Sandman Mystery Theatre, Vol. 4: The Scorpion

Sandman Mystery Theatre (collected editions) #4

by Matt Wagner, Steven T. Seagle

Writer Matt Wagner's acclaimed reimagination of the original Golden Age Sandman finds Wesley Dodds still driven by his dreams to fight injustice in the dark of night while trying to make sense of a world slipping into the madness of war. Taking on a twisted anti-capitalist vigilante wielding a poisoned whip, Dodds finds himself closer than ever to death--and to revealing his secret life to his paramour, Dian Belmont.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Crime, Fiction, Mystery, Graphic Novels Comics, Superheroes

99 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2006

About the author

Matt Wagner is an American comic book writer and artist. In addition to his creator-owned series' Mage and Grendel, he has also worked on comics featuring The Demon and Batman as well as such titles as Sandman Mystery Theatre and Trinity, a DC Comics limited series featuring Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wesley Dodds aka Sandman continues to have weird symbolic dreams that only the writer of this tome can figure out.



My guess: it has something to do with a phallus.

Dodds relationship with Dian Belmont is also reaching a tipping point: He loves her and feels conflicted about his double life. Can he continue to hide his alias from her? Luckily (?), for him, Miss Belmont isn’t an idiot and is slowly putting the pieces together on her own.



“Dian, I’m not feeling well and I need to turn in early because my crazy sense of justice compels me to chase down every weirdo in New York at 3 AM. Cocktails and dinner at the Ritz tomorrow evening, say 8-ish?”

All of this kind of makes Dodds a little distracted and not much fun at parties.



There’s another new, poorly costumed, creepy-assed villain in town who had a crappy childhood and has a twisted sense of justice that’s the polar opposite of the Sandman’s.



His name: Scorpion.

His MO: Killing rich smug assholes with a whip poisoned with scorpion venom.

The police slightly less incompetent as in previous volumes still seem to be treading water as they chase down every cowboy in New York City that likes to brandish a whip.



Yippie Ki-Yay!!!

Bottom line: Most of these books are re-reads and honestly, they just don’t have the same sense of pizazz and wonder that they had the first time around. These books are incredibly dense with dialogue, follow a tired formula and don’t hold up that well. Some of the volumes in this series are quite good, none horrible and ultimately, would be of interest to someone who enjoys noir-ish pulpy superheroes.

The art hasn’t improved much; I suppose my not whining about it means I’ve just gotten used to it by now.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as part of Sandman Mystery Theatre Book Two.

[Gavin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It just seems like this series takes a step forward, then a step back...I've already established that the art is NOT the strong suit, even though it could have been. Wesley Dodds and Dian Belmont look like bloated whale faced seniors half the book, and other characters look just like them, making it hard to differentiate in places. No wonder most of the other females are usually blondes.
Also didn't help that the story was figured out PDQ. (by me, not Dodds) It was obvious from the word go. A detective story shouldn't be that easy. I am glad that Wes and Dian got together, and that he's torn about revealing the Sandman to her, and I look forward to where the end of this book will pick up.
Still, all in all, there's something missing for this to be a great series...not bad but lacking.

[Quentin Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume was a more typical pulp style adventure, but was still very good. A killer using a poisoned bullwhip starts murdering powerful businessmen, and Wesley Dodds AKA The Sandman is a powerful businessman himself. See where this is going?

[Liliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite liked this story arc. The killer seemed believable in his actions, and I enjoyed how the Sandman scrambled at every turn to gain the upper hand.

[angelofmine1974]

DNF No stars

I tried to continue with the series but I realized that each volume is basically the same story but with a different killer. I'm ok with stopping at this volume and not finishing it. I understand the origin of The Sandman and that's cool. But I can't keep reading the same story over and over again. Life is too short.

[Zardoz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art and atmosphere of the comic is excellent. The story was lacking though. It was very apparent who the killer was. Hoping to more mystery in this series.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although some comic book series need to be read in sequential order – take for example either Neil Gaiman’s brilliantly original Sandman or Brain K. Vaughn’s Y: The Last Man – SMT doesn’t require that level of exactitude. As I read this series when it was serialized in its monthly installments -- which drove me crazy, I must admit, having to wait that long to see a mystery through to its end – it’s now fun to be able to go to my neighborhood library and pick-up a collected volume of one of Vertigo’s best unsung series of the 90s (perhaps it was its successful sister-title of a related name that overshadowed it?), and devour it in one sitting.

In these early adventures of Wesley Dodds, the Golden Age Sandman of later JSA fame, the grim and gritty streets of Depression-era New York are teeming no just with huddling masses yearning to be free, but also vindictive souls hell-bent on revenge. (Oddly, most of the victims well-deserve their hideous fates.)

In “The Scorpion”, Wesley Dodds – in his day job as a wealthy trust-fund heir looking to do some investing on Wall Street – comes into very close contact with the signature killer who is off-ing the head honchos of a NY-based oil firm. There’s a red herring planted right in the beginning, as well as one amusingly homoerotic diversion that surprised even me. But for anyone astute enough, the killer’s identity is in plain sight – by way of a small fashion accoutrement. Of course, the motive is waiting for it big reveal at tale’s end. Rest assured, this is one case of near-homicide for Dodds that brings him ever closer to Ms. Belmont.

Although I applaud DC and its Vertigo imprint for brining new life to this under-acclaimed series by republishing it in these collected volumes, I do take exception to the flimsy newsprint on which these editions are printed. Would that they instead used a higher quality paper with re-mastered colors. Now that would truly be a dream worthy of Mister Sandman.

[Devero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Con questo ciclo la serie decolla decisamente. Il personaggio de Lo Scorpione è credibile ancora più della Vamp del ciclo precedente, la trama è ottimamente costruita e il lettore arriva al vero colpo di scena finale (che non è l'identità dello Scorpione, chiara fin dall'inizio) tramite indizi disseminati qua e là e raccolti da Dian Belmont. Alla fine il lettore è conscio del fatto che Dian ha capito che Wesley, che sta iniziando ad amare, è Sandman.
Guy Davis lo trovo migliorato nei disegni, la sua resa dei personaggi è decisamente un gradino più alta rispetto al primo ciclo, Tarantula, ed a quello scorso, Vamp. Prende sempre più spessore anche il personaggio del detective Burke, nonostante la continua gag del suo gasaggio da parte di Sandman. Questo mastino di poliziotto già fa immaginare interessanti sviluppi futuri.
Quindi buono l'albo e 5 stelle meritate.

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

On my 4th volume and still good! The Scorpion maintains the high standard of exceptional storytelling. The introduction of a new vigilante, more of a killer targeting wealthy individuals who wronged him and many others, creates a morally complex character that you can almost sympathize with. However, as his violence begins to affect innocent lives, the tension rises. This arc gives Wes and Dian a chance to truly shine, as they expertly navigate multiple storylines. While the artwork can occasionally make it difficult to distinguish characters, it still complements the overall tone well. If you've enjoyed the series so far, this volume will certainly keep you hooked.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sorta complained the some aspects of book two were... just a little off.

But book three (which I read last year) and this book get the series back on track. This felt more like a real mystery. There were at least two suspects. There was an actual motive behind it. It had the standard twists and turns you expect from a good noir.

And it had some great little character moments. I wish I could find book five easily but I can't so again, I will probably have to skip ahead to book six.

[Kris Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't like the paper that they use in these trades. Other than that, this is really good stuff. I really have a thing for the 1930s, even though any time that I get romantic about it I have to stop immediately. Being an Atheist, they would have likely lynched me. Also, it seems like the 'good old days', but the reality of it is that unless you were a white male, it obviously wasn't. Women and minorities were second class citizens, unable to secure jobs with equal pay, etc. So I have mixed emotions about it. I guess I just made too many trips to Greenfield Village as a child.

[Chuck Ventura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is your straight forward noir story. Dodds and the supporting characters are a likeable bunch. The mystery isn't too hard to solve. While I like Guy Davis' sketch-y art, everybody kind of looks the same, so as more and more characters are introduced, it's confusing trying to differentiate between all the names. Personally, I'm a fan of grounded noir stories such as these, but Sandman Mystery Theatre may not have that "umf" comic book readers look for in terms of fantasy, superheroes, etc.

[Shannon Appelcline · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scorpion (#17-20). Wagner seems to have reached a new height in his mystery design here, as we get a very tight story whose main mystery is the motive. But the characters are all well drawn, the progression of the story is precise, and it's overall easy to follow, yet intriguing. Of course, we also get a certain dawning realization that culminates on the final page, which is beautiful to see [5/5].

[Linnea Gelland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Come on Dian, you have all the clues, you can figure it out.

Sandman meets someone a little bit like himself in the Scorpion. The Scorpion's identity is very obvious (even though poor detective Burke keeps getting it wrong), but that isn't really the point of this mystery. Here we have the dilemma of the distinction between good vigilante and homicidal madman.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really finding it's rhythm as it goes, it's been a great run of stories for Wesley and Dian. Looking forward to the next batch!

[Toad Soup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love when Wes finally decides to share info, love you, king

[Mike Jozic · Rating 4 out of 5]

While still a thoroughly enjoyable read I have to say that "The Scorpion" was not as satisfying as the previous volume, "The Vamp". I chalk this up to its straightforwardness and rather predictable plot and villain. I think by the end of the first issue the reader can easily sniff out the red herrings and finger the real murderer. Still, you can't fault the great characterization and period flair by Wagner and Seagle. Wesley and Diane relationship begins to blossom, Burke starts dealing very directly with the idea of The Sandman traipsing around, and poor Humphries is finding it harder and harder to lie about Mr. Dodds' whereabouts whenever Diane comes a calling. Also, Davis' work on the visuals just seems to get better and better. I just love pouring over his layouts and linework. Vince Locke takes over the art chores at the start of the next volume so we'll see if "Dr. Death" can live up to the same very high standard set here.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originaly bought as single-issues, I have the complete collection.

Somehow, Matt Wagner and Guy Davis were the perfect team to bring the original Sandman back.
Where most writers would have updated the character to bring him into the 21st century, Matt Wagner goes way back to his original roots set in the 1940s and gives us a bare bones version of the character.
This isn't a super-hero, he doesn't jump from rooftops, he's faillable, he's a well-rounded, caring human being, heck he's not even muscle-bound, he could probably even lose a bit of weight. You actually get the impression that he has to make an effort to do the things he does. Add to that the more than believable love interest of Dian and you have the setting for some great stories.

These stories should be re-collected into Absolute or Deluxe editions... even if I might be the only one buying them :-)

[Ravenhats · Rating 4 out of 5]

While The Scorpion story is a bit more straight forward then the other stories it still very clever. This story features Dodd's relationship with Dian a lot more, with the story seeming more straight forward then the other volumes. It does make up for this with a thrilling conflict, as The Sandman faces off against the villainous Scorpion, a villain who blames the wealthy for his families demise and wields a large whip poisoned with Scorpion venom. The art by Davis is likewise topnotch, and while the story isn't as original in content it is still highly effective.

[Aleksandar Nikolov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Забелязва се една леееекааа цикличност в сюжета, която лееекоо започва да ме дразни. За момента поне все още ми се нрави, но за напред кой знае?

Ако разделим на четири равни части отделните броеве , ще се види следното нещо.

1. Запознаване с новите персонажи. Които до края на първата част , единия от тях умира , а другия се оказва убиеца...които става известен в третата част.
2. Завръзка. Уесли попада в смъртоностна хватка
3. Уесли ПичеЛи! Йеии! Развръзка.
4. Совите не са това което са. Край.

[Gonzalo Oyanedel · Rating 4 out of 5]

La especulación financiera y su devoradora codicia venganza es el motor de una nueva intriga, donde Wesley Dodds enfrenta la falta de escrúpulos comerciales mientras su alter ego persigue a un vengativo asesino. Todo bajo la cada vez más suspicaz Dian Belmont, quien está a las puertas de dar con una verdad que, lejos de emocionarla, la amargará.

[Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story arc is an improvement to the previous arc, especially with the way Dian progressed and ultimately found out the truths about Wesley. The mystery and the villain (just like the previous arc) were predictable. Another great work by Guy Davis.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vol. 2 & 3 had me doubting this series, but this story re-ignited my interest.

[RorSpike · Rating 3 out of 5]

人类将自己的软弱归咎于金钱。
有钱可以使人堕落，没钱同样也可以
所以究竟是钱的原因还是本性使然。
但是有钱总比没钱好。

[Eric Pecile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of my favourite Sandman mysteries to date.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

An improvement on The Vamp, I figured this one out before the conclusion as well but it wasn't easy (Wagner FINALLY used a decent red herring in this one.) Extra points for the antagonist being plain cool with his costume and poisoned whip!