It was 1988 and I was in my favorite comic book store, my friend and manager Sara showed me a brand new comic on the recently created Vertigo line from DC comics, called “Sandman.” Being a goth at the time, this definitely was along with my kind of book.
I had no idea how to explain this book, except that it was the absolute best narrative-driven comic I ever read. I quickly added it to my pull list, and to this day, I still have the entire 75 issue run.
Groundbreaking, original, are just two words that describe this masterpiece of fiction. Recently Audible has revisited this with the support and aid of the author himself, Neil Gaiman. “The Sandman” audible original features the talents of Neil himself as the narrator, James McAvoy as the central character Dream, Kat Dennings as his quirky and charming sister Death, and many more famous voices.
With original music, this seems more like a classic radio show than so much a book. Neil Gaiman has said himself that bringing “Sandman” to any other media is a great undertaking, and this version is a direct version, nothing from the original comics has been removed but only enhanced. Michael Sheen, recently in another Neil Gaiman’s work, “Good Omens,” returns to lend his voice as the devil himself, Lucifer.
For fans of the comic, it is a faithful representation of this series, and for new fans, it is a great introduction to why this series receives all the praise it richly deserves. Look for it, on Audible.
Written by Ed Carter
