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Neil Gaiman

Colleen Doran

The Absolute Sandman, Vol. 1 Hardcover – Illustrated, November 1, 2006

by Neil Gaiman (Author), Sam Kieth (Illustrator), Mike Dringenberg (Illustrator),

494 ratings

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The Sandman, written by New York Times best-selling author Neil Gaiman, was the most acclaimed comic book title of the 1990s.

A rich blend of modern myth and dark fantasy in which contemporary fiction, historical drama and legend are seamlessly interwoven, The Sandman is also widely considered one of the most original and artistically ambitious series of the modern age. By the time it concluded in 1996, it had made significant contributions to the artistic maturity of comic books and become a pop culture phenomenon in its own right. Now, DC Comics is proud to present this comics classic in an all-new Absolute Edition format.

The first of four beautifully designed slipcased volumes, The Absolute Sandman Vol. 1 collects issues #1-20 of The Sandman and features completely new coloring, approved by the author on the first 18 issues, as well as a host of never-before-seen extra material including the complete original Sandman proposal, a gallery of character designs from Gaiman and the artists who originated the look of the Sandman, and the original script for the World Fantasy Award-winning THE SANDMAN #19, "A Midsummer Night's Dream," together with reproductions of the issue's original pencils by Charles Vess. Also included are a new introduction by DC President and Publisher Paul Levitz and an afterword by Gaiman.

Print length

612 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Vertigo
Publication date

November 1, 2006
Dimensions

9.2 x 2.3 x 15.5 inches
ISBN-10

1401210821
ISBN-13

978-1401210823
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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Comic-book publishers have grown expert at collecting individual issues of a title as graphic novels and later rereleasing those collections with hitherto unpublished sequences, further artwork, and other "bonus" material to entice buffs to purchase the same book twice and thrice. DC Comics brings the game to a new level with the Absolute series of oversized, slipcased, hardcover volumes of landmark titles. Neil Gaiman revived the name of an early comic-book superhero only to give it to a protagonist whose utter difference, and that of the cohort of relatives who took the spotlight whenever he--the Sandman--absented it, refreshed mainstream comics even more than Frank Miller's overhauled Batman had a few years earlier. The Sandman and his siblings are embodiments of the dark forces of nature----death, destiny, and other dismaying elementals. They play out their adventures mostly in contemporary settings that have been completely recolored for the first of four Absolute volumes that will re-present them all. Ray Olson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Neil Gaiman is the New York Times bestselling author of the Newbery Medal-winning The Graveyard Book and Coraline, the basis for the hit movie. His other books include Anansi Boys, Neverwhere, American Gods, and Stardust, (winner of the American Library Association's Alex Award as one of 2000's top novels for young adults) as well as the short story collections M Is for Magic and Smoke and Mirrors. He is also the author of The Wolves in the Walls and The Day I Traded My Dad for Two Goldfish, both written for children. Among his many awards are the Eisner, the Hugo, the Nebula, the World Fantasy, and the Bram Stoker. Originally from England, he now lives in the United States.

Sam Kieth was born in 1963 and started his professional career when he was seventeen. Later on he sold some work to DC Comics and Marvel, where he illustrated Wolverine. In 1987 Kieth drew the first five issues of Neil Gaiman's The Sandman and went on to create his own comic series called The Maxx, which was published by Image comics from 1993 until 1998. The success of the series spawned an award-winning cartoon on MTV, trading cards, a toy, and even some statues. This work is currently in print as graphic novels from DC's WildStorm imprint. Keith's recent work includes Wolverine/Hulk for Marvel Comics and Batman: Secrets and Scratch for DC Comics. He has also created several other creator-owned properties that have been published by WildStorm including Epicurus The Sage and Zero Girl.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Vertigo; Illustrated edition (November 1, 2006)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 612 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1401210821
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1401210823
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.57 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.2 x 2.3 x 15.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #53,164 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #101 in Literary Graphic Novels (Books)
- #108 in Horror Graphic Novels (Books)
- #111 in DC Comics & Graphic Novels

Customer Reviews:
494 ratings

Customer reviews

5 star		90%
4 star		6%
3 star		1%
2 star		1%
1 star		2%

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Top reviews from the United States

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Grace White

Amazing story, terrible binding.

Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2018

Verified Purchase

Absolutely awful binding. Completely falling apart. Very disappointing considering the price. The review is for the condition and quality of the book, not the story itself. (the Sandman series is one of my favorites, and Gaiman is my favorite author.)

31 people found this helpful

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Melinda Romanetz

Obviously the Sandman is an incredible story and everyone should ...

Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2017

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Obviously the Sandman is an incredible story and everyone should read it. But the hardcover absolute collection of the Sandman stories from Preludes and Nocturnes through Dream Country is very flawed. The binding was a mess in that that the plastic spine that held the signatures of pages spilt in half after it had separated from the cloth holding onto the cover itself. This happened before I had even finished my first read through. Lousy binding job, but incredible story. Stick with the paperback or hardcover volumes.

31 people found this helpful

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Inky DigitsTop Contributor: Calligraphy

Amazing collection

Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2018

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I am very happy with this volume; I plan on getting the whole set, plus probably some of the related work (i.e. Absolute Death).

The Sandman stories and artwork are classic. I don't know why this isn't required reading, really, it's all so solid.

This edition is oversized, recolored, and contains extras (examples of early concept art, scripts, etc.)... all worth it in my opinion. It also comes in a slipcase. I read some other reviews that the binding was no good but I haven't had any issues with it.

9 people found this helpful

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Impressive!

Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2020

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So, I am writing an initial review just based on the quality of the book and packaging! I admittedly have never read Sandman and am basically going in cold based on the stellar reviews and reputation and this actually seemed like one of the more price efficient ways to get started (albeit somewhat of a commitment). The packaging was absolutely bomber (box in an amazon box with the thick amazon style bubble packing and book wrapped in plastic wrap, so this thing arrives well protected!). The book is a beast and appears to be made of excellent materials and put together quite well. As someone else I believe commented, the main limitation may be just the size and weight, as I intend on doing much of my reading at night in bed. I very much am looking forward to it! I’ve read the intro and first few pages and just skimmed some of the pages and art and am very intrigued and impressed so far.

One person found this helpful

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Daniel

One of the greatest stories

Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2020

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This is the first book of four, which includes the main 75 issues of Sandman. The art and story is amazing, especially on the high quality, large paper. Withdrawing the seven pound book from it's slipcase and opening it up for a story is one of the greatest reading experiences one can have!

Definitely go with the Absolute editions! It comes to around 3-4 dollars per story, each of which can take 30-60 minutes to read, and are definitely worth reading more than once! And it will keep it's monetary value.

3 people found this helpful

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Garron Seaton

Great read. Buy immediately.

Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2018

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The book came in great condition and is beautiful. The slipcase seems very durable and I love the leather binding on the book. It includes one of those built in cloth bookmarks which is really convenient. I’ve included pictures of the slipcase, the spine of the book and the book itself. If you are considering buying or on the fence about this purchase just go ahead and pull the trigger. It’s become one of my favorite hardcovers in my collection and I plan on collecting the rest of the series in the absolute format.

7 people found this helpful

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orlando

More bang for your buck

Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2020

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Nothing to not like about this purchase. I enjoy the bigger format and updated artwork for how much easier it is to see, especially the dialogue, helps people with poor eyesight and mild dyslexia like me. Also the Hardcover leather bounding makes it look classy on the shelf. A little heavy but comfortable in a lap or reading off a table. Got it for 50 dollars cheaper on Amazon brand new! So happy! Ok back to reading, it’s a real page turner!

One person found this helpful

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J Marcel B de Souza

Absolute Masterpiece

Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2008

Verified Purchase

Comprising Sandman numbers 1 to 20, the Absolute Sandman, Vol. 1 is the first of four oversized, slip-cased hardcover books that will reprint Neil Gaiman's Sandman completely (all 75 numbers, plus some extras). That alone would be highly recommended, but this book has also a new coloring, aproved my Neil himself, plus a new introduction by Paul Levitz, forewords by Gaiman, a copy of the script with sketches for Sandman #19 (A Midsummer Night's Dream) and also sketches from Gaiman and Michael Dringenberg on the Sandman proposal to DC back in the 80s. Ah, and also all 20 covers from Dave McKean.

All of this would mean nothing if the book wasn't really good, and really good it is. Here you'll read the capture of the Lord of the Dreams and his comeback (early collected in "Preludes and Nocturnes"), his encounter with the deadly nightmare "The Corinthian" (previously collected in "The Doll's House), and four short stories from the past of Dream (as seen before in "Dream County" collection). Many great moments from the series are here: the confrontation in Hell with demons over his helmet, the serial killer convention, the encounter with his sister Death, and the already mentioned A Midsummer Night's Dream, the first and only comic book to win a World Fantasy Award.

This book is a work of art, and high recommended. Can't wait to have the 4 of them on my bookshelf!

6 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Tinley

The definitive collection

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 15, 2016

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I have owned The Sandman in almost every iteration, from the original monthly comic books to softbound 'graphic novel' collected works. With Absolute Sandman, I will never need another copy as they are simply beautiful. Each large leather bound tome is encased in a matching sleeve with artwork by the legendary Dave McKean. His distinctive stylings are further reproduced on each cover, with attractive stamped detail and silver lettering. Whether you are an old fan or a newcomer, I can't recommend this set of books highly enough. They are still as fresh and immersive today as the first time I found them, and stand up well as the pinnacle of the author's storytelling powers. I'll forever be appreciative of Neil Gaiman's other work but for me The Sandman is a true legacy.

Volume One begins with a foreword by Paul Levitz. We then are introduced to the world of the Endless with now classic stories, laid out in vivid retouched colour on high quality paper. It's still enthralling for me to follow Morpheus through his imprisonment, or meet his sibling Death in "The Sound of Her Wings" as if it were the very first time. These stories still have the power to captivate, and I make it my business to enjoy them once a year or so. At the end of the book, alongside the original proposal for the series by Gaiman, is a printing of the pencilled Midsummer Night's Dream with notes from the man himself. It's an interesting way to draw back the curtain for the reader, and a fun fresh perspective. A brilliant read.

17 people found this helpful

Greywolf

Absolute Sandman, Volume 1: A Thing of Beauty and a Joy to Behold!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 1, 2020

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I've loved books since early childhood, seeing them as entranceways to other worlds of wonder and imagination. These Absolute editions of The Sandman rekindle that sense of wonder. The smell of them, the look of them, the heft of them, everything about them excites the senses. They are clearly designed to be evocative of both 19th century household Bibles and late medieval magical grimoires. The stories they contain have elements of both. Underlying them all is Neil Gaiman's magical concept of the seven siblings known as the Endless. These immortal, towering entities oversee human existence from the cradle to the grave. They are Dream, Delirium (formerly Delight), Destiny, Despair, Desire, Destruction, and Death. Sometimes they appear as gigantic figures looming above the Earth. Mostly, they adapt their size, shape and dress to the people, places and times where they appear.
In an afterword to one of the later volumes, Neil Gaiman admits that he began work on the Sandman as a regular gig that would bring in a monthly pay cheque. It didn't take him long to turn it into something far more than just another job. In this, he was encouraged by his editor, Karen Berger, who seems not only to have given him an amazing amount of freedom but positively demanded that he take it and run with it wherever the fancy took him. Hence what begins as an apparently straightforward horror comic quickly breaks through the confining straps of the genre and takes flight, going to places few if any comics had explored before.
Even the early stories that most resemble horror comics are remarkably well-written, reflecting the fact that Gaiman is remarkably well-read. The first issue references the notorious 20th century occultist, Aleister Crowley and features a brief appearance by Wesley Dodds, the first DC character to bear the Sandman name. The third issue features DC's very own English master of the occult arts, Mr. John Constantine. Having the whole DC universe at his disposal, Gaiman introduces various alumni of the Justice League and characters from Jack Kirby's awesome Fourth World saga. Later in this volume, Gaiman folds his own flight of fancy into Will Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' a perfect choice of play for a book whose central character is Dream, a.k.a. the Dream Lord, the Changer, or the Sandman. The Midsummer Night's Dream issue is illustrated by the great Charles Vess, the perfect choice of illustrator. This issue is the only comic book ever to have won the prestigious World Fantasy Award for a short work of fiction.
This brings us back to Karen Berger, since I'm assuming she was largely responsible for teaming Gaiman up with the various artists who bring his stories to life on the page. The first few issues are drawn by Sam Kieth and Mike Dringenberg, of whom I'd not previously heard but who do an excellent job. After Sam Kieth drops out, the equally skilled Malcolm Jones III takes over. Chris Bachalo then steps in for an issue, followed by Mike Zulli before Mike Dringenberg returns with the most horrific tale in the entire run, where we meet the deeply unpleasant character known as the Corinthian. Move over Dracula, there's a new murderous menace in town with teeth to put your pointy canines to shame. Often in comics, when artists chop and change the changes in style are jarring and off-putting. With Sandman, they aren't. In fact, you get the impression that artists are being auditioned and selected for the roles they are to play and the stories they have to tell. Gaiman writes in another of his afterwords of the joy that he had in working with artists he trusted to pick up his words and run with them, often with minimal instruction from him in terms of breakdown or layout. The artists clearly loved to have such literate, entertaining scripts to work from.
Speaking of artists, it's impossible to talk about the Sandman series for long without mentioning Dave McKean. His extraordinary photo-montage covers gave each issue of the Sandman its highly individualistic look, making it impossible to miss on the stands. Some of these covers, all faithfully reproduced here, appear almost abstract until you look closely into them, when you find weird hidden imagery floating into or out of focus. They are genuine works of art. McKean has also designed the covers and slip cases of these Absolute editions and they too are a wonder to behold, dark, mysterious, enticing.
As so many others have said, the quality of the writing is what initially raised these stories high above the standard normally expected of a comic book. Add to that the editorial freedom the writer was given and the quality of the artists he was given to collaborate with and you have a nigh on perfect package. There are a few signs in the early issues of a writer finding his feet and discovering his characters, but even these are handled with such panache, wit and intelligence as to be instantly engaging. Then, with issue 19 and the Dream King's encounter with Shakespeare, it becomes obvious that this is a work destined to go beyond any previously recognised comic book genre and become a fully-fledged literary gem that repays frequent re-reading. A triumph for all concerned. And that includes the oft-overlooked letterer, Todd Klein, who goes above and beyond the call of duty, creating entire new fonts to differentiate major characters from one another or to match the style of a particular tale. Just brilliant.
Last to be congratulated are the DC design and production team and the printers who physically put the thing together. These are books as works of art. The thick, sturdy slip case, bearing beautiful Dave McKean designs front and back, looks as though it'll last a lifetime. The book itself, again graced by Dave McKean designs, is bound in jet black faux leather, stamped with silver lettering and an impressed design of a lock and key. The book is about 50% larger in area than the original comic book size, which really enhances the often incredibly detailed artwork. The print quality is excellent throughout, the blacks clear and crisp, the colours perfectly balanced.
I'd read all these stories before in paperback editions, but it has been a huge pleasure re-reading them in this sumptuous format. If you're going to read the Sandman, this is definitely the way to do it. Pick up these volumes while you can. Pass them on to your children and grandchildren (but not until they're at least sixteen unless you want to give them nightmares for life!). These are stories to last the ages in a form to do them justice. Well done, DC!
Hey, I nearly forgot, just to top things off there are 66 pages of extras including the full script and original pencil art for the 'Midsummer Night's Dream' episode. Yeah!

4 people found this helpful

Jacob Smith

Stop contemplating - buy it!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 31, 2020

Verified Purchase

So - Absolute Sandman volume one.
I've seen a lot of people describe the absolute sandman books as the highest prestige format for the sandman series, and, after buying volume one, I'm inclined to agree. In fact, given the price that's currently listed (about £50 each), and the content included, I'd say this is perfect for pretty much anybody even remotely interested in the Sandman books. If you've read the series before, then the absolute editions will be a fantastic addition to your collection and a strong reminder of what makes the series such a classic in the first place. (The recoloring is mainly well done, too. It didn't disappoint personally.) However! I would also recommend the absolute editions to first-time readers, too. Usually, absolute editions work best as a new way of collecting an all-time favorite comic for long-time super fans in a nice hardback and oversized glory, but, in the case of absolute Sandman volume one, I think it transcends this purpose. If you haven't read Sandman before - this book elevates the material significantly, and, I recommend it in this format regardless of your history with the publication. So, in short (TL: DR;) - if you're looking to read the Sandman series, you should look no further than the absolute editions. Your crusade can finally end, for you have found the epitome of graphic novel storytelling. Stop contemplating, and buy it!

2 people found this helpful

Andrew Buckle

Awesome

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 4, 2020

Verified Purchase

I have read all the stories before but it is still a pleasure to re-read them in this new much bigger format and better colour and paper. Has a lovely selection of bonus material as well as a slipcase and a really good quality binding. Was pleased I started to collect this series of books (four more volumes + Death + Overture)

One person found this helpful

River

In LOVE!!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 8, 2020

Verified Purchase

THIS BOOK IS BEAUTIFUL.
I bought it for my bf's birthday as she's a big fan and he was DELIGHTED with it. There's a lot more information and sketches in the back. I'm so happy with it and it got me into Sandman as well. Can't wait to buy the rest of the collection!

One person found this helpful

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