Vertigo is letting you download a free PDF of Sandman issue #1 Here

Oh awesome!

Preludes and Nocturnes is probably my least favorite of the Sandman comics, but it's pretty groovy that you can download it for free.

Incidentally, for Sandman lovers, have you guys seen the new ultimate collector's editions that DC/Vertigo is putting out? The gorgeous slipcovered volumes? I believe there will be 4 total, with (iirc) 2 out now. They're being released annually at this point.

Absolute Sandman Vol. 1

Absolute Sandman Vol. 2

It looks like Vol. 3 will be released in May this year. Interestingly Amazon.com is not discounting Vol 1. anymore at present, whereas BarnesandNoble.com and Buy.com are, and pricing between the three varies a fair bit too.



Lilith

^ I saw that on Amazon and thought it might be a good way to get into the Sandman stuff more but some of the reviews seem to imply it hasn't been fixed up as much as it's been.. degraded.

Well, that seems to mostly be one review of the first volume, and a second review that's not too hot on it. The rest are all 5 star reviews and most (40+ additional reviews) seem to either not comment on the new colouring or they like it.

Face it, they're never going to be able to make everyone happy 100% of the time. I have enough faith in Neil Gaiman that if he approved the re-colouring, that it's worth seeing/owning.

Plus I'm a bit of a book collector too, I have quite a few limited edition hardback copies of some of my favourite authors' works, and so having a nice over-sized slipcovered set of Sandman comics, versus the trade paperbacks that are in a box back at my parents' house overseas... it's too tempting really.


Lilith

Ooh, thanks for that!  I've been wanting to read Sandman, but when I go to a bookstore with money I just can't deny my favorite superheroes.  Maybe this will change my mind about it.

To be honest, the first issue may not be what draws you into The Sandman. For me, like with many other people I believe, you don't really get hooked into it properly until you hit about issue #8, when Dream's infamous sister, and quintessential perky goth girl, Death is introduced.

Other than that though, the Sandman is worth reading because the writing is really good. Neil Gaiman takes the stories to so many places you never imagined, it's great. He is excellent at blending things from popular culture, mythology, religion, fable and wherever else... all the stories have such a rich texture and depth that you can miss out on the first time you read it. I've found that this happens too in the Alan Moore stories I've read (which admittedly are few, being so far The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen 1 & 2, and From Hell). Alan Moore is also an oft cited inspiration for Gaiman as far as comics writing is concerned.



Lilith

I'll keep that in mind.  I've heard nothing but good things about The Sandman though, so I'm sure all I need is a taste of it to be hooked.

When they let you do that with World's End (book 7, maybe?)  I'll be a happy man.  It's my favourite of the collections, and I left my copy in a motel in New Brunswick by mistake.

Especially if some of your favorite superheroes might be in it.  John Constantine and various J.L.A. members have cameos, especially in Preludes & Nocturnes.
Speaking of general Sandman stuff, I've been wanting to see a story about Morpheus' afterlife for some time.  Does anyone know of some fanfic using that?

My favorite story is The Key to Hell. Lucifer is absolutely HOT, and Sandman is beautiful. I love the way Gaiman braids in gods from other pantheons. The Sandman-stories are magnificently written, but I'm not so keen on the drawings. Well, the drawings are okay, but the coloring are kind of sucky.