Collects Sandman #21 to #28
Writer: Neil Gaiman
Artists: Kelley Jones, Mike Dringenberg, Malcolm Jones III, Matt Wagner, Dick Giordano, George Pratt and P. Craig Russell
Publisher: DC/Vertigo
Plot:
Morpheus, keeper of the Dreaming is obligated with the task of finding his former love whom he banished ten thousand year's past. His guilt leads him on a journey to hell to rescue his former love but when he arrives, he finds that hell has become a different place. Not the once familiar realm of torture and pain ruled by the exuberant Lucifer Morningstar. Hell is empty save for a few vile creatures including Lucifer himself. He has sent the demons away and having no desire to rule his dominion anymore gives the key to his realm to Morpheus. Now the gods of mythology have come to the dream lord for they each want what once was Lucifer's. The key to hell, and the rightful power that is associated with it. Morpheus has no desire to keep the key for himself and must make a decision that will change the realms forever.
Comments:
Original, eh? The plot seems simple enough, and in truth that is exactly what it is. However, the lack of apparent complexity in the plot is made up for, by the rich characterization and mythology to grace this volume of Sandman. Central and secondary characters are fleshed out and as we learn more about the characters and several themes that run throughout the series are reinforced. Themes of power, love, responsibility, and loyalty are all touched upon in this volume and make for some great scenes of characterization.
Neil Gaiman is a unique writer as his works always draw on ideas of other cultures and mythologies. Likewise all characters in this volume come from certain aspects of human history and mythology including Judeo Christian beliefs, Norse and Japanese mythology as well as Faerie stories. It is a treat to see these characters come alive as each are unique, well developed personalities deeply rooted in the myths that they originate from. Gaiman's love for mythology is apparent as is his well-researched accounts of the mythological characters.
The storytelling is superb. For those of you who have read the previous three volumes will know what I speak of. Gaiman's writing is clever with fun, thought provoking dialogue, characters and setting. He is a storyteller first then a historian into the mythologies he touches upon. His characters are intriguing. Whether through their motives, appearance, or actions, everything is logical and in character as Neil Gaiman knows how to weave an interesting tale, one not necessisarily through the use of intricate plot devices but from the use of well developed, complex characters and themes. We get to meet all of Morpheus's extended family, the Endless whom are all unique and serve selfish agendas. Their family politics in the introduction served as good comic relief and summarized what each of them are about. There are hints that more of the Endless will be involved at greater length in future story arcs.
What Sandman has suffered throughout its run is the variety of artists that have interpreted the work. The variety of art styles I find hurt the overall quality of the story, as the art itself is of varying quality. It would have been nice to have a consistent art team on the book and not have fill in artists every other issue. However, I do commend all the artists for telling the story in a clear and concise manner. The overall impression of the work, in terms of visual style would have worked much better with a regular art team on board.
Final Word:
Another volume, and another chapter turned in the Sandman legacy. This is a well developed, thought provoking story that anyone new to Sandman can pick up and enjoy. If you're interested in how the entire story began, pick up the first volume. But it's not necessary as you get to know the characters and their struggles all in this volume. Season Of Mists comes highly recommended!
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