Customer Reviews

The Sandman: The Dream Hunters

5 star:		(48)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Personally, I was dissapointed that this book was not told in traditional comic fashion (a technique he has not utilized since the Sandman series itself ended several years ago). However, DREAM HUNTERS is an excellent addition to the Sandman mythology; though it is not quite substantial enough to constitute an "Eleveth Volume" of the story (it is more approximate to one comic-sized issue). This is a moving story, which works on several levels; it is complex, with many details all the more exciting when caught, yet is simple, as a folk tale should be. This story reminds of previous Sandman tales, especially "Dream Of A Thousand Cats," "Ramadan," and "The Kindly Ones," sharing several dramatic parallels with each. After reading this story, I found myself immediately turning back the book to page one to begin again. Vintage Gaiman, DREAM HUNTERS should not be missed.

I found this book while searching for Yoshitaka Amano's illustrations. One of the most notable of living Japanese illustrators, he is still much under-represented in American publications. This is truly a shame, for many are completely unaware of the flowing grace and color of his images. He has a great breadth of style, subject and media, including theater design and stained glass work among his many credits. He is equally at home doing echoes of old Japanese and Chinese prints as he is with bright colors and Impressionism. This is part of what makes 'The Dream Hunters' a treasure.

Neil Gaiman, of course, is much better known here, and in Europe. His 'Sandman' series, of which this technically a part, has achieved a certain legendary status among graphic novels, and such novels as 'Nevermore' and 'American Gods' have proven that he was a writer worthy of respect. The story here is a derivative of a little-known Japanese legend called "The Fox, The Monk, and the Mikado of All Night's Dreaming." This Gaiman retells, placing his own creation, Morpheus, as The King of Dreams.

The tale is about a young Monk living in an isolated temple, who makes a great impression on a fox who lives nearby. She gradually comes to love the monk, but always maintains her distance. One night, she overhears a group of creatures discussing the plans of their master to kill the monk in his dreams. Determined that the monk should live, she sets out to save him. The ensuing story is both touching and unique. And Amano's illustrations rest gemlike within it.

The volume is sumptuously printed, and really deserves a slipcase. Suffice it to say, it will occupy a treasured place on my shelves. Both a love story and a teaching fable, it stays in the mind for some time. In the end, you will agree with the King of All Night's Dreaming: "Lessons were learned. Events occurred as it was proper for them to do. I do not perceive that my attention was wasted."

After being disappointed by STARDUST (Gaiman's story, not Vess' beautiful illustrations), I hesitantly bought this new illustrated book. When I first received it, I quickly flipped through Amano's illustrations, and my trepidation increased since on their own, the pictures were somewhat abstract.

However, once I started the book, all my fears vanished. Gaiman has outdone himself with his lyrical retelling of the Japanese folk tale of the fox and the monk. The story retains the serene bittersweetness that often characterizes Asian stories, and Amano's mysterious illustrations lend a depth and elegance that is simply breathtaking. THE DREAM HUNTERS, though a rather short piece, is an outstanding addition to the Sandman oeuvre that is not to be missed.

I really can't say enough good words about this book. It's written extremely well, and sticks very true to the Japanese style setting. Just so everyone knows...it's not exactly a comic book, but it is illustrated wonderfully. Amano has been my favorite artist since Final Fantasy 3.The art in this book ranges from abstract expressionism to beautiful pictures of the main characters. This just proves Amano is a master of all styles... This book is a MUST have for anyone with taste. (= ]

If you loved the way Gaiman told "Tales in the Sand," "The Hunters," and "Ramadan," this book is a must for Sandman collectors. Gaiman and Amano, an absolutely stellar partnership, each lend an astonishingly poignant perspective to this Japanese folktale. Rich with subtlety and evocativeness, with laudably appropriate references to the Sandman series. The artwork shows an exotically elegant side to Dream. Please read this and begin to see what is exquisite, in beauty and in pain, about utter devotion and unconditional love.

It is good to see that Gaiman settles into his comfortable and familiar style right from the very first few pages. This Japanese morality story suits his peculiar literary lilt. It is the confluence of Gaiman's skills and Amano's visual treat that sets this book apart. However I find Amano's choice of colours on some illustrations harsh and assaulting to the eyes. The Sandman 10th anniversary poster is still my choice as an apt visualization of the Lord of Dreams noble, aloof but sometimes ambiguous nature. Amano's work and textile decor has parallels in the work of Gustav Klimt. Dream Hunters is definitely another step in the evolution of Amano's work as found in Tales of the Genji.

"The Dream Hunters" is a fascinating addition to the Sandman mythology, and now one of my favorites. It is a very successful grafting of Gaiman's modern creation onto traditional Japanese storytelling. Personalities of the fox, the Bhuddist monk, and all the others work well together. The three Fates (or maybe Norns?) appear, too, in a distinctively eastern form. In among them all, the Dream King aka Sandman works in his quiet ways.

This has a somewhat different narrative format than the other Sandman books. It relies more on text to carry the tale, and less on the images. Most two-page spreads consist of text on the left and a whole-page painting on the right, though two-page paintings and even a four-page spread appear. They're all wordless single images, though, not the multiple panels of typical comics. Rather than being the story, the images set the mood of the written tale.

The pictures are beautiful, though. The story holds together well, and shows how versatile a modern myth can be in adapting itself to older traditions. This leaves me wanting see more of Amano's artwork, and maybe more different ways for the Sandman to be interpreted.

//wiredweird

Dream Hunters is more proof as to why author, Mr. Gaiman, continues to earn my loyalty and respect. His storytelling is always textured and fine, like the embroidery of a large living tapestry. The adapted tale blends highly formal Japanese style to his Sandman mythology, presenting an simply told, yet deeply moving story about love, loss, and lessons. His usual choosiness in regards to artistic representation also does not disappoint. Mr. Gaiman's research into his work shows his devotion to the idea that what is old is new and what is new is old. Thanks, again, Neil.

The forces that put Neil Gamain and Yoshitaka Amano together should be roundly thanked. Dream Hunters is a graphic novel that will, for a long time, define what a graphic novel should be. The writing is coherent, detailed and rich without losing the tenor of the story. Morpheus does not "steal" this beautiful story, but only adds to its telling.

The work by Amano is gorgeous, and the inks that appear on the inside covers are some of the most evocative in the book. Simple, yet possessing an energy that preludes wonderfully this wonderful novel.

Gaiman is at his best in this droll folky/fairy tale for adults --- while this is not ADULT in terms of content, I really think a lot of the more subtle aspects would be lost on those who have not had considerable life experience. The lean and lyrical prose matches well with very indeed! Klimt-esque illustrations. Portraying Dream in this Eastern milieu just so vividly points up again the truly universally mythical nature of the character. I wonder at my fellow reviewers here who say they finished the book in a half-hour or less; I spent that much time per each illustration. This is a book to relax with and at great leisure, savor. Well worth the price and absolutely essential for any collections of fantasy, Gaiman, literary fairy tales, and graphic novels. A good introduction to Gaiman's other work from American Gods to the earliest Sandman collections. An elegant confection of literary and artistic matrimony.