Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

The Sandman Overture #1The Sandman Overture #1
Vertigo Comics (DC)
Gaiman & Williams III

Sandman returns with a beautiful comic book that combines gifted writing and stunning artwork that takes turns presenting their show on the center stage. The book is a prequel which means the book will tell two different stories depending on the audience. The seasoned Sandman reader is going to fall in love with this book all over again while the brand new reader is going to be lost as to what the story actually is while being entertained with the art and scripting. Overall, the book is a good start and is something to pick up to at least give it a try.

The story really launches the lead character on the journey that leads directly into the beginning of the series Gaiman started so many years ago. The book isn't the kind of comic that introduces characters and provides some big plot information dump. Instead Gaiman joins the reader with the main character and story threads as he sends everyone on a trip that dovetails with an ending that promises that the journey has only just begun. It literally is a trip.

The trick here is how to get all kinds of readers juiced after reading this issue. I can't imagine a veteran of Sandman not being smitten with this issue. It's a reunion with familiar and beloved friends. However, the newer reader or one that may have dabbled in with Sandman before is going to find that the first issue is too continuity laden and might feel like you've joined in on an intimate conversation midway through. The new reader is going to have to have faith that things will begin to make sense later on.

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle ReviewsWilliams III is at the top of his craft. The book is stunning page after page. The comic book is enhanced by the magnificent layouts and blended, but with vibrant coloring. The book is gold-plated with a two pages of fold out art that actually makes the art all the more eye popping. The book simply feels alive and that is attributed to the artwork.

Sandman is a comic event that needs no extra hype. The comic book is a legend and this will only add to that aurora. While the book does carry the inexplicable $5 cover price, the book certainly feels well worth the price. Even if you can't quite figure out the story from this issue the writing and art are one-of-a-kind. Give this book a shot.

4 out of 5 Geek Goggles