The Sandman: The Wake

Hard to believe it’s been more than 20 years since Neil Gaiman ended “The Sandman” comic book. 

But it’s no dream.

It’s true. 

Below the last panel, of the last page, of the last issue of “The Sandman,” Gaiman wrote his name and the dates October 1987 – January 1996.

Perhaps, even more difficult to fathom that “The Sandman” was only around less than a decade.

“The Sandman” had a huge impact on what comic books can be and what they can do.

“The Sandman” is one series which readers should seek in its entirety. Whether the reader is a reader of comic books, a reader of fantasy, a reader who loves stories, a reader who loves fine literature, a reader of any type.

Acquiring the entire run is not difficult. DC Comics has packaged the entire run into a series of 10 paperback collections. Seekers will find some issues in book stores, others they may need to order. It will cost a couple hundred bucks to collect all of them but it’s money well spent.

By the time, a reader concludes the 10th volume, “The Wake,” Gaiman and numerous artists bring the story of Morpheus, the Dream Lord, the Sandman, to full fruition. 

What may have seemed like a throwaway character or line in an early storyline may well have deep impact by the series’ end. Seemingly small incidents reverberate with relevance. Nothing is wasted in “The Sandman.” 

And the beauty, the magic, upon reaching the end, and wishing there were more 20 years after the fact, there is more. As he has become a bestselling author of novels, Gaiman has penned three additional “Sandman” tales in the intervening years. And DC has published them as well. There is also a standalone graphic novel featuring Death (Dream’s older sister).

“The Sandman” run – well worth the hunt.