It has been a while since I have picked up a graphic novel. I actually read quite a few, especially when I was younger. One of my personal favorites is The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen. However, few can compete with The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman. It is illustrated by Sam Kieth, Mike Dringenberg, and Malcolm Jones III, colored by Robbie Busch, and lettered by Todd Klein. The story begins in 1916 when an occultist named Roderick Burgess intends to trap Death and bargain for eternal life. To his dismay, he traps Death’s brother, Dream, also known as Morpheus. He fears Death will come for revenge, so he keeps Dream trapped. In 1988, Burgess dies and Dream is able to escape but is weakened from imprisonment. To heal his realm and come to full power he must find his totems of power.

This series is one of the best for a reason. It has so many layers. It is full of depth but unbelievably dark and brutal. Neil Gaiman doesn’t mess around when it comes to his craft but this graphic novel is fantastic because of the group effort. The illustrators do a fantastic job collaborating with Gaiman’s writing. Because this story is written under DC Comics, there are quite a few familiar characters and settings. There is John Constantine and Doctor Destiny and Arkham Asylum.

However, my favorite part is when Dream and Death are reunited. They are gods and necessary ones at that. The reason why this is my favorite part is that we see Death ferrying the dead. It is a responsibility and really dives into grief and fear of death.

Overall, this is a phenomenal beginning to this series and I am very excited for the Netflix series.