willing to send cash and trades for that not to happen.

Question: What else is notable of Gaiman's in the comic world? I beleive the only thing I've read from him is Marvel 1602.

My favorites of his works are his collaborations with Dave McKean:

- Violent Cases
- Signal To Noise
- The Tragical Comedy or Comical Tragedy of Mr. Punch
- Black Orchid (only one they did that featured a pre-existing DC character)

He also did a single issue of Hellblazer that's one of my all-time favorites. Can't remember the issue number, though.

The Miracle Man stuff is also very good, if you can find it.

[esophagus]

He also did a single issue of Hellblazer that's one of my all-time favorites. Can't remember the issue number, though.
27, I believe.

[conorkilpatrick]

He also did a single issue of Hellblazer that's one of my all-time favorites. Can't remember the issue number, though.

Hellblazer #27

http://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/16/11314_20051122023839_large.jpg

[dave-accampo]

The guys delivered what I thought was a very fair assessment.

The Sandman was a book that really got me BACK to comics when I was on my way out. I read this book in ISSUES when it came out, starting around the Doll's House storyline. Loved the storytelling, loved the loose interconnectedness of it, loved that Gaiman could branch out and tell all types of short stories that just peripherally tie into dreams and the nature of dreaming.

I think even Ron mentioned the skill and craft involved. And really, so much else is subjective, that I take that as a real compliment to the series. No, it's not gonna be for everyone, but if you like stories about mythology and dreams and where stories and dreams and myths intersect, I suspect you would enjoy this.

The changing artists really do work for this book, IMHO (with the exception of Sam Kieth in the first arc). Because Gaiman tries a number of different storytelling styles and formats, the art changes often compliment the stories being told (not always, but them's the breaks).

One last note: This series is GREAT for getting people (specifically women, as that's who I've often tested it out on) who have never read comics to appreciate comics. In my previous two relationships, I've turned the person I was with onto The Sandman by sitting down and reading it with them.

In fact, I just started reading one volume with a girl I'm dating now. And the guys are correct -- I wouldn't start with the first volume. IN this case, I actually started with several of the stories from Dream Country (Volume 3) -- particularly "The Dream of A Thousand Cats" and "Facade." She instantly recognized that this guy was a talented writer and wanted to hear more.

[dave-accampo]

Hellblazer #27


Wow, you guys are fast!

Yeah, that's it! GREAT ghost story with Dave McKean art!

[esophagus]

So what was everyones stance on Mirror Mask? More of a Dave McKean project than a Gaiman project, but the two go fairly hand in hand for me. Personally, I thought it was much more fun to look at than anything, but that alone got it pretty solid marks in my books.

[dave-accampo]

So what was everyones stance on Mirror Mask? More of a Dave McKean project than a Gaiman project, but the two go fairly hand in hand for me. Personally, I thought it was much more fun to look at than anything, but that alone got it pretty solid marks in my books.

Yeah, it really felt more like a McKean project than anything else. I felt like Gaiman was there to provide a little structure and dialog more than anything else. I enjoyed it but didn't love it.

Anyone ever see the original BBC production of his Neverwhere? It was a low budget, Brit TV sort of thing, but interesting. Again, not my favorite work of his.

My favorite thing he's written really is The Sandman. And after that I'd put his collaborations with McKean.

[esophagus]

Yeah, it really felt more like a McKean project than anything else. I felt like Gaiman was there to provide a little structure and dialog more than anything else. I enjoyed it but didn't love it.

Anyone ever see the original BBC production of his Neverwhere? It was a low budget, Brit TV sort of thing, but interesting. Again, not my favorite work of his.

My favorite thing he's written really is The Sandman. And after that I'd put his collaborations with McKean.
He did an audio recording of two of his short stories, Two Plays for Voices I believe it was called, a few years ago. I might have to say that's my favorite thing he's ever done, just to avoid saying the typical Sandman. One of the stories in it was called Snow, Glass, Apples, it was a retelling of Snow White from the point of view of the Queen. Really liked it. The other story, Murder Mysteries, was a detective story of the first murder to ever take place, as told by an angel named Raguel. That one was definitely the better of the two. I recommend everyone who hasn't gives them a listen. Neil Gaiman's non-comic writing at it's best.

[dave-accampo]

He did an audio recording of two of his short stories, Two Plays for Voices I believe it was called, a few years ago. I might have to say that's my favorite thing he's ever done, just to avoid saying the typical Sandman. One of the stories in it was called Snow, Glass, Apples, it was a retelling of Snow White from the point of view of the Queen. Really liked it. The other story, Murder Mysteries, was a detective story of the first murder to ever take place, as told by an angel named Raguel. That one was definitely the better of the two. I recommend everyone who hasn't gives them a listen. Neil Gaiman's non-comic writing at it's best.


Ah, you're right! I actually have BOTH of those stories somewhere. I signed up for an Audible account back in the day, and those were two of the stories I downloaded. I think Bebe Neuwirth (Lilith from Cheers/Frasier) did Snow Glass Apples and Brian Dennehy did Murder Mysteries.

[humphrey-lee]

One last note: This series is GREAT for getting people (specifically women, as that's who I've often tested it out on) who have never read comics to appreciate comics. In my previous two relationships, I've turned the person I was with onto The Sandman by sitting down and reading it with them.



If SANDMAN doesn't do it, FABLES will. That's pretty much what I've surmised with women and comics. Not that I know anything about women, but I know a lot about comics...

[paper]

Argh, Mirrormask. I liked the beginning and end (the real world stuff). But the middle is a mess. The audiobook isn't bad.

[zombox]

Very funny episode. For the most part I'm with Ron. Sandman was technically (and I mean this in the strictest sense) masterful. Art varied a bit, but was good as a whole. The archetypes and themes, however, do not do anything for me and they don't really make me feel anything.

As to Gaiman's best work, I think American Gods is head and shoulders better. It is much more fully realized than Sandman, has similar themes overall, the characters are more engaging and doesn't wallow so much in what people today think of goth attitudes or emo whining.

[dave-accampo]

If SANDMAN doesn't do it, FABLES will. That's pretty much what I've surmised with women and comics. Not that I know anything about women, but I know a lot about comics...

True, Fables is probably the closest modern successor to Sandman at this point...

[humphrey-lee]

As for the art, on the whole yeah, it was hit or miss, but when it was a hit, it was a BIG hit. Kelley Jones work on Seasons of Mist is fantastic and a joy to see in the oversized Absolute format and I can't wait for the final volume to see the Michael Zulli watercolored art from The Wake blown up. That stuff is downright gorgeous.

The recoloring in the Absolutes makes some of the more "muddlesome" art that even I didn't like so much the first time I saw it stand out a lot better. Those Absolutes are easily the best bound volumes of comics I own.

[conorkilpatrick]

The recoloring in the Absolutes makes some of the more "muddlesome" art that even I didn't like so much the first time I saw it stand out a lot better. Those Absolutes are easily the best bound volumes of comics I own.

Damn all of you!

But especially you, Humphrey Lee....

[dave-accampo]

The recoloring in the Absolutes makes some of the more "muddlesome" art that even I didn't like so much the first time I saw it stand out a lot better. Those Absolutes are easily the best bound volumes of comics I own.

I'll second that. I bought the first Absolute as a Xmas gift for myself, and it's truly one of the best things I own. Beautiful. I may even place the order for the second volume today...

Edited to add: I recently compared my (approx.) 15-year-old Dream Country TPB with the Absolute edition, and Humphrey's right about the differences...

[humphrey-lee]

Damn all of you!

But especially you, Humphrey Lee....

Don't feel so bad, I'm actually double dipping on these damned Absolutes. I'm just hoping I can sell off my TPBs to someone for like, half off when they're all Absoluted.

And they damn well better make sure to include the two Death minis, The Dream Hunters, and Endless Nights in these Absolutes as well, or me and the DC sirs are going to have words...

[dave-accampo]

Don't feel so bad, I'm actually double dipping on these damned Absolutes. I'm just hoping I can sell off my TPBs to someone for like, half off when they're all Absoluted.

And they damn well better make sure to include the two Death minis, The Dream Hunters, and Endless Nights in these Absolutes as well, or me and the DC sirs are going to have words...

Huh. Guess that means I'm triple-dipping, since I own about the first five trades PLUS all the single issues (I think I sold the first few issues at one point though), and now I'm getting the Absolutes.

That said, I guess I don't consider it that bad since this process has been spread over 15-20 years...

Jeez, I didn't even think about that. Are they going to collect Dream Hunters and Endless Nights as part of the Absolute Editions? I bet they don't...I hope they do...

[humphrey-lee]

I'm thinking ENDLESS NIGHTS is going to make the end of the Fourth Volume, as technically it IS numbered as Volume 11 in the Sandman series. The other two I mentioned I think is a doubtful...

[dave-accampo]

I'm thinking ENDLESS NIGHTS is going to make the end of the Fourth Volume, as technically it IS numbered as Volume 11 in the Sandman series. The other two I mentioned I think is a doubtful...

Cool. I didn't realize Endless Nights was numbered.

It'd be nice if the Death minis were included, but I doubt they will.

Dream Hunters: questionable, but not also might not be best suited to the format. I pulled out my volume and just flipped through it. While the layout varies, it appears to be MOSTLY made up of a page of prose followed by a page of art. The prose is tied to the art, so...while they would easily blow up the art, they'd either have to blow up the text or leave a large amount of white space on the Absolute-sized pages.

[esophagus]

Oh, I forgot to mention how much I loved the use of "iFanbase" on the show.

"iFanbase, that's a good one."
"We've been using that for months."
"Oh, I know."

[comhcinc]

I'm tempted to pick up the Absolutes now.

i broke down a couple week back and bought volume #1 (everybody know my stance of the absolutes as being too costly) i have to say while it wasn't worth the money, it is put together very well. the re-coloring is nice and the extras are okay.

[six-gun]

Ron, that look could work for your

[dave-accampo]

i broke down a couple week back and bought volume #1 (everybody know my stance of the absolutes as being too costly) i have to say while it wasn't worth the money, it is put together very well. the re-coloring is nice and the extras are okay.

So was it just the fact that the story wasn't your cup of tea?

I can understand that.

Obviously, everyone knows my stance on the series. And I'm willing to pay for the Absolute Editions of the BEST of the best. The most influential on me. And Sandman fits the bill, and the absolute volume is quite well put-together, as you said. So it was definitely worth my money.

In fact, I placed my order for Volume 2 on Amazon today (and yes, I clicked thru the link on iFanboy ;) ).

[mttskates]

Loved the intro Ron, and Gordon making Salmon, that dude cracks me up.

Good to see a show about The Sandman and somewhat about all of Neil Gaiman's work.

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a question for everyone to help me out with Goth Comics per say and the default answer was Sandman. I was really looking for something along the old AD&D game Ravenloft line but it seems that I had to find some novels to read. So far I have read one. Vampire of the mists : the ravenloft covenant by Christie Golden. If you are into this sort of realm\genre definitely check her out.

[zombox]

i broke down a couple week back and bought volume #1 (everybody know my stance of the absolutes as being too costly) i have to say while it wasn't worth the money, it is put together very well. the re-coloring is nice and the extras are okay.

How many issues are collected in each Absolute? I wouldn't mind owning them, but I'm not going to pay 75 bucks for 8 issues of material of a book I'm just warm on.

[esophagus]

How many issues are collected in each Absolute? I wouldn't mind owning them, but I'm not going to pay 75 bucks for 8 issues of material of a book I'm just warm on.There's 4 absolutes of 11 trades. I'm guessing there's just under 20 issues per Absolute, not to mention extras. Still, if you're "just warm" on it, I'd go with the trades.

[piscespaul]

best intro...ever!

[superfriend82]

is there a best way or order to read them all?

[jaflanagan]

I would recommend just reading them in order.

[dave-accampo]

I would recommend just reading them in order.

If you're in it for the long haul -- if you're a regular comics reader, then I agree with Josh on this.

However, if you want just a taste of the storytelling or you want to give someone a sample, I'd be pretty confident in suggesting "Dream Country" (Volume 3) for a few of the earliest short stories.

[mrpopular]

Awesome intro.

Great episode (I've just started watching)


I got to get reading my Wolverine origins #21 (with Deadpool)



(I heard next month is the last comic of Cable & Deadpool. Deadpool having his own possible story this summer after a 5? issue run with Wolvie... have the Ifanboys talked Deadpool? is so I'd love to download that Episode. DP is pretty much my favorite book I read. )

[conorkilpatrick]

(I heard next month is the last comic of Cable & Deadpool. Deadpool having his own possible story this summer after a 5? issue run with Wolvie... have the Ifanboys talked Deadpool? is so I'd love to download that Episode. DP is pretty much my favorite book I read. )

Deadpool came up - somewhat briefly - in this episode (http://revision3.com/ifanboy/postmodern/).

[d3isme]

Just for the stats.

Female reader, my first "comic" purchase ever was Sandman Absolute 1.
Of course I knew already that I was interested in Gaiman's take on mythology and skewing one's world view, and it was a milestone treat to myself. It was worth the money to me. I even love the slip cover.
And while the first stories weren't quite my thing I did like starting from the beginning.
I think it's 23 issues. Contains the "Midsummer Night's Dream" story (which I believe won an Eisner) which is gorgeous, especially in the larger format.

I loved the film MirrorMask (the book is basically a novelization of). I saw the story as a modern, 'older', slightly twisted version of Alice in Wonderland meets Wizard of Oz that's really about family relationships. The "Close To Me" sequence is stunning and freaky all at the same time. McKean did some great work there (I highly recommend the commentary to the film too).

Someone (sorry for being vague) recently did a graphic novel from Gaiman's Neverwhere, which is my favourite solo novel of his (set mostly in the London Underground). I haven't seen the BBC version yet, but I've heard a lot of good things about it.

Anyways, I think it's great that we don't all like the same things or there wouldn't be so much to choose from. My picks are usually more in line with Josh's, but Ron, I picked up Phonogram based on your enthusiasm and loved that too.

Keep up the good work guys. I love the show.

[jaflanagan]

Someone (sorry for being vague) recently did a graphic novel from Gaiman's Neverwhere, which is my favourite solo novel of his (set mostly in the London Underground). I haven't seen the BBC version yet, but I've heard a lot of good things about it.

That would be Mike Carey with art by Glen Fabry (of Preacher cover fame). I actually missed one of the issues of this, and as such, have never finished it.

Odd, no?

Glad you dug it by the way. For the record, my favorite Gaiman novel is, by far, Good Omens, which is a bit of cheat, because he co-wrote it with Terry Pratchett.

[dave-accampo]

JContains the "Midsummer Night's Dream" story (which I believe won an Eisner) which is gorgeous, especially in the larger format.

LOVE that story. And I don't know if it won an Eisner (probably did), but it's even more famous for actually winning a World Fantasy Award -- the first comic to ever have won that. And, IIRC, they changed the rules after that to make a separate comics category.

So that says a lot, ya know? :)

[dave-accampo]

For the record, my favorite Gaiman novel is, by far, Good Omens, which is a bit of cheat, because he co-wrote it with Terry Pratchett.

You know, despite my love for Gaiman's comics work, I still don't love his novels (or most fantasy novels for that matter -- weird personal bias), but Good Omens is a fun one. Maybe I just like the Omen parody that's in there -- I dunno. But I'm with you on Good Omens.

[jimski]

Female reader, my first "comic" purchase ever was Sandman Absolute 1.

And while the first stories weren't quite my thing I did like starting from the beginning. Really? Really? That's a hell of a "hello"!

[d3isme]

Yeah, really. I know...

But friends had been nagging me for years to try Sandman and I do love his writing. So when it seemed it was time, and that I could either get 4 trades for $50 or buy the absolute (which was $75 on Amazon) it made more sense to just jump in.

And replying to Josh:
About the novels. I don't always "enjoy" Gaiman's novels (which was partly what made me reluctant to add visuals!) but his use of language is amazing.

Good Omens counts!!
Frankly it ranks with me as best book ever. It's tons of fun and totally screws with one's normal world view (Famine selling diet plans in America is a favourite section).


Thanks for the other adds and corrections up there. As new to the environment I don' t always have all the facts together. Cheers.

[52878org]

OK that intro was scary. But a great show sorry I did not post before I have ben super busy. But I will say it one more time that was scary.


I Think Ron is right about how Sandman is knowing as the " goth kids " book. I know I was into this girl. Last year and when I told I love comics she had as me if I had read Sadman and she was goth but she also enjoy Astonishing X Men.


I still never read it and I never went out with her.