Sandman - Gaiman - good compilation?

Monty Burnz

I wonder if anyone can help me - I've only ever managed to read a couple of graphic novels (Watchmen and V for Vendetta, before the films were released ) and I feel I need to read a bit more.

I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a good compilation or starting point in Gaiman's Sandman series, which I'm led to believe is one of the best of the genre? I've a voucher for Amazon.co.uk, so any pointers would be appreciated. And are there any other graphic novels I should be considering? I loved the Sin City film too, but haven't read any of the novels.

MissFlitworth

I'm almost jealous of you that you have all the Sandman books ahead of you

It comes in either a set of 10 compilations or the Sandman Absolute Editions. The Absolute editions would be more collectors items (hardback, weigh eleventy tonnes each, higher quality pics & extra content) whereas the compilations are paperback & readable on the bus without having to take up a whole double seat to yourself.

The compilations are numbered & they go

Preludes & Nocturnes
The Dolls House
Dream Country
Seasons of Mist
A Game of You
Fables & Reflections
Brief Lives
Worlds End
The Kindly Ones
The Wake

Then there are some extras like 'Death, the high cost of living', 'endless nights' etc. etc.

You don't necessarily have to read them in order as some of the stories aren't (on the surface anyway) connected with the overall story arc but I definitely would stick to them in order the first time

(oh, and once your amazon voucher runs out the bookdepository.co.uk would be a great place to get them for cheap)

The Mad Hatter

I agree with everything MissFlitworth said, but I'd add that the writing in the first volume isn't as strong as everything that comes after. He really finds his feet as a writer on about the sixth story, though.