555 Review: The Sandman: Season of Mists by Neil Gaiman

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Read: 28 June 2009

How I got it…
  • My book pimp lent it to me
  • She was the only one willing to lend me a copy of Sandman.
  • She says guys don't lend out their Sandman graphic novels.
  • It's supposedly a guy-thing.

Why I read it…
  • I am a big fan of Neil Gaiman
  • I've always, always wanted to read a Sandman graphic novel.
  • I was thinking of including it in one of our school reading lists.

What's the story?
  • The Endless--Destiny, Death, Desire, Despair, Delirium, and, of course, Dream--gather for a family meeting which will supposedly be pivotal in causing terrible events in motion; the family meeting descends into a family squabble.
  • Death accuses Dream, or Morpheus, of pride for sending his former lover to hell simply for refusing him; Morpheus realizes his mistake and seeks to rectify matters by trying to release his former lover, Nada, from hell--a no mean feat considering Morpheus' enmity with Lucifer.
  • Morpheus is prepared for battle as he enters hell, but he is surprised to find it empty, and Lucifer friendly, even.
  • It turns out that Lucifer has decided to quit and close down hell; he asks Morpheus to accompany him as he closes hell's gates, then gives Morpheus the key to hell.
  • Now, Morpheus has the key to hell, which he does not want, while gods and creatures from the different mythological pantheons come to Morpheus' door to ask him for the key; Morpheus must now decide whom to give the key to.

What I liked about it…
  • This is my first Sandman graphic novel and, as usual, I love, love, LOVE Gaiman's concept--taking traditional mythology and beliefs and turning it on its head.
  • I loved the concept of the Endless--these personifications of abstract concepts that have been the companions of humans for as long as we've been around.
  • I loved the idea of Lucifer giving up hell; his original non serviam (I will not serve) has still turned out as a service since he fulfills a purpose--that of being lord of hell...
  • Now, Lucifer refuses to serve again, and he does so very calmly and complacently.
  • The ending is awesome, not just because of who gets the key but also because of how hell's new caretakers interpret their task.

What I didn’t like about it…
  • nothing really, except how expensive it is to buy one of these books.
  • What i don't like is limiting myself to only five things i liked about Sandman.
  • I don't like not being about to talk about how the idea of freedom is deconstructed several times over: in Lucifer's several rebellions, in the ending which shows an over-arching plan from God.
  • I don't like not being able to say that the story has two great anti-heroes: Morpheus, with his woundedness, brooding and power, and Lucifer, with his serene detachment borne out of knowledge.
  • I don't like how I cheated by using the last category to talk about the things I like.:-P

Rating:




(What is a 555 Review?)

Comments

Peter S. said…
Hi, Honey! You know what, before I met R., I had this notion that comic books, err, graphic novels are not worth my time. When he gave me my first graphic novel (Gaiman's Fables and Reflections), I was pleasantly surprised! Since them, I've always looked forward to reading graphic novels, especially the ones by Gaiman since he comes up with brilliant storylines.

I haven't read this one yet though. I'll be sure to check it out soon!
December 26, 2009 at 10:38 AM
fantaghiro23 said…
Hey, Peter! I myself haven't read the other Sandman graphic novels, but I borrowed this one because my hubby thinks it's the best among the lot.:)

And yes, same story with my husband and me. I ignored comics/graphic novels until he came along. Isn't it nice when significant others widen your perspective?:)
December 26, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Anonymous said…
This is another title I think I will read this coming year, I might join the graphic novel challenge going around at the moment as i have been wanting to read a bit more graphic fiction, this one is definatley on my list, I also love Neil Gaiman's work. Great review.
December 27, 2009 at 8:06 PM
fantaghiro23 said…
Hi, Book Pusher. Yes, I would definitely recommend that you put this on your list. I've really only read a few graphic novels, but of the lot, this is the best of them.
December 28, 2009 at 2:18 AM
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