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The Sandman
The Sandman. Пісочний чоловік. Книга 4: Пора туману
Десять тисяч років тому Морфей, Король Снів, прирік жінку, яка його кохала, до вічного прокляття. У «ПОРІ ТУМАНІВ» Безмежні, інші члени його безсмертної родини, переконують його в тому, що це несправедливо. Аби виправити це, Сон мусить здійснити подорож до Пекла аби врятувати свою вигнану любов. Однак, Люцифер, Повелитель Пекла, присягнувся знищити Морфея, і має для цього витончений план…
Містить випуски: #21-28
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240 pages, Hardcover
First published May 30, 1991
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March 28, 2020
Neil Gaiman is at his best when his imagination is peopled with gods and demons—magnificent, outsize personalities, ranging from the eerily transcendent to the surprisingly human—and the tale he chooses to tell in “Season of Mists” gives him ample room to create a godly and superior fantasy.
The plot is simple. Lucifer abdicates the throne of Hell, sending the damned back to earth, and turns the keys over to Dream. Dream doesn’t really want the property—too vast, too hard to keep up—but a lot of other beings do, including demons, angels, fairies, and (yes, of course) gods): Odin, Thor, Loki, Anubis, Bes, Bast, the Shinto storm god Susano-o-no-Mikoto, and the personifications of Order (a cardboard box carried by a genie) and Chaos (a little girl dressed like a clown). The delightful center of the tale is a grand banquet in the house of Dream, where these beings offer their bids and bribes for the prize of an empty Hell. One of these offers interests Dream greatly: a chance to rescue his lover Queen Nada from the consequences of his youthful anger.
The central story is handled expertly, and the major digression—about dead schoolboys and masters returning to their boarding school during vacation—is very good too.
Gaiman's inspiration for Season of Mists was a remark of Jesuit theologian and anthropologist Teilhard de Chardin: “You have told me, O God, to believe in hell. But you have forbidden me to think...of any man as damned.” An easily resolved paradox, Gaiman thought to himself, provided you empty Hell. The title is derived from Keat’s “Autumn”: “season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.” Although the association of “mellow fruitfulness” with Hell may seem ironic, I believe its message is straightforward. In Season of Mists, Dream does become more "mellow'" dying to unwelcome burdens and ancient rages, and gaining the fruits—a small portion, at least—of peace, reconciliation and love.
Finally, I would like to share with you my favorite part of Season of Mists. Isn’t it funny how often a minor character may fascinate you so much he almost blots out the rest? For me, that character is Breschau of Livonia. This imaginary Eastern European noble (I know he’s imaginary, having looked him up in vain) proudly insists he remain in Hell because of the enormity of his deeds, which he relates in detail, proclaiming “I am Breschau of Livonia.” Lucifer dismisses him with these words: “But no one today remembers Breschau. No one. I doubt one living mortal in a hundred thousand could even point to where Livonia used to be, on a map. The world has forgotten you.”
Not I, Lord Breschau, not I.
January 24, 2014
This is the point in the series where shit gets real.
For one thing, this is the first glimpse you have of how truly mythically all-encompasing this series is. You have Odin, the Lucifer, some Faeries, Demons, a Japanese storm god, Bast and Anubis, two angelic presences, and other assorted powers all hanging out, not just in the same story. But on the same page.
And it makes sense. You're left thinking, oh, yeah. Sure. Why wouldn't Thor be hitting on Bast?
Even more importantly, this is the point where, when I first read it, I thought. "Wait. What? Do you mean that all those cool little stand-alone stories *weren't* stand alone stories? Are you telling me that all these tiny stories (which I loved, and would have left me completely blissed and satisfied all by themselves) are actually all part of a bigger story?"
My mind was blown. And it still kinda is. I'd never seen this done before, and I've never seen it done as well since.
For one thing, this is the first glimpse you have of how truly mythically all-encompasing this series is. You have Odin, the Lucifer, some Faeries, Demons, a Japanese storm god, Bast and Anubis, two angelic presences, and other assorted powers all hanging out, not just in the same story. But on the same page.
And it makes sense. You're left thinking, oh, yeah. Sure. Why wouldn't Thor be hitting on Bast?
Even more importantly, this is the point where, when I first read it, I thought. "Wait. What? Do you mean that all those cool little stand-alone stories *weren't* stand alone stories? Are you telling me that all these tiny stories (which I loved, and would have left me completely blissed and satisfied all by themselves) are actually all part of a bigger story?"
My mind was blown. And it still kinda is. I'd never seen this done before, and I've never seen it done as well since.
July 10, 2017
I find myself at a loss for words whenever I come to review a volume of this series, simply because it is just that good. What is there to talk of that will do it justice? Could I speak of the intelligent weaving of mythological figures with distinctively human personalities? No. Not enough. Could I speak of the literary allusions and most apt references to long dead poets and writers? No. Not enough. One thing I can say with absolute certainty is that
Gaiman is a genius.
This is by far the best thing he has written. As great as some of his other writing is, The Sandman series is on a whole new level. The writing here tackles marvellously big concepts in such a clear and careful way. Dream, Death, Fate, Desire, Delirium, Despair and Destruction are powerful concepts that move human existence. In part, they help to define it. Gaiman represents them as a dysfunctional family, as forces, working to keep the balance within the universe.
Central to this series is Dream. And everybody does it, even the Devil himself. Lucifer has had enough of ruling in hell and wants to go and experience a few new things, only natural really after ruling in the fire pit for thousands of years. Dream grants his request and as such is left with the keys to hell itself as Lucifer goes on seemingly indefinite vacation.
But Dream has his own responsibilities; he can’t be the new lord of hell. So he gives the keys away, though who could be suitable for such a task? All manner of beings come to claim them. Anubis, Thor and Odin, The King of Fay, some demons from hell and even a few of god’s chose angels come to observe the decision making. All appear unequal to the task; they all have their own personal motives and seek nothing but more power. They attempt to manipulate Dream; they use death threats, bribery and even resort to the use of hostages in order to sway him.
Dream, however, is revolute and understands that all power must be balanced within the universe. The central story is very strong, though what I saw here was the beginning of all the loose threads coming together. As grand as this story felt, it is clearly just a small chapter in a much larger story that is only just starting to reveal itself. This series seems to be picking up some momentum. Good things are sure to be ahead.
This is by far the best thing he has written. As great as some of his other writing is, The Sandman series is on a whole new level. The writing here tackles marvellously big concepts in such a clear and careful way. Dream, Death, Fate, Desire, Delirium, Despair and Destruction are powerful concepts that move human existence. In part, they help to define it. Gaiman represents them as a dysfunctional family, as forces, working to keep the balance within the universe.
Central to this series is Dream. And everybody does it, even the Devil himself. Lucifer has had enough of ruling in hell and wants to go and experience a few new things, only natural really after ruling in the fire pit for thousands of years. Dream grants his request and as such is left with the keys to hell itself as Lucifer goes on seemingly indefinite vacation.
But Dream has his own responsibilities; he can’t be the new lord of hell. So he gives the keys away, though who could be suitable for such a task? All manner of beings come to claim them. Anubis, Thor and Odin, The King of Fay, some demons from hell and even a few of god’s chose angels come to observe the decision making. All appear unequal to the task; they all have their own personal motives and seek nothing but more power. They attempt to manipulate Dream; they use death threats, bribery and even resort to the use of hostages in order to sway him.
Dream, however, is revolute and understands that all power must be balanced within the universe. The central story is very strong, though what I saw here was the beginning of all the loose threads coming together. As grand as this story felt, it is clearly just a small chapter in a much larger story that is only just starting to reveal itself. This series seems to be picking up some momentum. Good things are sure to be ahead.
July 7, 2022
Much better than Dream Country.
Or so I thought. And everyone has their own taste, don't they?
But for any of you (like me) who weren't impressed with the wonky one-shot meandering weirdness of the last volume, I thought I should mention that we're back to regular weirdness in Season of the Mists.
Destiny gathers all of the siblings (except the secret missing one) because he sees that something needs to be set into motion.
And set things in motion it does.
After a dressing down from Death, Dream heads back to Lucifer's domain to right a wrong he committed many centuries ago.
And all Hell breaks loose.
For anyone interested in the spin-off character, Lucifer, this is an important volume for him. Maybe the volume, I'm not sure?
But at any rate, it's really after Lucifer leaves Hell that things start to get going in this one.
Dream is left to decide the fate of Hell as powerful entities and representative gods from many pantheons line up at his door to plead their case.
I can't say much without spoiling the story, so I won't.
This was one of the better volumes in that it had a story I was really interested in and laid out in a way that I could follow.
Recommended.
Or so I thought. And everyone has their own taste, don't they?
But for any of you (like me) who weren't impressed with the wonky one-shot meandering weirdness of the last volume, I thought I should mention that we're back to regular weirdness in Season of the Mists.
Destiny gathers all of the siblings (except the secret missing one) because he sees that something needs to be set into motion.
And set things in motion it does.
After a dressing down from Death, Dream heads back to Lucifer's domain to right a wrong he committed many centuries ago.
And all Hell breaks loose.
For anyone interested in the spin-off character, Lucifer, this is an important volume for him. Maybe the volume, I'm not sure?
But at any rate, it's really after Lucifer leaves Hell that things start to get going in this one.
Dream is left to decide the fate of Hell as powerful entities and representative gods from many pantheons line up at his door to plead their case.
I can't say much without spoiling the story, so I won't.
This was one of the better volumes in that it had a story I was really interested in and laid out in a way that I could follow.
Recommended.
May 26, 2015
The story goes to Hell, in more than one sense.
Creative Team:
Writer: Neil Gaiman
Illustrators: Kelly Jones, Malcolm Jones III, Mike Dringenberg, Matt Wagner, Dick Giordano, George Pratt & P. Craig Russell
Covers: Dave McKean
Letterer: Todd Klein
FAMILY REUNIONS, HELLISH KEYS, BOARDING SCHOOLS & DIVINE PARTIES
Yet another impressive introduction to the TPB by Harlan Ellison, denoting again that The Sandman is something else in the middle of the genre of comic books.
Sometimes we can choose the path we follow. Sometimes our choices are made for us. And sometimes we have no choice at all.
This volume has an epic beginning with a reunión of the members of the Endless, well all of them except the “prodigal Destruction” who went awol lefting behind his responsibilities.
This family reunión of the Endless is easily the strongest section of the TPB and a real pleasure to read.
Come in. Everybody’s here... ...and I do mean everybody.
The rest of the TPB and the main storyline developed in this volume has a wonderful premise but that I humbly think that it wasn’t properly exploited to its full potential.
Morpheus, the embodiment of Dream committed an injustice long time ago.
In the volumen The Doll’s House is told the tragic love story of Queen Nada, a mythical ruler of a vey ancient kingdom, and whose sad tale has been transmitted through generations when men reached maturity age. Nada fell in love with Dream, but loving an Endless member is something... complicated to say the least.
Morpheus is going to Hell looking for Nada, since he found her there in his previous trip to the Hellish realm while he was looking for his mask to gather all his lost power during his imprisonment by magic.
Hell is empty. Lucifer quit. Really.
And now Morpheus is left with the Key to Hell. Literally the key to open or to close, Hell.
This unprecedent event will provoke an unique gathering of gods and divine envoys of many origins (Norse, Japanese, Egyptian, Christian, etc...) even embodiments of primal forces.
Everybody wants the Key to Hell and Morpheus is the one who will decide!
At that point, I was astonished, my mind was in neuronal fireworks!
However...
The developing of that hallucinative premise was, mmh... how to say it? ... Simple? Lacking of a real challenge to the main character (Morpheus)?
There were so many possibilities, so many paths to take, a wide open field of odds, and at the end (without spoiling anything) is like... mmh... okay... while more the things change, more remain the same?
Oh, and in the middle of that, you will find also a cool ghost story happening in a boarding school that I enjoyed a lot.
So, while it contains incredible cool characters and a smart narrative, I found the ending, weak and unadventurous.
BUT...
Certainly I will keep reading this epic run of The Sandman, you can bet on that!
Creative Team:
Writer: Neil Gaiman
Illustrators: Kelly Jones, Malcolm Jones III, Mike Dringenberg, Matt Wagner, Dick Giordano, George Pratt & P. Craig Russell
Covers: Dave McKean
Letterer: Todd Klein
FAMILY REUNIONS, HELLISH KEYS, BOARDING SCHOOLS & DIVINE PARTIES
Yet another impressive introduction to the TPB by Harlan Ellison, denoting again that The Sandman is something else in the middle of the genre of comic books.
Sometimes we can choose the path we follow. Sometimes our choices are made for us. And sometimes we have no choice at all.
This volume has an epic beginning with a reunión of the members of the Endless, well all of them except the “prodigal Destruction” who went awol lefting behind his responsibilities.
This family reunión of the Endless is easily the strongest section of the TPB and a real pleasure to read.
Come in. Everybody’s here... ...and I do mean everybody.
The rest of the TPB and the main storyline developed in this volume has a wonderful premise but that I humbly think that it wasn’t properly exploited to its full potential.
Morpheus, the embodiment of Dream committed an injustice long time ago.
In the volumen The Doll’s House is told the tragic love story of Queen Nada, a mythical ruler of a vey ancient kingdom, and whose sad tale has been transmitted through generations when men reached maturity age. Nada fell in love with Dream, but loving an Endless member is something... complicated to say the least.
Morpheus is going to Hell looking for Nada, since he found her there in his previous trip to the Hellish realm while he was looking for his mask to gather all his lost power during his imprisonment by magic.
Hell is empty. Lucifer quit. Really.
And now Morpheus is left with the Key to Hell. Literally the key to open or to close, Hell.
This unprecedent event will provoke an unique gathering of gods and divine envoys of many origins (Norse, Japanese, Egyptian, Christian, etc...) even embodiments of primal forces.
Everybody wants the Key to Hell and Morpheus is the one who will decide!
At that point, I was astonished, my mind was in neuronal fireworks!
However...
The developing of that hallucinative premise was, mmh... how to say it? ... Simple? Lacking of a real challenge to the main character (Morpheus)?
There were so many possibilities, so many paths to take, a wide open field of odds, and at the end (without spoiling anything) is like... mmh... okay... while more the things change, more remain the same?
Oh, and in the middle of that, you will find also a cool ghost story happening in a boarding school that I enjoyed a lot.
So, while it contains incredible cool characters and a smart narrative, I found the ending, weak and unadventurous.
BUT...
Certainly I will keep reading this epic run of The Sandman, you can bet on that!
April 4, 2020
Re-Read, 4/4/20:
Oh, honestly, I shivered throughout the re-read. This is SUCH an important volume for the rest of the tale. And I really can't top my original review, either.
What a great twist this volume is. :)
Original Review:
Now the good stuff really gets started.
Introducing most of the Endless, we discover intrigue with Destiny, some deep sadness in Delirium, friendship in Death, capriciousness in Desire, and maybe a bit of reasonableness in Despair. Dream is there, of course, and he's rightly annoyed with his siblings.
He is, after all, the one who had perpetrated a great crime. Who are they to taunt him?
Ah, Nada. Such a tragic figure.
And she's only a plot hook!
Oh Hell... I'm not going to spoil Hell, but Dream goes back to right his great wrong.
I was so surprised with the outcome. Delighted. Flabbergasted. The implications were enormous and made me giddy with anticipation.
If the Eternals weren't enough to make things interesting, we also get the Aesir, Angels, Chaos, Chinese Gods, Devils, Fae, and Order knocking on Dream's door to threaten, bribe, plead. So totally delicious.
I read American Gods before Sandman, so I was grooving to this tune and this twist in a big way. Hell, this Volume epitomizes everything I love about the Sandman Series. When it thinks big, it thinks BIG. Let's not piddle around the the little crap, shall we? Let's move Heaven and Earth.
Woo! Woo! If only all comics could get this grandiose! (Of course, I later learned that some could get pretty close, but this is my first taste of something really good.)
Oh, honestly, I shivered throughout the re-read. This is SUCH an important volume for the rest of the tale. And I really can't top my original review, either.
What a great twist this volume is. :)
Original Review:
Now the good stuff really gets started.
Introducing most of the Endless, we discover intrigue with Destiny, some deep sadness in Delirium, friendship in Death, capriciousness in Desire, and maybe a bit of reasonableness in Despair. Dream is there, of course, and he's rightly annoyed with his siblings.
He is, after all, the one who had perpetrated a great crime. Who are they to taunt him?
Ah, Nada. Such a tragic figure.
And she's only a plot hook!
Oh Hell... I'm not going to spoil Hell, but Dream goes back to right his great wrong.
I was so surprised with the outcome. Delighted. Flabbergasted. The implications were enormous and made me giddy with anticipation.
If the Eternals weren't enough to make things interesting, we also get the Aesir, Angels, Chaos, Chinese Gods, Devils, Fae, and Order knocking on Dream's door to threaten, bribe, plead. So totally delicious.
I read American Gods before Sandman, so I was grooving to this tune and this twist in a big way. Hell, this Volume epitomizes everything I love about the Sandman Series. When it thinks big, it thinks BIG. Let's not piddle around the the little crap, shall we? Let's move Heaven and Earth.
Woo! Woo! If only all comics could get this grandiose! (Of course, I later learned that some could get pretty close, but this is my first taste of something really good.)
May 31, 2024
After a particularly unpleasant family reunion, Morpheus finds himself planning yet another journey to Hell. Considering the resounding defeat of the demon Choronzon back in Preludes & Nocturnes, Dream is understandably preparing for the worst. Such as moving a meet-up 99 years ahead, should he fail to make the next rendezvous.
With volume 3 leaving me closer to unimpressed than actual enjoyment, I had almost resigned myself to forgetting about the series, but then I remembered that I still have eight volumes to go through. And since one of them is in hard-cover, that seemed like way too much money to justthrow out give away.
To its credit, the volume came with a lot of amazing scenery from Destiny's domain, Hell and Asgard. Some intriguing (even if mainly confusing) back story from other religions, plus some hilarious political negotiations. The character design on the other hand, is still baffling me. I can accept that Elizabethan Dream and 80's-punk Dream only have hair color and skin tone in common, at least the style difference is specifically addressed. But Eve's drastic weight loss between two consecutive frames doesn't seem to serve any purpose...
My favorite part of this volume was by far Lucifer's explanation for Hell's raison d'être. I liked how it made things appear largely fair, yet with the occasional heart-breaking exception... which totally made me want to flip out. I wonder just how many curses I'd get if I tried to shove those sequences in some devout Christian's face? That being said, I think I've been binging The Big Bang Theory for way too long (11 seasons in a month is definitely too much)...
On a somewhat unrelated note: Death showing up for duty rocking 80's aerobic gear makes for a hilarious mix of offensive and awesome.
Score : 3.7/5 stars
Not quite up to the excitement from the 1st volume, but I enjoyed the story, and some of the strange mix of horrific/sensual imagery. I feel like I should be more disturbed by that last bit. Ah well, should anyone ask: all those creepy hentai doujinshi have desensitized me. *cue shifty eyes*
Suffice to say: the series still feels full of potential, and I'm looking forward to exploring more of the details hinted at in this volume.
============
Review of volume 1: Preludes & Nocturnes
Review of volume 2: The Doll's House
Review of volume 3: Dream Country
Review of volume 5: A Game of You
Review of volume 6: Fables & Reflections
Review of volume 7: Brief Lives
Review of volume 8: World's End
With volume 3 leaving me closer to unimpressed than actual enjoyment, I had almost resigned myself to forgetting about the series, but then I remembered that I still have eight volumes to go through. And since one of them is in hard-cover, that seemed like way too much money to just
To its credit, the volume came with a lot of amazing scenery from Destiny's domain, Hell and Asgard. Some intriguing (even if mainly confusing) back story from other religions, plus some hilarious political negotiations. The character design on the other hand, is still baffling me. I can accept that Elizabethan Dream and 80's-punk Dream only have hair color and skin tone in common, at least the style difference is specifically addressed. But Eve's drastic weight loss between two consecutive frames doesn't seem to serve any purpose...
My favorite part of this volume was by far Lucifer's explanation for Hell's raison d'être. I liked how it made things appear largely fair, yet with the occasional heart-breaking exception... which totally made me want to flip out. I wonder just how many curses I'd get if I tried to shove those sequences in some devout Christian's face? That being said, I think I've been binging The Big Bang Theory for way too long (11 seasons in a month is definitely too much)...
On a somewhat unrelated note: Death showing up for duty rocking 80's aerobic gear makes for a hilarious mix of offensive and awesome.
Score : 3.7/5 stars
Not quite up to the excitement from the 1st volume, but I enjoyed the story, and some of the strange mix of horrific/sensual imagery. I feel like I should be more disturbed by that last bit. Ah well, should anyone ask: all those creepy hentai doujinshi have desensitized me. *cue shifty eyes*
Suffice to say: the series still feels full of potential, and I'm looking forward to exploring more of the details hinted at in this volume.
============
Review of volume 1: Preludes & Nocturnes
Review of volume 2: The Doll's House
Review of volume 3: Dream Country
Review of volume 5: A Game of You
Review of volume 6: Fables & Reflections
Review of volume 7: Brief Lives
Review of volume 8: World's End
September 4, 2020
A 2020 reread.
Okay, when I first read I thought: this is obviously very good, but unlike most of the Gaiman universe, I liked the intimacy of volume 3 more than this huge, epic, operatic occasion where Morpheus decides what to do with Hell after Lucifer hands it over to him. But this time I see that this is what Gaiman does best, to alternate between a grand operatic canvas and the intimacy of the simple story. And it is a simple story, a kind of mythical allegory: With some poignancy Dream determines (influenced by his sisters!) that the best thing he could do to right a wrong he did to an ex-lover is to Go to Hell himself and release her (yep, he did that, not okay at all). Then, when he is in Hell, many gods from various worlds vye for ownership of Hell, and he creates ingenious solutions to both dilemmas (especially, that Nada, thus released, becomes transformed into a babe, without memory). What he did--ugh, this doesn't make it right, but it's still a fine sweet ending after all the High Fantasy.
Dream realizes, in other words, that he has made a mistake, as he has himself just been recently released from captivity. He was a colossal jerk, and almost as if human, makes restitution for his sin.
There's another interlude that is deliciously creepy about a kid who goes to a school with ghosts from Hell. It doesn't quite fit with the rest, I think, but I liked it. This Sandman is like the Paradise Lost of comics, an epic, and this volume is as good as it gets. And sets up Mike Carey's Lucifer spin-off.
Okay, when I first read I thought: this is obviously very good, but unlike most of the Gaiman universe, I liked the intimacy of volume 3 more than this huge, epic, operatic occasion where Morpheus decides what to do with Hell after Lucifer hands it over to him. But this time I see that this is what Gaiman does best, to alternate between a grand operatic canvas and the intimacy of the simple story. And it is a simple story, a kind of mythical allegory: With some poignancy Dream determines (influenced by his sisters!) that the best thing he could do to right a wrong he did to an ex-lover is to Go to Hell himself and release her (yep, he did that, not okay at all). Then, when he is in Hell, many gods from various worlds vye for ownership of Hell, and he creates ingenious solutions to both dilemmas (especially, that Nada, thus released, becomes transformed into a babe, without memory). What he did--ugh, this doesn't make it right, but it's still a fine sweet ending after all the High Fantasy.
Dream realizes, in other words, that he has made a mistake, as he has himself just been recently released from captivity. He was a colossal jerk, and almost as if human, makes restitution for his sin.
There's another interlude that is deliciously creepy about a kid who goes to a school with ghosts from Hell. It doesn't quite fit with the rest, I think, but I liked it. This Sandman is like the Paradise Lost of comics, an epic, and this volume is as good as it gets. And sets up Mike Carey's Lucifer spin-off.
December 9, 2020
This is where the series really hits its stride. We finally meet the rest of the Endless as they get together to tell Dream what a dick move it was to condemn his ex-girlfriend to Hell. This sets off the story as Dream sets out to go to Hell and get Nada back. He fully expects Lucifer will kill him which is what makes the issue where Dream does get to Hell so great. (This story also lays the groundwork for Mike Carey's fantastic Lucifer book that will come about a few years later.) And then those moments where we meet the other pantheons, the Lords of Order and Chaos, etc. It's all so fulfilling. This entire story is just one big "Hell Yes!".
This is also where I hopped onto the book back in high school when the local comic book owner told me I should buy an issue. Thirty years later, he's still completely right.
This is also where I hopped onto the book back in high school when the local comic book owner told me I should buy an issue. Thirty years later, he's still completely right.
November 20, 2019
“So I'm back, to the velvet underground
Back to the floor, that I love
To a room with some lace and paper flowers
Back to the gypsy that I was
To the gypsy... that I was
And it all comes down to you
Well, you know that it does
Well, lightning strikes, maybe once, maybe twice
Ah, and it lights up the night” (Nicks: Welsh Witch Music)
When I think about Neil Gaiman’s work, it all comes back to American Gods. This is the book by him that to me is the most identifiable of his canon and the work upon so much other writers have accessed influence. Certainly there have been trans-pantheistic works prior to the 2001 publication of AG, but I think Gaiman put it all together best.
Season of Mists, the fourth collection in the Sandman graphic novel series was published in 1992 and this must have been on Gaiman’s mind when a few years later he began his seminal work. Sandman readers once again visit Dream in his world and we also see Hell and much chaos and confusion. Odin All-father appears, as do Thor and Loki, but his illustration is very similar to how he would later appear in Gaiman’s 2001 masterpiece.
Back to the floor, that I love
To a room with some lace and paper flowers
Back to the gypsy that I was
To the gypsy... that I was
And it all comes down to you
Well, you know that it does
Well, lightning strikes, maybe once, maybe twice
Ah, and it lights up the night” (Nicks: Welsh Witch Music)
When I think about Neil Gaiman’s work, it all comes back to American Gods. This is the book by him that to me is the most identifiable of his canon and the work upon so much other writers have accessed influence. Certainly there have been trans-pantheistic works prior to the 2001 publication of AG, but I think Gaiman put it all together best.
Season of Mists, the fourth collection in the Sandman graphic novel series was published in 1992 and this must have been on Gaiman’s mind when a few years later he began his seminal work. Sandman readers once again visit Dream in his world and we also see Hell and much chaos and confusion. Odin All-father appears, as do Thor and Loki, but his illustration is very similar to how he would later appear in Gaiman’s 2001 masterpiece.
September 1, 2018
I’ve been gradually warming to this series as it’s picked up momentum, and Vol. 4 proved to be a glorious realization of its vast potential. What begins as the weirdest family reunion of all time takes a turn when Dream’s family calls him out for the very douche bag move of condemning his ex-girlfriend to eternal damnation in a fit of pique because she totally wanted to date other people. Dream decides to journey to Hell to save her soul and hijinks ensue, not the least of which involves
I’m not especially enamored of Kelley Jones’s art, but it suits the tone of Sandman well enough to tell a story that is, by turns, dark and twisty and light and absurd. It’s delightful good fun.
Onward to Vol. 5!
I’m not especially enamored of Kelley Jones’s art, but it suits the tone of Sandman well enough to tell a story that is, by turns, dark and twisty and light and absurd. It’s delightful good fun.
Onward to Vol. 5!
June 10, 2013
The speech of Lucifer Morningstar on giving up his responsibilities in Hell would be good enough to justify the five stars review, but there is a lot more to like in this new book of the Sandman comic. Like the old fashioned chapter headings, teasers of events to come and plot twists to discover:
issue 21 : In which a Family reunion occasions certain recriminations; assorted events are set in motion; and a relationship thought long done with proves to have much relevance today.
The prologue brings together for the first time the Sandman's family, at the behest of the Fates (The Maid / Mother / Crone triumvirate we have already met):
Destiny is the oldest of the Endless; he sees the fine traceries the galaxies make as they spiral through the void, he watches the intricate patterns living things make on their journey through time. Destiny smells of dust and the libraries of night.
He leaves no footprints.
He casts no shadow.
Desire Never a possession, always the possessor, with skin as pale as smoke, and eyes tawny and sharp like yellow wine: Desire is everything you ever wanted. Whoever you are. Whatever you are. Everything.
It is said that scattered through Despair's domain are a multitude of tiny windows, hanging in the void. Each window looks out on a different scene, being, in our world, a mirror. Sometimes you will look into a mirror and feel the eyes of Despair upon you, feel her hook catch and snag on your heart.
Delirium is the youngest of the Endless. She smells of sweat, sour wines, late nights, old leather.
Dream is rake-thin, with skin the colour of falling snow. He acumulates names to himself like others make friends; but he permits himself few friends.
There is a tale that one day in every century Death takes on mortal flesh, better to comprehend what the lives she takes must feel like, to taste the bitter tang of mortality; that this is the price she must pay for being the divider of the living from all that has gone before, all that must come after.
The seventh Endless is lost, or playing truant, but that's a tale for another time. For now, Dream has to return to Hell and claim back, Nada, the mortal he sent there after she refused his love.
issue 22: In which the Lord of Dreams makes preparations to visit the realms infernal; farewells are said; a toast is drunk; and in Hell the Adversary makes certain preparations of his own.
The Sandman says good bye to his friends, he knows he may not return from the place he was warned off in an earlier issue. He also makes preparations for his succession: a child born in the realm of dreams is offered as a possible solution. Hob Gadling, one of the few mortal friends of the Sandman makes a cameo appearance and a toast:
To absent friends, lost loves, old gods, and the season of mists; an may each and every one of us always give the devil his due.
My favorite panels in this issue are about The Library od Dreams, a place similar in a way to Jasper Fforde's Well of Lost Plots or to Carlos Ruiz Zafon's Cemetery of Forgotten Books. I hope I will see more of it in future issues.
issue 23: In which the Lord of Dreams returns to Hell, and his confrontation with the lord of that realm; in which a number of doors are closed for the last time; and of the strange disposition of a knife and key.
This is probably the best single issue in the series so far. It looks at the realm of hell as the shadow of Heaven, or more precisely, perhaps, Heaven's dark reflection - like a landscape hanging inverted in the waters of a lake...
I'll quote his rant in full, because it is too good to miss or truncate:
And the mortals! I ask you - why? Why do they blame for all their little failings? They use my name as if I spend the entire day sitting on their shoulders, forcing them to commit acts they would otherwise find repulsive. "The Devil made me do it." I have never made one of them do anything. Never. They live their own tiny lives. I do not live their lives for them. And then they die, and they come here (having transgressed against what they believed to be right), and expect us to fulfill their desire for pain and retribution. I don't make them come here. They talk of me going around and buying souls, like a fishwife come to market day, never stopping to ask themselves why. I need no souls. No. They belong to themselves ...They just hate to have to face up to it.
Lucifer has had enough, he quits, empties Hell of all its inhabitants, locks out the realm and leaves Morpheus to sort out the mess.
I'll stop now with the chapter headings and with the detailed synopsis, after all, it would not do to spoil all the plot points. Suffice to say that Morpheus has a hot potato in his hands and must pass on the responsibilities for managing Hell before the demons and the dead returning to life invade the other realms. He will host a banquet in the Dreaming for all the parties interested - mythical creatures from all ages and cultures (Faerie, Valhalla, Egypt, the Roman Empire, angels, demons, oriental heroes, chaos and order avatars). He will be offered bribes and blackmail and he will have to fight to impose his will on this unruly crowd.
Great stuff with a dose of black humor to temper the horror parts, capital writing, decent graphics that may be sometimes a letdown for me, but are easy to ignore as I follow the story.
Onward to book five.
issue 21 : In which a Family reunion occasions certain recriminations; assorted events are set in motion; and a relationship thought long done with proves to have much relevance today.
The prologue brings together for the first time the Sandman's family, at the behest of the Fates (The Maid / Mother / Crone triumvirate we have already met):
Destiny is the oldest of the Endless; he sees the fine traceries the galaxies make as they spiral through the void, he watches the intricate patterns living things make on their journey through time. Destiny smells of dust and the libraries of night.
He leaves no footprints.
He casts no shadow.
Desire Never a possession, always the possessor, with skin as pale as smoke, and eyes tawny and sharp like yellow wine: Desire is everything you ever wanted. Whoever you are. Whatever you are. Everything.
It is said that scattered through Despair's domain are a multitude of tiny windows, hanging in the void. Each window looks out on a different scene, being, in our world, a mirror. Sometimes you will look into a mirror and feel the eyes of Despair upon you, feel her hook catch and snag on your heart.
Delirium is the youngest of the Endless. She smells of sweat, sour wines, late nights, old leather.
Dream is rake-thin, with skin the colour of falling snow. He acumulates names to himself like others make friends; but he permits himself few friends.
There is a tale that one day in every century Death takes on mortal flesh, better to comprehend what the lives she takes must feel like, to taste the bitter tang of mortality; that this is the price she must pay for being the divider of the living from all that has gone before, all that must come after.
The seventh Endless is lost, or playing truant, but that's a tale for another time. For now, Dream has to return to Hell and claim back, Nada, the mortal he sent there after she refused his love.
issue 22: In which the Lord of Dreams makes preparations to visit the realms infernal; farewells are said; a toast is drunk; and in Hell the Adversary makes certain preparations of his own.
The Sandman says good bye to his friends, he knows he may not return from the place he was warned off in an earlier issue. He also makes preparations for his succession: a child born in the realm of dreams is offered as a possible solution. Hob Gadling, one of the few mortal friends of the Sandman makes a cameo appearance and a toast:
To absent friends, lost loves, old gods, and the season of mists; an may each and every one of us always give the devil his due.
My favorite panels in this issue are about The Library od Dreams, a place similar in a way to Jasper Fforde's Well of Lost Plots or to Carlos Ruiz Zafon's Cemetery of Forgotten Books. I hope I will see more of it in future issues.
issue 23: In which the Lord of Dreams returns to Hell, and his confrontation with the lord of that realm; in which a number of doors are closed for the last time; and of the strange disposition of a knife and key.
This is probably the best single issue in the series so far. It looks at the realm of hell as the shadow of Heaven, or more precisely, perhaps, Heaven's dark reflection - like a landscape hanging inverted in the waters of a lake...
I'll quote his rant in full, because it is too good to miss or truncate:
And the mortals! I ask you - why? Why do they blame for all their little failings? They use my name as if I spend the entire day sitting on their shoulders, forcing them to commit acts they would otherwise find repulsive. "The Devil made me do it." I have never made one of them do anything. Never. They live their own tiny lives. I do not live their lives for them. And then they die, and they come here (having transgressed against what they believed to be right), and expect us to fulfill their desire for pain and retribution. I don't make them come here. They talk of me going around and buying souls, like a fishwife come to market day, never stopping to ask themselves why. I need no souls. No. They belong to themselves ...They just hate to have to face up to it.
Lucifer has had enough, he quits, empties Hell of all its inhabitants, locks out the realm and leaves Morpheus to sort out the mess.
I'll stop now with the chapter headings and with the detailed synopsis, after all, it would not do to spoil all the plot points. Suffice to say that Morpheus has a hot potato in his hands and must pass on the responsibilities for managing Hell before the demons and the dead returning to life invade the other realms. He will host a banquet in the Dreaming for all the parties interested - mythical creatures from all ages and cultures (Faerie, Valhalla, Egypt, the Roman Empire, angels, demons, oriental heroes, chaos and order avatars). He will be offered bribes and blackmail and he will have to fight to impose his will on this unruly crowd.
Great stuff with a dose of black humor to temper the horror parts, capital writing, decent graphics that may be sometimes a letdown for me, but are easy to ignore as I follow the story.
Onward to book five.
May 10, 2016
This is my favorite entry in the Sandman series so far!
Here we learn a lot-for instance, all the supposed stand alone stories in Sandman 3: The Dream Country, were NOT all stand alones. Some of them do have connections that are referenced here.
The introduction by the irascible Harlan Ellison was fantastic. I know he's a curmudgeon, but I adore the man. His description of what happened when one of Gaiman's comic book stories won the World Fantasy Award was freaking hilarious.
I didn't enjoy the artwork in this one as much as I did in previous volumes, but I loved and admired the stories and the writing so much, that I didn't mind. I would have enjoyed these stories with no artwork at all.
It is now becoming clear to me what an epic undertaking this series must have been. The story arc is HUGE and encompasses so much. We have hell and demons and all kinds of creatures from legends and myths and they're all mashed together in a story that somehow makes sense. It's truly impressive and I can't wait to continue on with this series.
Highly recommended to fans of fantasy, Neil Gaiman and graphic novels.
Here we learn a lot-for instance, all the supposed stand alone stories in Sandman 3: The Dream Country, were NOT all stand alones. Some of them do have connections that are referenced here.
The introduction by the irascible Harlan Ellison was fantastic. I know he's a curmudgeon, but I adore the man. His description of what happened when one of Gaiman's comic book stories won the World Fantasy Award was freaking hilarious.
I didn't enjoy the artwork in this one as much as I did in previous volumes, but I loved and admired the stories and the writing so much, that I didn't mind. I would have enjoyed these stories with no artwork at all.
It is now becoming clear to me what an epic undertaking this series must have been. The story arc is HUGE and encompasses so much. We have hell and demons and all kinds of creatures from legends and myths and they're all mashed together in a story that somehow makes sense. It's truly impressive and I can't wait to continue on with this series.
Highly recommended to fans of fantasy, Neil Gaiman and graphic novels.
April 5, 2021
My favorite of the series so far!
I absolutely loved Season of the Mists, the 4th volume in The Sandman series.
Morpheus, aka Sandman has been given a choice to right a wrong from something he did years ago.
But in order to fix this mistake, he must go into hell.
When Morpheus goes to hell to face his demons (no pun intended!), he is given a task that he was not expecting nor wanted.
This task opens up the door for plenty of relationship building (ha!), new characters in the series and great fun while reading along.
I've really loved this series so far. I'm so glad I finally got around to starting it!
I absolutely loved Season of the Mists, the 4th volume in The Sandman series.
Morpheus, aka Sandman has been given a choice to right a wrong from something he did years ago.
But in order to fix this mistake, he must go into hell.
When Morpheus goes to hell to face his demons (no pun intended!), he is given a task that he was not expecting nor wanted.
This task opens up the door for plenty of relationship building (ha!), new characters in the series and great fun while reading along.
I've really loved this series so far. I'm so glad I finally got around to starting it!
August 23, 2021
نمیدونم مشکل از منه، یا از قلم گیمنه، یا کلا کمیک به من نمیسازه ، یا سن من برای شروع این کمیک مناسب نبود، یا...
بزرگترین مشکل این کمیک برای من بی هدف بودن، یکنواختی و سرعت پایینشه. هیچ کلیف هنگری، هیچ تنشی، هیچ نقطه اوج و کلایمکسی نداشت. خیلی یکنواخت داستان های یکسری شخصیت روایت میشد و تمام! هی میگفتم الان نتیجه میگیره الان میفهمم چرا این داستان روایت شده ولی هیچی به هیچی. نقطه اتصال و دلیل روایت داستان هاشون و ربطشون به پلات اصلی (اصلا چی هست پلات اصلی؟) رو نمیفهمم. همش حس میکنم گیمن میخواد یه چیزی بگه ولی نمیفهمم اون یه چیزی چیه و خود گیمن هم تلاشی برای فهموندنش نمیکنه. آدم نمیدونه بالاخره با یه داستان ساده طرفه یا یه داستان عمیق که به صورت ساده روایت میشه🤦 فقط یه مشت دیالوگ طولانی بدون داستانسرایی! کاراکترها هم همه تک بعدی و ساده و کلا یه جوری بودن. از مورفیوس و خواهر برادرهاش که مرکز داستانن تا کاراکترهای فرعی! و امان از تکرار! تو هر جلد هی میگه مورفیوس فلان، قلمروش فلان، قدرتش فلان! بعد جلد بعدی دوباره از اول، مورفیوس فلان قلمروش فلان،...!! بابا فهمیدیم به خدا! خود شخص مورفیوس هم که عزیز کرده یه قدرتی داره فرای هرچی موجود ازلی و غیر ازلیه! خصوصا تو این جلد! آرت کمیک رو هم اصلا دوست نداشتم و بنظرم جلد به جلد بدتر و زشت تر شد حالا چه هدفی تو این مدل گرافیکه الله اعلم! من که خوشم نیومد
خلاصه که فکر کنم بیش از حد تحت تأثیر هایپ سندمن قرارگرفتم و همینجا دیگه ولش میکنم. به هرحال چهار جلد از یازده جلد رو خوندم و اگه قرار بود نقطه آغازی برای پلات اصلی و هدف داستان وجود داشته باشه تا الان دیگه باید خودش رو نشون میداد
بزرگترین مشکل این کمیک برای من بی هدف بودن، یکنواختی و سرعت پایینشه. هیچ کلیف هنگری، هیچ تنشی، هیچ نقطه اوج و کلایمکسی نداشت. خیلی یکنواخت داستان های یکسری شخصیت روایت میشد و تمام! هی میگفتم الان نتیجه میگیره الان میفهمم چرا این داستان روایت شده ولی هیچی به هیچی. نقطه اتصال و دلیل روایت داستان هاشون و ربطشون به پلات اصلی (اصلا چی هست پلات اصلی؟) رو نمیفهمم. همش حس میکنم گیمن میخواد یه چیزی بگه ولی نمیفهمم اون یه چیزی چیه و خود گیمن هم تلاشی برای فهموندنش نمیکنه. آدم نمیدونه بالاخره با یه داستان ساده طرفه یا یه داستان عمیق که به صورت ساده روایت میشه🤦 فقط یه مشت دیالوگ طولانی بدون داستانسرایی! کاراکترها هم همه تک بعدی و ساده و کلا یه جوری بودن. از مورفیوس و خواهر برادرهاش که مرکز داستانن تا کاراکترهای فرعی! و امان از تکرار! تو هر جلد هی میگه مورفیوس فلان، قلمروش فلان، قدرتش فلان! بعد جلد بعدی دوباره از اول، مورفیوس فلان قلمروش فلان،...!! بابا فهمیدیم به خدا! خود شخص مورفیوس هم که عزیز کرده یه قدرتی داره فرای هرچی موجود ازلی و غیر ازلیه! خصوصا تو این جلد! آرت کمیک رو هم اصلا دوست نداشتم و بنظرم جلد به جلد بدتر و زشت تر شد حالا چه هدفی تو این مدل گرافیکه الله اعلم! من که خوشم نیومد
خلاصه که فکر کنم بیش از حد تحت تأثیر هایپ سندمن قرارگرفتم و همینجا دیگه ولش میکنم. به هرحال چهار جلد از یازده جلد رو خوندم و اگه قرار بود نقطه آغازی برای پلات اصلی و هدف داستان وجود داشته باشه تا الان دیگه باید خودش رو نشون میداد
April 11, 2019
3,5*
Σε αυτό τον τέταρτο τόμο είχαμε μια οικογενειακή συνάντηση των Endless, την εμφάνιση μιας παλιάς αγαπημένης, τον Lucifer που βαρέθηκε να είναι ο κυρίαρχος της Κόλασης, νεκρούς που κυκλοφορούν ελεύθεροι, ένα κλειδί και πολύ κόσμο που το διεκδικεί. Πολλά πράγματα μαζεμένα, είχε κάποια πολύ ωραία κομμάτια που είχαν ενδιαφέρον αλλά κάποιες άλλες φορές βαριόμουν και λίγο........γούστο είχε αλλά όχι από τους αγαπημένους μου τόμους.......
(*επίσης οι άγγελοι ελπίζω να μην ξαναεμφανιστούν! τα γράμματα με τα οποία μιλούσαν με πέθαναν!!)
η άποψη μου για όλη τη σειρά εδώ:
https://wordpress64426.wordpress.com/...
Σε αυτό τον τέταρτο τόμο είχαμε μια οικογενειακή συνάντηση των Endless, την εμφάνιση μιας παλιάς αγαπημένης, τον Lucifer που βαρέθηκε να είναι ο κυρίαρχος της Κόλασης, νεκρούς που κυκλοφορούν ελεύθεροι, ένα κλειδί και πολύ κόσμο που το διεκδικεί. Πολλά πράγματα μαζεμένα, είχε κάποια πολύ ωραία κομμάτια που είχαν ενδιαφέρον αλλά κάποιες άλλες φορές βαριόμουν και λίγο........γούστο είχε αλλά όχι από τους αγαπημένους μου τόμους.......
(*επίσης οι άγγελοι ελπίζω να μην ξαναεμφανιστούν! τα γράμματα με τα οποία μιλούσαν με πέθαναν!!)
η άποψη μου για όλη τη σειρά εδώ:
https://wordpress64426.wordpress.com/...
January 31, 2021
“Why do they blame me for all their little failings? They use my name as if I spent my entire days sitting on their shoulders, forcing them to commit acts they would otherwise find repulsive. 'The devil made me do it.' I have never made one of them do anything. Never. They live their own tiny lives. I do not live their lives for them.”
― Neil Gaiman, Season of Mists
I continue to be in awe of Neil Gaiman, and The Sandman. This is one of those fictional worlds that I can't help but wish I could be a part of somehow. It feels incredibly real to me and I'm deeply fascinated with all of it. I'm trying to slow my reading pace down a little as I only have one volume left in my omnibus, and I think it'll be a little while before I can get a hold of volumes II and III. My local library has copies of most volumes, so I may borrow those until I am able to buy my own if the wait proves too long. It's good to have the option there if I need it!
I found the family gathering, featuring most of the Endless, absolutely gripping reading. Death continues to the character I am most enamoured with, but her other siblings are wonderfully interesting as well. Destiny and Delirium are the two other's I really want to know more about. There is also another mention of the mysterious missing sibling. I spent far too much time on Pinterest going through Sandman art before I actually started reading the books, but thankfully I didn't come across anything that gave away the identity of this brother. I'm pleased that I'll get to experience that in the course of reading (if we ever find out of course. I suppose there are no guarantees!)
Death and Dream's conversation about Nada was one of my favourites. I love Morpheus, but I also love when his sister calls him out on his self-involved bullshit. Sometimes he needs it! Funnily enough, Desire is the one who brings it up first, and while they are right, I disliked their way of going about it. But that's what makes them such an engaging character.
We return to Hell, and now Lucifer looks less like 1970's David Bowie and more like a blonde character from Baywatch with wings. He abdicates as Hell's ruler and gives the key to Dream. I have to say I hadn't expected this move at all. I know Lucifer has his own series, and I do intend to read it. Maybe I'll watch the show at some point too, though I do prefer to read first when I can. When he had Dream cut off his wings I was cringing away from the page -- it was so awful!
So, now Morpheus has the key to Hell's gates and has to decide what to do with it. It seems everyone wants it, from Odin (with Thor and Loki in tow); Anubis, Bast, and Bes; Susano-o-no-Mikoto; Azazel, Choronzon and Merkin; Order; Chaos; A faerie called Cluracan and his sister Nuala; Angels named Duma and Remiel are sent to observe proceedings. I loved everything about this, from Dream's formal wear that he dons when welcoming all the guests to his realm, to the 'entertainment' provided by Cain and Abel, to the conversations held with each of the immortals vying for the key.
In Which the Dead Return; and Charles Rowland Concludes His Education was a wonderful diversion from these grand proceedings, and provided the unexpected joy of Death wearing workout gear! I hope they include this moment in the TV show.
It's hard to believe I only started reading this earlier this month. I feel like I've been reading it for the longest time, in the best possible way. I seem to connect with everything about it, every aspect, every character, every plot and subplot. I love it all!
I don't think I've mentioned them in any of my previous reviews, but the covers for each issue are incredible. I spend quite a while looking at them, and then often flip back to appreciate them in a new light when I have read the story.
“He heard long ago, in a dream, that one day in every century Death takes on mortal flesh, better to comprehend what the lives she takes must feel like, to taste the bitter tang of mortality: that this is the price she must pay for being the divider of the living from all that has gone before, all that must come after.”
― Neil Gaiman, Season of Mists
― Neil Gaiman, Season of Mists
I continue to be in awe of Neil Gaiman, and The Sandman. This is one of those fictional worlds that I can't help but wish I could be a part of somehow. It feels incredibly real to me and I'm deeply fascinated with all of it. I'm trying to slow my reading pace down a little as I only have one volume left in my omnibus, and I think it'll be a little while before I can get a hold of volumes II and III. My local library has copies of most volumes, so I may borrow those until I am able to buy my own if the wait proves too long. It's good to have the option there if I need it!
I found the family gathering, featuring most of the Endless, absolutely gripping reading. Death continues to the character I am most enamoured with, but her other siblings are wonderfully interesting as well. Destiny and Delirium are the two other's I really want to know more about. There is also another mention of the mysterious missing sibling. I spent far too much time on Pinterest going through Sandman art before I actually started reading the books, but thankfully I didn't come across anything that gave away the identity of this brother. I'm pleased that I'll get to experience that in the course of reading (if we ever find out of course. I suppose there are no guarantees!)
Death and Dream's conversation about Nada was one of my favourites. I love Morpheus, but I also love when his sister calls him out on his self-involved bullshit. Sometimes he needs it! Funnily enough, Desire is the one who brings it up first, and while they are right, I disliked their way of going about it. But that's what makes them such an engaging character.
We return to Hell, and now Lucifer looks less like 1970's David Bowie and more like a blonde character from Baywatch with wings. He abdicates as Hell's ruler and gives the key to Dream. I have to say I hadn't expected this move at all. I know Lucifer has his own series, and I do intend to read it. Maybe I'll watch the show at some point too, though I do prefer to read first when I can. When he had Dream cut off his wings I was cringing away from the page -- it was so awful!
So, now Morpheus has the key to Hell's gates and has to decide what to do with it. It seems everyone wants it, from Odin (with Thor and Loki in tow); Anubis, Bast, and Bes; Susano-o-no-Mikoto; Azazel, Choronzon and Merkin; Order; Chaos; A faerie called Cluracan and his sister Nuala; Angels named Duma and Remiel are sent to observe proceedings. I loved everything about this, from Dream's formal wear that he dons when welcoming all the guests to his realm, to the 'entertainment' provided by Cain and Abel, to the conversations held with each of the immortals vying for the key.
In Which the Dead Return; and Charles Rowland Concludes His Education was a wonderful diversion from these grand proceedings, and provided the unexpected joy of Death wearing workout gear! I hope they include this moment in the TV show.
It's hard to believe I only started reading this earlier this month. I feel like I've been reading it for the longest time, in the best possible way. I seem to connect with everything about it, every aspect, every character, every plot and subplot. I love it all!
I don't think I've mentioned them in any of my previous reviews, but the covers for each issue are incredible. I spend quite a while looking at them, and then often flip back to appreciate them in a new light when I have read the story.
“He heard long ago, in a dream, that one day in every century Death takes on mortal flesh, better to comprehend what the lives she takes must feel like, to taste the bitter tang of mortality: that this is the price she must pay for being the divider of the living from all that has gone before, all that must come after.”
― Neil Gaiman, Season of Mists
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2011
What happens when Lucifer decides to leave hell? Season of Mists, the fourth volume of The Sandman answers that question as Dream heads to Hell once again, this time to release a former lover who has been imprisoned and tortured for thousands of years. Upon arrival, he finds Hell deserted, and Lucifer ushering out the stragglers he has banished from the lands, he then hands dream the key to the kingdom.
This is the best of the first four volumes in the series, with "A Doll's House" a close second, this should not be missed by fans, nor casual observers.
Gaiman always adds epic storytelling and mythology in the series and this volume is no exception, Season of Mists takes on a lot: sin, redemption, both personal and religious, and the battle between good and evil. To discuss too much of the plot would ruin some of the rich suprises to come, but Gaiman's inventiveness is to the max here, with a gleefully funny and fascinating scene involving intrigue and lobbying by any number of demons, gods, and demigods, this provides an interesting look at the interactions between them (Thor getting ridiculously drunk and hitting on women during the banquet, for example). There is also a great ghost story set in a boys school that's not really like any haunted house tale you've ever read. But in the midst of his epic scope, Gaiman never neglects the smaller and more intimate touches, and scenes involving nothing more than an unlikely character commenting on a sunset or an unexpected birth revealing unexpected depths and complexities to Gaiman's creations. The character of Lucifer is excellent and intriguing as well, and God's reward to the two angels who oversaw Dreams decision? Well, that's up to the reader to decide. It's become apparent just a little ways into the volume that Gaiman has constructed something akin to a new cosmology and mythology here, and while it's wonderful to get lost in his worlds, it's the surprisingly human characters that keep us enthralled and reading volume after volume.
This is the best of the first four volumes in the series, with "A Doll's House" a close second, this should not be missed by fans, nor casual observers.
Gaiman always adds epic storytelling and mythology in the series and this volume is no exception, Season of Mists takes on a lot: sin, redemption, both personal and religious, and the battle between good and evil. To discuss too much of the plot would ruin some of the rich suprises to come, but Gaiman's inventiveness is to the max here, with a gleefully funny and fascinating scene involving intrigue and lobbying by any number of demons, gods, and demigods, this provides an interesting look at the interactions between them (Thor getting ridiculously drunk and hitting on women during the banquet, for example). There is also a great ghost story set in a boys school that's not really like any haunted house tale you've ever read. But in the midst of his epic scope, Gaiman never neglects the smaller and more intimate touches, and scenes involving nothing more than an unlikely character commenting on a sunset or an unexpected birth revealing unexpected depths and complexities to Gaiman's creations. The character of Lucifer is excellent and intriguing as well, and God's reward to the two angels who oversaw Dreams decision? Well, that's up to the reader to decide. It's become apparent just a little ways into the volume that Gaiman has constructed something akin to a new cosmology and mythology here, and while it's wonderful to get lost in his worlds, it's the surprisingly human characters that keep us enthralled and reading volume after volume.
January 28, 2022
It gets better and better!
December 26, 2021
Este es el volumen que más me ha gustado hasta ahora, por dos motivos. El primero, la reunión de los Eternos que tiene lugar al principio. Los Eternos aportan una gran cuota de horror cósmico a la historia: son seres atemporales, han estado desde el principio de la creación y estarán hasta el final, y no influyen solo sobre la humanidad sino sobre todos los seres vivos. Comparados con ellos, la humanidad es un mosquito. Al mismo tiempo, verlos reunirse y tener un encuentro familiar tenso como podría tener cualquiera es muy divertido. El segundo motivo, es el diálogo entre Sueño y Lucifer, que muestra a este personaje de una manera muy diferente a como se suele hacer en la tradición. Lucifer aparece introspectivo, reflexivo, y en última instancia, fatigado. Se ha aburrido de su tarea. Y se plantea incluso si sus acciones tuvieron alguna vez libre albedrío. Ya que si Dios es omnipotente y omnisciente, tenía que saber que él se rebelaría, ¿No es así?
Me gustó mucho y me preguntó cómo seguirá la historia de aquí en adelante (y tengo ganas de saber quién es el Eterno faltante).
Me gustó mucho y me preguntó cómo seguirá la historia de aquí en adelante (y tengo ganas de saber quién es el Eterno faltante).
April 4, 2020
This 4th volume in the series starts with the Endless gathering. We learn there is one who left their company, a brother they all miss. But that is neither here nor there (at first). Destiny, who initiated the meeting after the Fates talked to him, doesn't tell them what it's about until it has happened. Death (my favourite) teaches her brother Morpheus a thing or two about manners and pride - a long overdue lesson if you ask me - and thus the Dream Lord finally realizes what fool he's been about Nada and embarks on FINALLY setting her free!
But you guessed it: it means going back to Hell! Which means he has to encounter Lucifer Morningstar again, which could end with Morpheus actually losing, considering how they parted ways last time!
However, the meeting goes completely different from what one might have expected and we get some of the best introspection on humanity and the hell myth. I always loved this notion because, personally, I think it's all a cop-out (what with the devil and sin and so on). Turns out, the Lightbringer agrees.
There were a few other gems that made me love this fallen angel.
Basically, this volume is all about Hell and what it means for the individual, the purpose it serves. It also deals with what would happen if Hell no longer existed (giving us some of the seeds that turned into the spin-off with the Morningstar).
One more picture because I love this quote so much:
Once again, the art is nothing too pretty though it has its moments. However, the story was PERFECT! Seriously, this has become my instant favourite (so far). All the deities and creatures assembled, all the mythologies we touch upon (mostly correctly represented too), the essential questions posed ... this volume was sooo rich with thought-provoking (dream) stuff and I loved every second of it!
But you guessed it: it means going back to Hell! Which means he has to encounter Lucifer Morningstar again, which could end with Morpheus actually losing, considering how they parted ways last time!
However, the meeting goes completely different from what one might have expected and we get some of the best introspection on humanity and the hell myth. I always loved this notion because, personally, I think it's all a cop-out (what with the devil and sin and so on). Turns out, the Lightbringer agrees.
There were a few other gems that made me love this fallen angel.
Basically, this volume is all about Hell and what it means for the individual, the purpose it serves. It also deals with what would happen if Hell no longer existed (giving us some of the seeds that turned into the spin-off with the Morningstar).
One more picture because I love this quote so much:
Once again, the art is nothing too pretty though it has its moments. However, the story was PERFECT! Seriously, this has become my instant favourite (so far). All the deities and creatures assembled, all the mythologies we touch upon (mostly correctly represented too), the essential questions posed ... this volume was sooo rich with thought-provoking (dream) stuff and I loved every second of it!
March 26, 2023
wow, season of mists went beyond my expectations. i was kind of nervous to be getting into this volume, especially with my opinions on dream country.
besides , we finally get to meet the rest of the endless! and so far destiny has definitely caught my eye. i’m also glad that they had finally put some sense into dream, because the whole nada situation was insane to me. as much as i love my man morpheus, he’s a bit of a d*** at moments, lol.
so then dream sets off into hell to free his past love, only to find out that hell has been shut down. and that story alone was very gripping! lucifer shutting down hell is a one-of-a-kind creative thought! and they wrote off in which it’s not too cliche or anything. plus we get to see hob once more! miss that guy. :)
last but not least, we get introduced to other mythologies, other gods. them temporarily occupying dream’s realm for the key to hell was really fun! especially with the diversity in religion/deity.
my only dislike in this volume was the artwork. i’m still not entirely fond of it, but i will admit that sometimes it fits the vibe of what dream is, and what he represents, so i won’t let it get to me as much.
all in all, worth the read!
besides , we finally get to meet the rest of the endless! and so far destiny has definitely caught my eye. i’m also glad that they had finally put some sense into dream, because the whole nada situation was insane to me. as much as i love my man morpheus, he’s a bit of a d*** at moments, lol.
so then dream sets off into hell to free his past love, only to find out that hell has been shut down. and that story alone was very gripping! lucifer shutting down hell is a one-of-a-kind creative thought! and they wrote off in which it’s not too cliche or anything. plus we get to see hob once more! miss that guy. :)
last but not least, we get introduced to other mythologies, other gods. them temporarily occupying dream’s realm for the key to hell was really fun! especially with the diversity in religion/deity.
my only dislike in this volume was the artwork. i’m still not entirely fond of it, but i will admit that sometimes it fits the vibe of what dream is, and what he represents, so i won’t let it get to me as much.
all in all, worth the read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2018
Bayıldım... "Sandman" efsanesi her ciltinde daha da acayipleşiyor. "Sandman: Sisler Mevsimi" çizimler ve diyaloglar gerçekten çok güzel. İthaki Yayınları'nın basım özeni, kalitesi ayrı Elif Ersavcı'nın çevirisi ayrı güzel. Ama en önemlisi bu çizgi romanı benzersiz (hatta diğer ciltlerden de), üstün kılan tarafı (naçizane bence) kurgusu / Öyküsü. Neil Gaiman'ın "Sandman sevenler muhakkak okur, fazla kasmaya gerek yok" dememiş. Özenli, hoş bir eser olmuş.
March 25, 2020
Favorim bu.
April 23, 2020
Possibly my favourite part so far.
March 8, 2021
➤ "Por los amigos ausentes, los amores perdidos, los viejos dioses y la estación de nieblas; y que cada uno de nosotros de al diablo su merecido."
Mi recorrido por Sandman continúa y aquí estoy, sobre la cuarta parte, ¿continuaré el viaje? Definitivamente. Este tomo entrega una trama digna de la aclamación y los elogios que suelen circular sobre esta colección de cómics, y que, de alguna forma, me incentivaron a comenzarla.
El argumento de Estación de Nieblas se basa en cómo Morfeo viaja al Infierno en busca de una antigua amante; pero durante su estancia descubrirá un importante cambio relacionado con el reino supuestamente gobernado por Lucifer. Sandman me viene persuadiendo con fantásticos personajes y premisas ridículamente creativas, pero ninguna de las anteriores entregas consiguió gustarme tanto como esta, la cual concibo como su punto álgido, al menos, por el momento.
No solo podemos conocer más a Los Eternos, no solo tenemos más referencias a la mitología Griega, no solo contamos con más demonios y ángeles, sino que, se redobla la apuesta: aparecen representantes de la mitología nórdica (Loki, Odin, Thor…), egipcia, asiática, dioses del caos y orden, hadas, entre otros seres omnipotentes. Una extraña mezcla de personajes, referencias y personalidades, que jamás nos hubiéramos imaginado compartir un mismo escenario y mucho menos interactuar; por fortuna, Gaiman logra contener y desarrollar satisfactoriamente a cada uno de ellos, de tal forma que no resulta abrumador. Al mismo tiempo, el hecho de hacer ver seres tan poderosos con un perfil más humanizados ayudó al proceso: es el ejemplo de Morfeo, que muestra arrepentimiento y culpa, de hecho, tales sentimientos impulsan uno de los inconvenientes de la trama, y muestran que no es tan perfecto como uno esperaría. Plus: es uno de los tomos donde, Morfeo, realmente se siente un protagonista, y cuenta con una aparición duradera y notable, cosa que se agradece.
➤ “Debe haber un infierno. Un lugar para demonios. Un lugar para los condenados. El infierno es el reflejo del cielo. Sombra del cielo. Se definen entre sí. Debe haber un infierno porque sin el infierno, el cielo no tiene sentido".
Algo que siempre suelo indicar sobre Sandman en general, son las frases y diálogos astutos que estos cómics contienen, esta no fue la excepción, en realidad, abundan tanto ellos como unos cuantos debates y cuestionamientos magníficos sobre varias temáticas (la escena que se da entre Lucifer y Morfeo es un gran ejemplo, debido a que el tópico sobre el cielo y el infierno, lo bueno y lo malo, y las acciones humanas, nutren las viñetas), ¿qué más puedo pedir?
➤ “Creo que el infierno es algo que llevas contigo. No un lugar al que vayas."
Con un comienzo prometedor y un desenlace gratificante, siento que la cuarta parte fue determinante para definir mis metas: voy a llegar hasta el final del camino.
Mi recorrido por Sandman continúa y aquí estoy, sobre la cuarta parte, ¿continuaré el viaje? Definitivamente. Este tomo entrega una trama digna de la aclamación y los elogios que suelen circular sobre esta colección de cómics, y que, de alguna forma, me incentivaron a comenzarla.
El argumento de Estación de Nieblas se basa en cómo Morfeo viaja al Infierno en busca de una antigua amante; pero durante su estancia descubrirá un importante cambio relacionado con el reino supuestamente gobernado por Lucifer. Sandman me viene persuadiendo con fantásticos personajes y premisas ridículamente creativas, pero ninguna de las anteriores entregas consiguió gustarme tanto como esta, la cual concibo como su punto álgido, al menos, por el momento.
No solo podemos conocer más a Los Eternos, no solo tenemos más referencias a la mitología Griega, no solo contamos con más demonios y ángeles, sino que, se redobla la apuesta: aparecen representantes de la mitología nórdica (Loki, Odin, Thor…), egipcia, asiática, dioses del caos y orden, hadas, entre otros seres omnipotentes. Una extraña mezcla de personajes, referencias y personalidades, que jamás nos hubiéramos imaginado compartir un mismo escenario y mucho menos interactuar; por fortuna, Gaiman logra contener y desarrollar satisfactoriamente a cada uno de ellos, de tal forma que no resulta abrumador. Al mismo tiempo, el hecho de hacer ver seres tan poderosos con un perfil más humanizados ayudó al proceso: es el ejemplo de Morfeo, que muestra arrepentimiento y culpa, de hecho, tales sentimientos impulsan uno de los inconvenientes de la trama, y muestran que no es tan perfecto como uno esperaría. Plus: es uno de los tomos donde, Morfeo, realmente se siente un protagonista, y cuenta con una aparición duradera y notable, cosa que se agradece.
➤ “Debe haber un infierno. Un lugar para demonios. Un lugar para los condenados. El infierno es el reflejo del cielo. Sombra del cielo. Se definen entre sí. Debe haber un infierno porque sin el infierno, el cielo no tiene sentido".
Algo que siempre suelo indicar sobre Sandman en general, son las frases y diálogos astutos que estos cómics contienen, esta no fue la excepción, en realidad, abundan tanto ellos como unos cuantos debates y cuestionamientos magníficos sobre varias temáticas (la escena que se da entre Lucifer y Morfeo es un gran ejemplo, debido a que el tópico sobre el cielo y el infierno, lo bueno y lo malo, y las acciones humanas, nutren las viñetas), ¿qué más puedo pedir?
➤ “Creo que el infierno es algo que llevas contigo. No un lugar al que vayas."
Con un comienzo prometedor y un desenlace gratificante, siento que la cuarta parte fue determinante para definir mis metas: voy a llegar hasta el final del camino.
March 3, 2022
I have a complicated relationship with Neil Gaiman. He is, unequivocally, one of the greatest authors of the last fifty years. He is not only uniquely creative, but singularly compelling in his worlds and themes. American Gods is a profound experience more than it is a book. It is more a commentary, an essay on existence, than it is a story.
But this is not about American Gods, and I am using this post as a review of the full Sandman work (not just #4, so please keep that in mind).
Sandman is, like American Gods, profound, experiential, and creative. It is in every way that it can be. The characters are vivid, the world draws you in, but I found myself repeatedly frustrated with it. Gaiman likes to take you on a tour of his world and character's hearts, and for a lot of people, this is exactly what they want. However, I found that, as with American Gods, questions were set up only to be sidetracked, interrupted by a tangent here or there (a beautiful tangent, mind you), that often never comes to have much bearing on the narrative questions I think he wants to sell me on. Threads you think will be important never really weave into the rest of the story, and sometimes do not have lasting consequences, and so existing purely in their own little chapter—so long that in any other book you might think it is introducing something vital.
Sandman, like American Gods, is a collage of Gaiman's creative mind.
It seems I need more direction than that, and that is a reflection on my tastes, not on Gaiman's skill—for which I have the utmost respect. This rating is only reflective of my enjoyment, and not any "objective" quality of the story.
But this is not about American Gods, and I am using this post as a review of the full Sandman work (not just #4, so please keep that in mind).
Sandman is, like American Gods, profound, experiential, and creative. It is in every way that it can be. The characters are vivid, the world draws you in, but I found myself repeatedly frustrated with it. Gaiman likes to take you on a tour of his world and character's hearts, and for a lot of people, this is exactly what they want. However, I found that, as with American Gods, questions were set up only to be sidetracked, interrupted by a tangent here or there (a beautiful tangent, mind you), that often never comes to have much bearing on the narrative questions I think he wants to sell me on. Threads you think will be important never really weave into the rest of the story, and sometimes do not have lasting consequences, and so existing purely in their own little chapter—so long that in any other book you might think it is introducing something vital.
Sandman, like American Gods, is a collage of Gaiman's creative mind.
It seems I need more direction than that, and that is a reflection on my tastes, not on Gaiman's skill—for which I have the utmost respect. This rating is only reflective of my enjoyment, and not any "objective" quality of the story.
October 23, 2007
It is unfortunate that Gaiman seems to be unable to surrender his archetypal cast to either humanity or inhumanity, but lets them sit awkwardly in the middle. Though he often presents Dream and his siblings as falling to love or petty squabbling, their reactions to such are often not to work towards decision, but to subside. In those cases where they do act, it becomes merely a meaningless exercise to continue the story. When this is done for the purpose of framing other tales and interweaving ideas, it does not bother so much, but when it is the story itself, it loses that edge.
Dream, like most if not all of Gaiman's protagonists, seems to operate merely as an oculus for the reader, and we often find his own chance at decision revoked. The same is true of American Gods or Neverwhere, where any conflict set up against the main character tends to be resolved without growth or change since there is no decision made.
It is perhaps Gaiman's reticence on these archetypal characters which provides that the dialogue of this collection is often ungainly and without art. Gaiman works better when knee-deep in humanity than when trying to work beyond it.
My Suggested Reading In Comics
Dream, like most if not all of Gaiman's protagonists, seems to operate merely as an oculus for the reader, and we often find his own chance at decision revoked. The same is true of American Gods or Neverwhere, where any conflict set up against the main character tends to be resolved without growth or change since there is no decision made.
It is perhaps Gaiman's reticence on these archetypal characters which provides that the dialogue of this collection is often ungainly and without art. Gaiman works better when knee-deep in humanity than when trying to work beyond it.
My Suggested Reading In Comics
December 14, 2021
A true conundrum for the Dream Lord, born from the weariness of Lucifer. A tantalizing unveiling of the Endless, their family dynamic, their persons and roles, excellently executed.
In contrast, Gaiman's celestial imagination fails him somewhat, pressing the reader to the limits of suspended disbelief when it comes to heavenly realms and a (supreme?) creator. One can see, and not just by the balance of content, where the storyteller's interests lie.
These faults bothered me less on a second reading. The expansive worldbuilding Gaiman does with Season of Mists is really fantastic, generously rewarding hints and promises from previous Sandman installments. Indispensable to the series, yet a sufficiently strong and self-contained story to be read as a standalone.
Series Review:
Gaiman is a genius with the graphic novel medium. Sandman stories are sharp and fresh, reverberating with echoes of the best from literature and mythos, the universal saga, and still provocative and poignant. Rarely comfortable to read; very worthwhile.
In contrast, Gaiman's celestial imagination fails him somewhat, pressing the reader to the limits of suspended disbelief when it comes to heavenly realms and a (supreme?) creator. One can see, and not just by the balance of content, where the storyteller's interests lie.
These faults bothered me less on a second reading. The expansive worldbuilding Gaiman does with Season of Mists is really fantastic, generously rewarding hints and promises from previous Sandman installments. Indispensable to the series, yet a sufficiently strong and self-contained story to be read as a standalone.
Series Review:
Gaiman is a genius with the graphic novel medium. Sandman stories are sharp and fresh, reverberating with echoes of the best from literature and mythos, the universal saga, and still provocative and poignant. Rarely comfortable to read; very worthwhile.
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