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The Sandman (Single Issues)
The Sandman #14: Collectors
You’re cordially invited to a convention unlike any other. Where murder and chaos are praised and the depraved urges of psychos are openly celebrated. At this convention of serial killers, the only admission is your life. Hopefully accidental attendee Rose Walker can make it out alive.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 18, 2015
*** FULL OF SPOILERS ***
Definitely one of my favorites. So many great elements it's hard to mention them all. But let's highlight some quotes first:
Description of the Corinthian (or what he should be):
"A nightmare created to be the darkness and the fear of darkness in every human heart.
A black mirror, made to reflect everything about itself that humanity will not confront."
Morpheus' curse:
"Until now, you have all sustained fantasies in which you are the maltreated heroes of your own stories.
Comforting daydreams in which, ultimately, you are shown to be in the right.
No more.
For all of you, the dream is over. I have taken it away.
For this is my judgement on you: that you shall know, at all times, and forever, exactly what you are. And you shall know just how LITTLE that means."
And also you have Gilbert (Fiddler's Green) telling a very creepy and old version of the Red Riding Hood, the unfortunate serial killer fanboy, the "kinda cute" Corinthian with his stylish shades, many references to movies and songs and the (I believe) deliberately unfunny puns like "cereal convention" and "murder a steak".
Just classic and perfect Gaiman.
Definitely one of my favorites. So many great elements it's hard to mention them all. But let's highlight some quotes first:
Description of the Corinthian (or what he should be):
"A nightmare created to be the darkness and the fear of darkness in every human heart.
A black mirror, made to reflect everything about itself that humanity will not confront."
Morpheus' curse:
"Until now, you have all sustained fantasies in which you are the maltreated heroes of your own stories.
Comforting daydreams in which, ultimately, you are shown to be in the right.
No more.
For all of you, the dream is over. I have taken it away.
For this is my judgement on you: that you shall know, at all times, and forever, exactly what you are. And you shall know just how LITTLE that means."
And also you have Gilbert (Fiddler's Green) telling a very creepy and old version of the Red Riding Hood, the unfortunate serial killer fanboy, the "kinda cute" Corinthian with his stylish shades, many references to movies and songs and the (I believe) deliberately unfunny puns like "cereal convention" and "murder a steak".
Just classic and perfect Gaiman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2021
This is getting truly disturbing. Still wondering what Gaiman was dreaming/ feeling..and how he could sleep at night.
August 11, 2022
A convention for serial killers.
Sick. Disturbing. Terrifying. Creepy.
Ingenious.
Sick. Disturbing. Terrifying. Creepy.
Ingenious.
June 16, 2018
A serial killer convention? Yes!! This was SO WELL WRITTEN :)
Read
September 2, 2023Issue #14: Collectors (The Doll's House Part V)
ah yes the infamousserial cereal convention. I love the way they created this unsettling atmosphere that just makes the whole issue super creepy and disturbing, which also makes Morpheus' appearance a big relief (reminds me a bit of 24 Hours). The Corinthian looks so horrifying in the comics, and I'm glad they let him be a bit nicer to Jed in the series. The last page is really haunting as well.
ah yes the infamous
May 8, 2022
باشکوه بود!
چه کلماتی دربارش به ذهنم میرسه؟
Sick, disturbing, genius, creepy, terrifying ...
چه کلماتی دربارش به ذهنم میرسه؟
Sick, disturbing, genius, creepy, terrifying ...
November 20, 2024
“It seemed like the late autumn wind blew them in that night, spinning and dizzying from the four corners of the world.
It was a bitch wind, knife-sharp and cutting, and it blew bad and cold.”
Probably cliche to start a review with a quote, but it is quite literally the perfect start to this issue, and it all ties up very nicely in the end.
That quote introduces us to the setting and characters we will be dealing with, and while we already have some clues from previous issues, it is now beyond any shadow of a doubt that something sinister is about to happen. All of the syntax on this first page sets you on edge to believe that something dark is certain to happen.
The pacing of this issue is what I think sticks out most to me. From that beginning quote, it’s clear the other shoe will drop, and as we continue to navigate the hotel and it’s current residents, you drink in every detail hoping you can figure it out before something terrible happens to Rose.
Enter the Corinthian, and now Gaiman can stop playing coy and really get vivid detail, and immediately after you turn the cover page, you are hit with one of the more gruesome panels of the entire series.
Time continues and we are introduced to other attendees of the Cereal Convention: more details are described that continue to heighten the stakes and there seems to be a certain level of conduct among these people that will have you really question what Gaiman intends to say with this story.
I remember reading this for the first time and essentially thinking “what the fuck?” the entire time. I anticipated that something will go wrong for Rose Walker, and in that anticipation I felt scared for Rose and scared of the characters presenting that danger, as they are inarguably evil people.
More details, more evil. “What the fuck? Why?” Rose has her encounter and then the Sandman finally shows up.
A lot of the most memorable moments from this series stem from Morpheus in dialogue with other characters. I think of them and the demon who stole their helm, and the entire issue where we’re introduced to Death. This exchange between Morpheus and The Corinthian is another example.
We get some more super badass panels, and then Morpheus turns his ire to the convention attendees.
His speech to them reveals another layer to Gaiman’s definition of “dream,” and is one of the most memorable moments from the entire series for me.
In just a few lines of dialogue, the entire tone of the story up to this point is flipped on its head, and that is why I started this review with that quote, because Gaiman ends this issue with a near-identical page, that reads so much differently now:
“The first wind of winter blew from the north, and it had ice and rime on its breath.
It was dirty and sharp and it cut like a razor, and if it touched you, you could wash and wash until your skin was tattered and bloodied, but you’d never be clean again.
It scattered them into the night, the quiet ones with death in their eyes.
But they left more tentatively than they had come, as if they had seen something unholy inside themselves; something they would never be able to forget.”
Perfect, and for so many reasons. One of the longest issues in the entire series, but one of the tightest and most complete single narratives. Will easily end up in the top three of all the issues.
It was a bitch wind, knife-sharp and cutting, and it blew bad and cold.”
Probably cliche to start a review with a quote, but it is quite literally the perfect start to this issue, and it all ties up very nicely in the end.
That quote introduces us to the setting and characters we will be dealing with, and while we already have some clues from previous issues, it is now beyond any shadow of a doubt that something sinister is about to happen. All of the syntax on this first page sets you on edge to believe that something dark is certain to happen.
The pacing of this issue is what I think sticks out most to me. From that beginning quote, it’s clear the other shoe will drop, and as we continue to navigate the hotel and it’s current residents, you drink in every detail hoping you can figure it out before something terrible happens to Rose.
Enter the Corinthian, and now Gaiman can stop playing coy and really get vivid detail, and immediately after you turn the cover page, you are hit with one of the more gruesome panels of the entire series.
Time continues and we are introduced to other attendees of the Cereal Convention: more details are described that continue to heighten the stakes and there seems to be a certain level of conduct among these people that will have you really question what Gaiman intends to say with this story.
I remember reading this for the first time and essentially thinking “what the fuck?” the entire time. I anticipated that something will go wrong for Rose Walker, and in that anticipation I felt scared for Rose and scared of the characters presenting that danger, as they are inarguably evil people.
More details, more evil. “What the fuck? Why?” Rose has her encounter and then the Sandman finally shows up.
A lot of the most memorable moments from this series stem from Morpheus in dialogue with other characters. I think of them and the demon who stole their helm, and the entire issue where we’re introduced to Death. This exchange between Morpheus and The Corinthian is another example.
We get some more super badass panels, and then Morpheus turns his ire to the convention attendees.
His speech to them reveals another layer to Gaiman’s definition of “dream,” and is one of the most memorable moments from the entire series for me.
In just a few lines of dialogue, the entire tone of the story up to this point is flipped on its head, and that is why I started this review with that quote, because Gaiman ends this issue with a near-identical page, that reads so much differently now:
“The first wind of winter blew from the north, and it had ice and rime on its breath.
It was dirty and sharp and it cut like a razor, and if it touched you, you could wash and wash until your skin was tattered and bloodied, but you’d never be clean again.
It scattered them into the night, the quiet ones with death in their eyes.
But they left more tentatively than they had come, as if they had seen something unholy inside themselves; something they would never be able to forget.”
Perfect, and for so many reasons. One of the longest issues in the entire series, but one of the tightest and most complete single narratives. Will easily end up in the top three of all the issues.
February 9, 2026
cuckoo bananas. morpheus/dream whatever you want to call him has so much aura
June 30, 2022
This was a chapter 6 level weird, except it uses tension differently, how chap 6 built up to the thing, and chap 14c you know what will happen, you just don’t know when. Rose was in constant danger in this. And it’s funny because this is the 6th chapter in this arc. So horrific and just weird.
High 10
High 10
November 24, 2020
Although the fan's favorite seems to be "24 Hours", "Collectors" is by far my own most favorite single issue (even though I love many others). The concept, the writing, but mostly the message: serial killers are not cool. I'll love this forever
June 6, 2015
The one with Serial Killer Convention - scary stuff.
August 5, 2020
It looked like the darkness swallowed then up. Perhaps it did.
Read
November 15, 2020دلم به هم خورد! عالی نوشته شده.
September 27, 2021
This one was made of nightmares and terrible vibes. It reminded me of the late 80s when serial killers were so fashionable and everywhere.
May 5, 2022
That was so good, but also so creepy.
November 1, 2024
The Doll's House Part V: "Collectors"
"Oh Grandmother, what big teeth you have."
"The are for eating you, my dear".
Forgotten amidst one of the most memorable issues of The Sandman is Gilbert's retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, a story that presents the naked animalistic tendencies that will be demonstrated later on in this issue.
The Corinthian arrives at the "Cereal" Convention, though it is apparent immediately that this is a gathering of reputable serial killers. It may seem brazen, but the FBI still currently estimates that between 25-50 active serial killers remain at large over the past decade. It's a ghastly concept, but Gaiman and Dringenberg deliver on the concept with dark humor and finesse. Though the premise is a great standalone read, "Collectors" also serves to propel the main narrative forward. Along with "24 Hours", "Collectors" is one of the best of the earlier issues in this entire run.
"Oh Grandmother, what big teeth you have."
"The are for eating you, my dear".
Forgotten amidst one of the most memorable issues of The Sandman is Gilbert's retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, a story that presents the naked animalistic tendencies that will be demonstrated later on in this issue.
The Corinthian arrives at the "Cereal" Convention, though it is apparent immediately that this is a gathering of reputable serial killers. It may seem brazen, but the FBI still currently estimates that between 25-50 active serial killers remain at large over the past decade. It's a ghastly concept, but Gaiman and Dringenberg deliver on the concept with dark humor and finesse. Though the premise is a great standalone read, "Collectors" also serves to propel the main narrative forward. Along with "24 Hours", "Collectors" is one of the best of the earlier issues in this entire run.
January 30, 2018
Apesar de ser uma boa edição, com uma narrativa maravilhosa contando as histórias de todos os serial killers da convenção de forma assustadora e real, ainda assim o fim é um pouco decepcionante. O Coríntio tem um fim tão decepcionante pra um personagem que foi tão hypado até aquele momento.
Parece que o Gaiman tem mais habilidade em narrativa e contos curtos do que em encerrar seus arcos. Eu lembrava de Doll’s House como um grande arco, mas ele acaba sendo só médio, apesar de ótimos momentos e conceitos.
Parece que o Gaiman tem mais habilidade em narrativa e contos curtos do que em encerrar seus arcos. Eu lembrava de Doll’s House como um grande arco, mas ele acaba sendo só médio, apesar de ótimos momentos e conceitos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2020
Gaiman scheitert hier ein wenig an seiner eigenen Idee, die Unterhaltungen der Mörder untereinander sind zwar gewitzt, die Vermischung mit Red Riding Hood ist clever, aber am Ende fühle ich mich doch nur mäßig unterhalten. Die Rolle des göttlichen Richters steht Dream einfach nicht und Fun Land ist ein großes Zuviel an Stereotyp.
May 5, 2020
If the previous one exploded my mind then this one just sent me into the stratosphere! Hot damn! So wonderfully written and executed! Why, oh why Darren has it taken you all this time to read these comics?! Masterpiece is an understatement! I've never read anything close to this in all my life... marvelous!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 6, 2023
Once again I have to write a review for The Sandman; and once again I have no idea where to start.
Continue to be very impressed with the official Audible rework that takes the lack of visual art and replaces with an entire audio-immersive experience. As a fan of audiobooks, I wish all were this way!
Continue to be very impressed with the official Audible rework that takes the lack of visual art and replaces with an entire audio-immersive experience. As a fan of audiobooks, I wish all were this way!
August 17, 2020
Wow, this was sick! Really sick! Have you ever wondered what a convention, for ... what is basically serial killers, would be like? Look no further! More compelling than the train wreck you just had the misfortune to drive past, it's so fascinating you can't help but continue reading. Wow.
February 15, 2021
La confrontación contra el Corintio fue más una enseñanza sobre suprimir esos deseos internos que pueden herir a otros. El misterio sigue siendo un misterio pero no ha revelado todo. Aunque Morfeo ha resuelto algunas cosas, las complicaciones continúan.
June 2, 2024
just a two days ago i was so very wrong in thinking that neil gaiman is just this cool british guy who writes books and comic books. i only previously read marvel 1602
horrible and good and horribly good
horrible and good and horribly good
November 1, 2018
Reminded me simultaneously of Dexter and the Minions movie. Strange and creepy. It's not my favorite in the series so far, but I really enjoyed it. Can't wait to see what is next!
May 25, 2019
Way much better. It has a strange, heavy beginning that lost me but it surprised me in a very good way. Nice.
June 2, 2020
Os arquivos em pdf que tenho estavam invertidos e acabei lendo Collectors antes de Men of good fortune. Mas a história funciona bem individualmente, acho que não vou me complicar!
June 17, 2021
Talk about an unique "cereal" convention! Morpheus displays his power on his minion. Doesn't make much sense, why create a minion like that to begin with? Story keeps being dissonant.
March 21, 2022
Fantastico!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews