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The Sandman
The Sandman: Endless Nights
'The Sandman' is a series of award-winning graphic novels. It blends modern myth and dark fantasy, in which historical drama, contemporary fiction and legend are interwoven.
160 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,170 reviews
September 13, 2022
Eh.
These vary greatly by quality from story to story, with only one or two of them being (to me) worth reading.
Despair's story was one of the worst as it was just paragraphs describing sad stories with painful artwork in the background.
Desire's was the funniest. Drawn by Milo Manara, you get all the porn-face all the time. But that’s fair because DESIRE and that’s the look they were obviously going for. Still. When the witch ate the sausage all sexy-like I did a real LOL.
Dream's issue was the only interesting one because you see his ill-fated romance with a chick from Oa before they walled themselves off and started getting nuts with the Green Lantern Corps.
Bottom line, this is for people who are really craving more Sandman in any shape or form that they can get it.
Original 1 star review from 2009
Not my cup of tea.
These vary greatly by quality from story to story, with only one or two of them being (to me) worth reading.
Despair's story was one of the worst as it was just paragraphs describing sad stories with painful artwork in the background.
Desire's was the funniest. Drawn by Milo Manara, you get all the porn-face all the time. But that’s fair because DESIRE and that’s the look they were obviously going for. Still. When the witch ate the sausage all sexy-like I did a real LOL.
Dream's issue was the only interesting one because you see his ill-fated romance with a chick from Oa before they walled themselves off and started getting nuts with the Green Lantern Corps.
Bottom line, this is for people who are really craving more Sandman in any shape or form that they can get it.
Original 1 star review from 2009
Not my cup of tea.
June 30, 2016
Endless entertainment!
This volumen is a special presenting short stories featuring each member of The Endless.
The general rating is an average sum of the ratings given to each story contained in this comic book.
All stories are written by Neil Gaiman.
A very amusing thing is that while each story is focused in a member of The Endless (the family of Morpheus, the Lord of Dream), you may be able to appreciate how each other member of The Endless causes some level of impact in some way or another, and without a doubt while The Endless are the protagonist of their short stories, you can’t deny the importance of people. Without people, The Endless are nothing, they couldn’t even exist.
DEATH AND VENICE
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
Illustrator: P. Craig Russell
I missed you… so badly.
In this story, Death is waiting for a door to be open again and getting throught it, a very special door.
A man who has been blessed with watching Death (when it’s not still his time) will be key to this.
An interesting tale about various lives when they encounter a perfect day.
How tempting is to live always in a perfect day?
WHAT I’VE TASTED OF DESIRE
Rating: ***** ( 5 stars )
Illustrator: Milo Manara
Follow your heart.
A woman wants to be loved by someone in the same way that she’d love that someone too.
Ooooh, that’s good that she didn’t want anything hard! Geez!
Desire meets that woman and he/she shows to the woman her inner nature. That helped her to define her path in life.
Is it possible to have anything you want in life?
DREAM THE HEART OF A STAR
Rating: ***** ( 5 stars )
Illustrator: Miguelanxo Prado
Just because a name is used by the young doesn’t make it foolish.
Easily the best story in the bunch.
Morpheus invites his girlfriend, Killalla of the Glow, to a very important parliament where the high powers will discuss and delimitate their own reaches, domains, responsibilities and obligations.
All the Endless are invited, along with many other high powers, like Stars, Faerie, Dimensions.
Organic life is quite at minimum in the universe. Most planets are asleep yet.
Dream and Desire are still close to each other, but you will find out the reason of their distancing.
Delight is still Delight, not yet Delirium.
Destruction is still in his post.
Despair, mmh… Despair is there too.
Destiny and Death will do brief appearances.
You will have a real treat meeting the stars of Rao, Sto-Oa, Sol, etc…
How to refuse such priceless invitation?
FIFTEEN PORTRAITS OF DESPAIR
Rating: ** ( 2 stars )
Illustrator: Barron Storey (with such last name, he shouldn’t be a writer?)
Original design: Dave McKean
Her sigil is the hooked ring.
A very bizarre graphic narrative that I guess its intention is to provoke a sense of despair.
Well, what else could you expect from this Endless member?
DELIRIUM GOING INSIDE
Rating: ** ( 2 stars )
Illustrator: Bill Sienkiewicz
She’s still inside.
A very delirious tale about pain and how to deal with it.
Certainly, you hadn’t expected anything coherent from her, mmh?
DESTRUCTION
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
Illustrator: Glenn Fabry
Hey. Have you had any experience? With ruins?
I’ve certainly made my share of them.
A female arqueologist is invited to investigate a strange mountain, a mountain that it wasn’t there just a year ago, and where you find impossible things while digging.
Destruction already left his post, but he is still around and he finds to develop an interest on the arqueologist.
How Destruction can resist a woman who makes a living on digging destroyed things?
DESTINY ENDLESS NIGHTS
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
Illustrator: Frank Quitely
He did not create the path you walk.
A simple but effective tale explaining the role and the burden of the oldest member of The Endless.
How could you resist to take a peek in a book where you could know everything that happened but also everything that will happen about you or anybody else?
This volumen is a special presenting short stories featuring each member of The Endless.
The general rating is an average sum of the ratings given to each story contained in this comic book.
All stories are written by Neil Gaiman.
A very amusing thing is that while each story is focused in a member of The Endless (the family of Morpheus, the Lord of Dream), you may be able to appreciate how each other member of The Endless causes some level of impact in some way or another, and without a doubt while The Endless are the protagonist of their short stories, you can’t deny the importance of people. Without people, The Endless are nothing, they couldn’t even exist.
DEATH AND VENICE
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
Illustrator: P. Craig Russell
I missed you… so badly.
In this story, Death is waiting for a door to be open again and getting throught it, a very special door.
A man who has been blessed with watching Death (when it’s not still his time) will be key to this.
An interesting tale about various lives when they encounter a perfect day.
How tempting is to live always in a perfect day?
WHAT I’VE TASTED OF DESIRE
Rating: ***** ( 5 stars )
Illustrator: Milo Manara
Follow your heart.
A woman wants to be loved by someone in the same way that she’d love that someone too.
Ooooh, that’s good that she didn’t want anything hard! Geez!
Desire meets that woman and he/she shows to the woman her inner nature. That helped her to define her path in life.
Is it possible to have anything you want in life?
DREAM THE HEART OF A STAR
Rating: ***** ( 5 stars )
Illustrator: Miguelanxo Prado
Just because a name is used by the young doesn’t make it foolish.
Easily the best story in the bunch.
Morpheus invites his girlfriend, Killalla of the Glow, to a very important parliament where the high powers will discuss and delimitate their own reaches, domains, responsibilities and obligations.
All the Endless are invited, along with many other high powers, like Stars, Faerie, Dimensions.
Organic life is quite at minimum in the universe. Most planets are asleep yet.
Dream and Desire are still close to each other, but you will find out the reason of their distancing.
Delight is still Delight, not yet Delirium.
Destruction is still in his post.
Despair, mmh… Despair is there too.
Destiny and Death will do brief appearances.
You will have a real treat meeting the stars of Rao, Sto-Oa, Sol, etc…
How to refuse such priceless invitation?
FIFTEEN PORTRAITS OF DESPAIR
Rating: ** ( 2 stars )
Illustrator: Barron Storey (with such last name, he shouldn’t be a writer?)
Original design: Dave McKean
Her sigil is the hooked ring.
A very bizarre graphic narrative that I guess its intention is to provoke a sense of despair.
Well, what else could you expect from this Endless member?
DELIRIUM GOING INSIDE
Rating: ** ( 2 stars )
Illustrator: Bill Sienkiewicz
She’s still inside.
A very delirious tale about pain and how to deal with it.
Certainly, you hadn’t expected anything coherent from her, mmh?
DESTRUCTION
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
Illustrator: Glenn Fabry
Hey. Have you had any experience? With ruins?
I’ve certainly made my share of them.
A female arqueologist is invited to investigate a strange mountain, a mountain that it wasn’t there just a year ago, and where you find impossible things while digging.
Destruction already left his post, but he is still around and he finds to develop an interest on the arqueologist.
How Destruction can resist a woman who makes a living on digging destroyed things?
DESTINY ENDLESS NIGHTS
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
Illustrator: Frank Quitely
He did not create the path you walk.
A simple but effective tale explaining the role and the burden of the oldest member of The Endless.
How could you resist to take a peek in a book where you could know everything that happened but also everything that will happen about you or anybody else?
April 27, 2018
Seven siblings that are each more powerful than gods in their own way make for one rather odd and insane family. Who wouldn’t want to be part of it?
I just love the concept behind it all. In here they all have their own issue to establish exactly what their purposes within the universe are. In a way, they all work together to create much of reality. Without Destiny there could be no dreams or desires. Without dreams there could be no delirium or despair. And without destruction there would be no moving force in which destiny could act or no end for death to claim. Take one element out, and the others are not quite as effective.
As much as I liked seeing their own stories, I much prefer seeing them in the same room. They all have volatile personalities and some are contrasted and diametrically opposed. They come together rarely and very rarely altogether. When they do though very interesting things happen, I would have like to see more of that here.
For me this is a good introduction to the characters, which I want to see expanded on.
I just love the concept behind it all. In here they all have their own issue to establish exactly what their purposes within the universe are. In a way, they all work together to create much of reality. Without Destiny there could be no dreams or desires. Without dreams there could be no delirium or despair. And without destruction there would be no moving force in which destiny could act or no end for death to claim. Take one element out, and the others are not quite as effective.
As much as I liked seeing their own stories, I much prefer seeing them in the same room. They all have volatile personalities and some are contrasted and diametrically opposed. They come together rarely and very rarely altogether. When they do though very interesting things happen, I would have like to see more of that here.
For me this is a good introduction to the characters, which I want to see expanded on.
September 30, 2020
Re-read 9/30/20:
Between the *mostly* gorgeous artwork (Despair aside -- there's nothing in Despair I actually ENJOYED reading) and the poignant tales of each of the Endless, it turns out I'm still a fan.
Original Review:
This one is more in line with the rest of the series, disjointed but interwoven with stories, odd artwork and sometimes painful text. In other words, part of the classic series.
With one caveat.
I loved it to death for a slightly different reason than the rest. They were individual stories of each of the Endless, both deep into their lives and bursting with history and it was all damn interesting. I didn't like Despair's nearly as much as I wanted to, but Death and the very young Dream and especially Desire's stories were awesome.
Maybe I don't want to have to get out a magnifying glass to read a mostly textual comic. :) Maybe it's just the overpowering ennui. Who knows! But I did like Delirium's wild fantasy. :)
Destruction probably had the most interesting idea-SF story though. :)
Great comic! :)
Between the *mostly* gorgeous artwork (Despair aside -- there's nothing in Despair I actually ENJOYED reading) and the poignant tales of each of the Endless, it turns out I'm still a fan.
Original Review:
This one is more in line with the rest of the series, disjointed but interwoven with stories, odd artwork and sometimes painful text. In other words, part of the classic series.
With one caveat.
I loved it to death for a slightly different reason than the rest. They were individual stories of each of the Endless, both deep into their lives and bursting with history and it was all damn interesting. I didn't like Despair's nearly as much as I wanted to, but Death and the very young Dream and especially Desire's stories were awesome.
Maybe I don't want to have to get out a magnifying glass to read a mostly textual comic. :) Maybe it's just the overpowering ennui. Who knows! But I did like Delirium's wild fantasy. :)
Destruction probably had the most interesting idea-SF story though. :)
Great comic! :)
August 17, 2018
I thought that Sandman was over... how happy am I that there is more? I'm ecstatic! This is absolutely fabulous; I really need more!
Death:
I really liked this one, but I was slightly confused at first.
Desire:
For some reason, I have a sense of déjà vu. Was this story already featured somewhere? Because I would swear that I already read this one.
Dream:
It's fascinating that I almost forgot that before Delirium there was Delight, at first I thought that it was a mistake.
Despair:
This one was really bizarre! But I loved it. Great portrait of Despair.
Delirium:
Where the Despair bizarreness went great, this went wrong for me. Least favourite of them all.
Destruction:
I would love to see more of this. It was pretty intriguing, but it was way too short to really develop the story.
Destiny:
The story that tells all the other stories.
Death:
I really liked this one, but I was slightly confused at first.
Desire:
For some reason, I have a sense of déjà vu. Was this story already featured somewhere? Because I would swear that I already read this one.
Dream:
It's fascinating that I almost forgot that before Delirium there was Delight, at first I thought that it was a mistake.
Despair:
This one was really bizarre! But I loved it. Great portrait of Despair.
Delirium:
Where the Despair bizarreness went great, this went wrong for me. Least favourite of them all.
Destruction:
I would love to see more of this. It was pretty intriguing, but it was way too short to really develop the story.
Destiny:
The story that tells all the other stories.
April 17, 2019
Endless Nights is an enjoyable, albeit unnecessary, addendum to “The Sandman” epic: seven unrelated tales, each one of which featuring one the “Endless,” the group of seven sisters and brothers which includes the Sandman (AKA Dream, AKA Morpheus) himself. I did not find any of them particularly memorable (I had to pick up the volume again to remember exactly what they were about) but my favorites are the one about Death (which features a singularly decadent party hosted by a degenerate 18th century count) and the one about Dream (which takes place during a period anterior to all the other Sandman, in happier days when Destruction was still an active member of the family and Delirium was still known as Delight.)
None of these Gaiman tales are equal to the rest of the Sandman opus, but I found the art, if anything, superior to the earlier ten volumes. (The art of the prequel Overture, which came after, is even more remarkable.) I particularly liked Milo Manara’s “Desire,” whose art deceives you into thinking you are reading a conventional romance tale, until the bloody, willful conclusion disabuses you of the notion, Bill Sienkiewicz’s appropriately varied styles in the tale of “Delirium,” and—perhaps above all the others—Barron Storey and Dave McKean’s fifteen experimental portraits of “Despair.”
As I said, this is not an essential work, and—although the stories are entertaining too—it is worth checking out for the art alone.
September 29, 2020
This addendum to the Sandman series gives us a glimpse at each of the 7 Endless. For the order in which we meet them, see my status updates.
It's an addendum, like I said, with mini stories, sometimes, and simple portraits at other times. What stands out is the art, definitely. So I shall let the art speak for itself.
A wonderful way to take another look at the siblings and I LOVED how every Endless had his or her own art style!
It's an addendum, like I said, with mini stories, sometimes, and simple portraits at other times. What stands out is the art, definitely. So I shall let the art speak for itself.
A wonderful way to take another look at the siblings and I LOVED how every Endless had his or her own art style!
August 18, 2022
Un racconto per ciascun eterno.
Se mi ci infili Manara ad illustrarne uno si finisce in un brodo di giuggiole particolarmente succulento.
Solo Distruzione tira leggermente il freno, tutti gli altri sono meravigliosi, inquietanti, frammentati, spietati, malinconici e fatalisti.
Se mi ci infili Manara ad illustrarne uno si finisce in un brodo di giuggiole particolarmente succulento.
Solo Distruzione tira leggermente il freno, tutti gli altri sono meravigliosi, inquietanti, frammentati, spietati, malinconici e fatalisti.
January 30, 2023
So the last book i finish reading after 5 days without internet gets to have the first review.
Brilliant as usual.
First of all thanks Neil Gaiman in fulfilling your dream of working with these amazing artists you gave us one of the best visual experiences eveeeer.
The hardest story to read for me was delirium which i actually had to go through twice and kept looking back at the always fabulous lettering style of Todd Klein just to stay at the same page and know who is talking from the five crazies and the dog and dream and Mathew the crow.
Delirium and death and dream are the best characters for me i think its hard to pick a favorite even though it would go like Death Dream Delirium and who wouldn't pick her as a favorite she is hot and deadly (for real...)
The best or the hardest art styles displayed was probably Bill Sienkiewicz Delirium And baron story and Dave Mckean on despair.
But even after picking two of the hardest styles in my opinion each artist fit perfectly Milo Manara on Desire did a great job i felt The meaning of the words Dream Desire Delirium Destiny Death Despair*** Destruction through the writing of each story and the style amazing job
*Death was a story That shows us you just can't escape death even if you seal the island magically and stop time you will still die at the time you were assigned
*Desire is a story that will make you horny its inevitable and Desire is a son of a bitch he is like the personification of the Lucifer of Margret and Master where you will never get really what you want there is always a trick involved that will break your heart and makes you lose your soul , And Milo Manara is a master of erotica Hats off to him and Italians i am starting to think that this is something they excel at Looking at Tinto Brass Filmography.
*Dream is a story of a heartbreak and the not too subtle hints of superman world and many others was great and i think i finally notice Dream's story was always a tragedy it was never meant to be a comedy...
*Despair is the ugliest most depressing portraits i have ever seen its the story of melancholy but i think i went through it unscathed.
*Delirium Is crazy and she is sweet i don't know what is it about helpless people that attract me she is so powerful yet more than once she needed help and she needs someone to watch over her, the five heroes were great they did their job and came out unscathed because they were loony already and i also sympathized with them maybe because i have these illusions that i will be crazy someday.
*Destruction Is he really that anymore ? what can we call him now since he abandoned his post maybe Gaiman will figure that out someday even though i think he can't stop being himself even if we are doing the destruction instead of him.
*Destiny please be kind to me buddy change a few hundred pages from my book i am sure a lot of mess ups are in my future.
I enjoyed the book even though it was a tough read in some spots because of the language difference but that is the only way to get better at it
Brilliant as usual.
First of all thanks Neil Gaiman in fulfilling your dream of working with these amazing artists you gave us one of the best visual experiences eveeeer.
The hardest story to read for me was delirium which i actually had to go through twice and kept looking back at the always fabulous lettering style of Todd Klein just to stay at the same page and know who is talking from the five crazies and the dog and dream and Mathew the crow.
Delirium and death and dream are the best characters for me i think its hard to pick a favorite even though it would go like Death Dream Delirium and who wouldn't pick her as a favorite she is hot and deadly (for real...)
The best or the hardest art styles displayed was probably Bill Sienkiewicz Delirium And baron story and Dave Mckean on despair.
But even after picking two of the hardest styles in my opinion each artist fit perfectly Milo Manara on Desire did a great job i felt The meaning of the words Dream Desire Delirium Destiny Death Despair*** Destruction through the writing of each story and the style amazing job
*Death was a story That shows us you just can't escape death even if you seal the island magically and stop time you will still die at the time you were assigned
*Desire is a story that will make you horny its inevitable and Desire is a son of a bitch he is like the personification of the Lucifer of Margret and Master where you will never get really what you want there is always a trick involved that will break your heart and makes you lose your soul , And Milo Manara is a master of erotica Hats off to him and Italians i am starting to think that this is something they excel at Looking at Tinto Brass Filmography.
*Dream is a story of a heartbreak and the not too subtle hints of superman world and many others was great and i think i finally notice Dream's story was always a tragedy it was never meant to be a comedy...
*Despair is the ugliest most depressing portraits i have ever seen its the story of melancholy but i think i went through it unscathed.
*Delirium Is crazy and she is sweet i don't know what is it about helpless people that attract me she is so powerful yet more than once she needed help and she needs someone to watch over her, the five heroes were great they did their job and came out unscathed because they were loony already and i also sympathized with them maybe because i have these illusions that i will be crazy someday.
*Destruction Is he really that anymore ? what can we call him now since he abandoned his post maybe Gaiman will figure that out someday even though i think he can't stop being himself even if we are doing the destruction instead of him.
*Destiny please be kind to me buddy change a few hundred pages from my book i am sure a lot of mess ups are in my future.
I enjoyed the book even though it was a tough read in some spots because of the language difference but that is the only way to get better at it
December 28, 2017
Endless Nights is a gem. Beautifully illustrated and wonderfully told it is yet another example of why I think so highly of Neil Gaiman. This is a collection of short stories about the Endless. Each story covers a different member of the Endless family. Each story has its own unique art style.
Follow the stories of Death, Desire, Dream, Despair, Delirium, Destruction and Destiny. I enjoyed the Death, Dream and Desire stories the most-though none of these stories is bad. The Despair and Delirium stories are rather trippy and reminded me of Grant Morrison's Arkham Asylum-style art. Some of the stories do shed some light on aspects of the Dream story (why, for example, he doesn't get along with his brother Desire). Still even those not familiar with the Sandman series will derive pleasure from these tales-this is a quality work. Blurring the lines between entertaining story and object d'art, this a is a book anyone would appreciate. I certainly did. Any Neil Gaiman fan would. Highly recommended!
Follow the stories of Death, Desire, Dream, Despair, Delirium, Destruction and Destiny. I enjoyed the Death, Dream and Desire stories the most-though none of these stories is bad. The Despair and Delirium stories are rather trippy and reminded me of Grant Morrison's Arkham Asylum-style art. Some of the stories do shed some light on aspects of the Dream story (why, for example, he doesn't get along with his brother Desire). Still even those not familiar with the Sandman series will derive pleasure from these tales-this is a quality work. Blurring the lines between entertaining story and object d'art, this a is a book anyone would appreciate. I certainly did. Any Neil Gaiman fan would. Highly recommended!
April 11, 2019
Όλες οι ιστορίες μου άρεσαν και όλες είχαν κάτι να πουν! Μου άρεσε πολύ που η κάθε μια είχε διαφορετικό σχέδιο αλλά ξεχωρίζω ιδιαιτέρως αυτό στην ιστορία της Despair από τον Barron Storey και στην ιστορία της Delirium από τον Bill Sienkiewics. Πραγματικά έργα τέχνης!
η άποψη μου για όλη τη σειρά εδώ:
https://wordpress64426.wordpress.com/...
η άποψη μου για όλη τη σειρά εδώ:
https://wordpress64426.wordpress.com/...
February 14, 2021
Neil Gaiman returns to the Endless giving each sibling their own story. Let's get this out of the way. The Despair story is awful with terrible art. It almost makes me wonder if Gaiman did it on purpose, to give the reader a sense of despair. The rest of these are golden. Dream, Death, Desire, Destruction. They are all wonderful stories making it well worth the price of admission. It's nice to have a visit with old friends you haven't seen for years and feel like no time has passed.
September 19, 2016
4,5
Ako se mene pita, Sila se vratio na svoje prijestolje i opet je sve u redu u odnosima fizickih manifestacija metafizickih koncepata :D Konacno mi je sjelo da je Sreca postala Sumanutost (zavoljela sam je tek kasnije u Sandmanu) i kako je uopce doslo do netrpeljivosti izmedu Sna i Strasti.
Uvjerljivo najbolji i najdrazi su mi portreti/skice Shrvanosti... Uopce taj koncept s kljucnim cinjenicama o njoj kroz par kratkih prica i kolaza. Skoro da osjecam Slom negdje u nutrini bica svog. Ma mozes je citati na nekoj veceri poezije, nitko nece ni skuziti:) Predivno prevedeno <3
Ako se mene pita, Sila se vratio na svoje prijestolje i opet je sve u redu u odnosima fizickih manifestacija metafizickih koncepata :D Konacno mi je sjelo da je Sreca postala Sumanutost (zavoljela sam je tek kasnije u Sandmanu) i kako je uopce doslo do netrpeljivosti izmedu Sna i Strasti.
Uvjerljivo najbolji i najdrazi su mi portreti/skice Shrvanosti... Uopce taj koncept s kljucnim cinjenicama o njoj kroz par kratkih prica i kolaza. Skoro da osjecam Slom negdje u nutrini bica svog. Ma mozes je citati na nekoj veceri poezije, nitko nece ni skuziti:) Predivno prevedeno <3
October 7, 2021
Out of all the books neil gaiman wrote after the Sandman 75 issue main series concluded, this has to be the closest he has come to capture the old feel, so far at least. This wasn't cheap or without purpose, it actually mattered in the sandman universe and you were transported back to those characters we grew to love.
I wish he would write more of these single issue stories, but capturing that and doing it justice is not easy it seems. 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
I wish he would write more of these single issue stories, but capturing that and doing it justice is not easy it seems. 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
September 11, 2022
The 30th anniversary edition has this marked as book 11 so all along I thought this was going to be the end of the series. Low and behold it is oh so much better ... this outlines a story for each of the endless instead.
I'm so thankful we got this inside look to not only get to know some of our favorite characters better but to also learn about those we rarely get to see.
Such a great read!!!
I'm so thankful we got this inside look to not only get to know some of our favorite characters better but to also learn about those we rarely get to see.
Such a great read!!!
August 18, 2020
On this, many times multiple, re-reading I still find this collection as good as ever. It may well be my favourite of the Sandman companion books (though, let's be honest; my favourite tends to be whichever I am reading at the time), partly because it is such a lush book. It has that lovely Dave McKean artwork and the textured pages and it is just a bit of an art experience to read it.
The stories are all quite perfect little gems in themselves, we finally get to read the story of why Dream and Desire are so very much at odds in chapter 3 The Heart of a Star where we get the backstory to a few throwaway lines in The Sandman, which are key to a major story arc. I love the way Gaiman does not feel the need to over explain everything in the books. This over-explaining is a very common flaw of many otherwise good stories, both in books and film and a thing that way too many stories and franchises seem to do. Gaiman understands that not all ends need to be tided up ALL the time, but these extra stories have the internal integrity of a complete tale, with no 'fanfiction' feel to them and The Heart of a Star in particular has plenty of charm.
Every time I re-read this, a different story is my favourite, this time it was chapter 2 Desire, What I've tasted of desire... I love the title too, one of my favourite William Blake verses. The story is a perfect addition to the Endless because in The Sandman in general, Desire is mostly posited as an adversary. But this little stand alone story gives us an isolated example of Desire's own nature and sphere of influence without any real intervention from the rest of the Endless. And it is a great story in it's own right with one excellent main character!
As always chapter 5 Delirium, Going Inside fascinated me. It is a simple enough little story, well conceived, and while the Endless characters of Dream (Daniel) and Barnabas are familiar there is no indication of when it takes place that I can see. I do not believe it ties into any particular time frame of The Sandman. While the story is nice, it is the amazing artwork of Bill Sienkiewicz that makes this chapter sing. The crazy lines, often irregular panels and chaotic, yet amazing artwork let the right side of your brain wander along the colour and image of delirium, while the left side of your brain simultaneously follows the actual story line. At least, that is how it always feels to me while reading it.
Anyway, perfect companion book for people who loved the Sandman, but completely accessible to anyone who didn't.
The stories are all quite perfect little gems in themselves, we finally get to read the story of why Dream and Desire are so very much at odds in chapter 3 The Heart of a Star where we get the backstory to a few throwaway lines in The Sandman, which are key to a major story arc. I love the way Gaiman does not feel the need to over explain everything in the books. This over-explaining is a very common flaw of many otherwise good stories, both in books and film and a thing that way too many stories and franchises seem to do. Gaiman understands that not all ends need to be tided up ALL the time, but these extra stories have the internal integrity of a complete tale, with no 'fanfiction' feel to them and The Heart of a Star in particular has plenty of charm.
Every time I re-read this, a different story is my favourite, this time it was chapter 2 Desire, What I've tasted of desire... I love the title too, one of my favourite William Blake verses. The story is a perfect addition to the Endless because in The Sandman in general, Desire is mostly posited as an adversary. But this little stand alone story gives us an isolated example of Desire's own nature and sphere of influence without any real intervention from the rest of the Endless. And it is a great story in it's own right with one excellent main character!
As always chapter 5 Delirium, Going Inside fascinated me. It is a simple enough little story, well conceived, and while the Endless characters of Dream (Daniel) and Barnabas are familiar there is no indication of when it takes place that I can see. I do not believe it ties into any particular time frame of The Sandman. While the story is nice, it is the amazing artwork of Bill Sienkiewicz that makes this chapter sing. The crazy lines, often irregular panels and chaotic, yet amazing artwork let the right side of your brain wander along the colour and image of delirium, while the left side of your brain simultaneously follows the actual story line. At least, that is how it always feels to me while reading it.
Anyway, perfect companion book for people who loved the Sandman, but completely accessible to anyone who didn't.
December 1, 2019
This graphic novel was absolutely breathtaking! I really loved getting to know each of the Endless and their back story, it made me want to dive deep into their world and never come back. Gaiman has truly come up with something just beyond fascinating with this series. The story is just SO interesting and it wraps itself around you until you don’t want it to let go! And then the artwork is just BEYOND stunning and brings the graphic novel to a whole other level of awesomeness!
November 21, 2022
I was underwhelmed with this collection. It was, at least in part, a matter of timing. Instead of reading it when it first came out, when I would have been eager for brand new Sandman stories, I read it immediately after rereading the entire ten volume Sandman cycle and its excellent prequel. It suffers by comparison.
Death and Venice (Death’s tale) was both brooding and charming, with pleasant, accessible art by P. Craig Russell that nicely matched the story.
4 stars
Milo Manara, creator of brilliantly erotic illustrations, appropriately did the art for Desire’s story, What I’ve tasted of Desire. Loved the sexy artwork, and it was my favorite of these tales.
5 stars
Dream’s tale, The Heart of a Star, is a story from the dawn of Everything, with interesting correspondence with the story in Sandman Overture. The art, by Miguelanxo Prado wasn’t bad, but wasn’t my taste either.
3 stars
Fifteen Portraits of Despair was a mess. The art, by Barry Storey was hideous, (appropriate, I guess, for Despair’s story) and the design, by Dave McKean was so close to unreadable that I skipped this tale.
1 star
Going Inside, Delirium’s tale, was marginally more readable than Despair’s chapter, but I still find Delirium the most tedious of the Endless. The game just isn’t worth the candle, trying to read through Gaiman’s attempt at creating a tale about madness — too much work for too little payoff. Bill Sienkiewicz’s art, at least, is interesting.
2 stars
Destruction gets a story, even though he’s abandoned his post. On The Peninsula is an intriguing idea, told well, with straightforward art by Glenn Fabry that enhances the story. Delirium appears with big brother Destruction in this story, and illustrates once again that she works best as a side character rather than a focus.
4 stars
Speaking of side characters, how do you craft a story focused on Destiny? I mean, he knows everything, kinda IS everything, so where do you get a story? And that’s the problem with his tale, Endless Nights. As Gertrude Stein would say, “there’s no there there.” The art, by Frank Quitely, was more interesting than the story.
2 stars
Death and Venice (Death’s tale) was both brooding and charming, with pleasant, accessible art by P. Craig Russell that nicely matched the story.
4 stars
Milo Manara, creator of brilliantly erotic illustrations, appropriately did the art for Desire’s story, What I’ve tasted of Desire. Loved the sexy artwork, and it was my favorite of these tales.
5 stars
Dream’s tale, The Heart of a Star, is a story from the dawn of Everything, with interesting correspondence with the story in Sandman Overture. The art, by Miguelanxo Prado wasn’t bad, but wasn’t my taste either.
3 stars
Fifteen Portraits of Despair was a mess. The art, by Barry Storey was hideous, (appropriate, I guess, for Despair’s story) and the design, by Dave McKean was so close to unreadable that I skipped this tale.
1 star
Going Inside, Delirium’s tale, was marginally more readable than Despair’s chapter, but I still find Delirium the most tedious of the Endless. The game just isn’t worth the candle, trying to read through Gaiman’s attempt at creating a tale about madness — too much work for too little payoff. Bill Sienkiewicz’s art, at least, is interesting.
2 stars
Destruction gets a story, even though he’s abandoned his post. On The Peninsula is an intriguing idea, told well, with straightforward art by Glenn Fabry that enhances the story. Delirium appears with big brother Destruction in this story, and illustrates once again that she works best as a side character rather than a focus.
4 stars
Speaking of side characters, how do you craft a story focused on Destiny? I mean, he knows everything, kinda IS everything, so where do you get a story? And that’s the problem with his tale, Endless Nights. As Gertrude Stein would say, “there’s no there there.” The art, by Frank Quitely, was more interesting than the story.
2 stars
Read
October 6, 2022Endless Nights is a collection of seven short stories each featuring one of the Endless from the Sandman comic series. The Endless are seven immortal brothers and sisters that personify an abstract concept like Death, Despair, Dream (aka The Sandman), etc. You don't need to know any of the previous Sandman installments in order to enjoy this work. Gaiman continues his reputation as a master storyteller with haunting, bittersweet, and nightmarish tales. If you like this book, check out Gaiman's Sandman series. You won't be dissapointed! -Louis
November 4, 2020
Absolutely beautiful. I’m a little stunned. It made me want to paint.
August 16, 2022
Okay, I really enjoyed this. I always felt that Neil Gaiman liked Death the most and so I was really happy to see that each sibling got an individual beautiful story... except for maybe Despair, but Despair is not supposed to beautiful either way.
Death in Venice was interesting. It was another of these mind-fucking moments of "how can times and places overlap" (are the concepts of past, present and future really just man-made and non-existent)? Of course every male protagonist has to fall for Death at some point but I really liked the soldier who was haunted by his childhood ghost crush.
Desire's story was sexy. Even tho our main man was an insufferable macho. I appreciated the seduction of the woman and how she got her revenge in the end.
Destruction's story was cool. I was really hoping for him and that scientist to hook up tho. :D I liked that he spent time with his sister and just his air in general. I would love to read more about his solo adventures.
15 portraits of Despair was a seriously fucked-up experience. I don't know how I feel about that "story" - hell, it wasn't even a story at all. Depressing, psycho pictures and random desperate moments - fit Despair quite well. I also liked how Neil mentioned that this was actually a story about the first Despair. Neat how everything comes to a close somehow.
Talking about coming to a close Dream's story was awesome. I loved seeing him so young and vulnerable and how Desire played her first of many tricks on him and his love life. Sucks that his lover had to cheat on him on that big public meeting. Him being pissed off at Desire was also great.
Delirium's story made me incredibly sad. I appreciated that Neil Gaiman tried to address a very serious topic - depression, denial after a rape - and it was hard to stomach. I loved how her family and dog got her out of that shitty situation and there was hope at the end.
I also really digged that Delight got a cameo in (I think) Dream's story. She was soooo fun!
Destiny's story was more of a prologue and epic. The biggest story of all in a way.
Very neat collection, will def get a re-read in a year or so. I can't wait to read Death's solo adventures and The Ouverture story!!!
Death in Venice was interesting. It was another of these mind-fucking moments of "how can times and places overlap" (are the concepts of past, present and future really just man-made and non-existent)? Of course every male protagonist has to fall for Death at some point but I really liked the soldier who was haunted by his childhood ghost crush.
Desire's story was sexy. Even tho our main man was an insufferable macho. I appreciated the seduction of the woman and how she got her revenge in the end.
Destruction's story was cool. I was really hoping for him and that scientist to hook up tho. :D I liked that he spent time with his sister and just his air in general. I would love to read more about his solo adventures.
15 portraits of Despair was a seriously fucked-up experience. I don't know how I feel about that "story" - hell, it wasn't even a story at all. Depressing, psycho pictures and random desperate moments - fit Despair quite well. I also liked how Neil mentioned that this was actually a story about the first Despair. Neat how everything comes to a close somehow.
Talking about coming to a close Dream's story was awesome. I loved seeing him so young and vulnerable and how Desire played her first of many tricks on him and his love life. Sucks that his lover had to cheat on him on that big public meeting. Him being pissed off at Desire was also great.
Delirium's story made me incredibly sad. I appreciated that Neil Gaiman tried to address a very serious topic - depression, denial after a rape - and it was hard to stomach. I loved how her family and dog got her out of that shitty situation and there was hope at the end.
I also really digged that Delight got a cameo in (I think) Dream's story. She was soooo fun!
Destiny's story was more of a prologue and epic. The biggest story of all in a way.
Very neat collection, will def get a re-read in a year or so. I can't wait to read Death's solo adventures and The Ouverture story!!!
December 3, 2020
I have a love hate with this one. Love the Death / Dream / Desire stories. Hated the Destiny / Delerium stories. The Destruction story was... sort of just there. The Delirium story was really quite charming. It's actually the funnest in the bunch because it's her calling a bunch of crazies to come and rescue her.
I don't know, man, this series is sort of the David Bowie of comics. It's all over the place, good and bad. Sometimes it's better suited for wall art in MOMA, other times it breaks the laws of comics, other times it tells great stories, other times it's so far up its own butt that it seems the only point is just graphic indulgence, decadence, and meaninglessness.
In all, I do love the series. I understand what it contributed. And I like Gaiman — always — his voice, particularly as a miniaturist.
But I sort of encountered these after everyone and it allowed me — I think — to encounter them with virgin eyes. And some of it just doesn't seem to live up to the hype. Other parts really do, perhaps were even undersold.
I don't know, man, this series is sort of the David Bowie of comics. It's all over the place, good and bad. Sometimes it's better suited for wall art in MOMA, other times it breaks the laws of comics, other times it tells great stories, other times it's so far up its own butt that it seems the only point is just graphic indulgence, decadence, and meaninglessness.
In all, I do love the series. I understand what it contributed. And I like Gaiman — always — his voice, particularly as a miniaturist.
But I sort of encountered these after everyone and it allowed me — I think — to encounter them with virgin eyes. And some of it just doesn't seem to live up to the hype. Other parts really do, perhaps were even undersold.
March 9, 2013
4.5 stars!
After reading almost all of Neil Gaiman’s fantastic run on the “Sandman” series (to the point where I called the year 2012 “The Year of the Sandman” since I had spent the year reading the Sandman comics), I wanted to read Neil Gaiman’s latest story on the “Sandman” series, “The Sandman: Endless Nights,” even though The Sandman, Vol. 10: The Wake was actually considered the final story arc in the “Sandman” series. “The Sandman: Endless Nights,” which is also a Bram Stoker Award winner and a Locus Award winner, is a fantastic series for any newcomer who wants to learn more about the Endless characters!
This volume is basically detailing seven chapters that deal with the seven siblings of the Endless and how they meet up with several unsuspecting characters in their stories. The chapters are as follow:
Chapter 1: Death: Death and Venice – artwork by P. Craig Russell
Chapter 2: Desire: What I’ve Tasted of Desire – artwork by Milo Manara
Chapter 3: Dream: The Heart of a Star – artwork by Miguelanxo Prado
Chapter 4: Despair: Fifteen Portraits of Despair – artwork by Barron Storey with designs by Dave McKean
Chapter 5: Delirium: Going Inside – artwork by Bill Sienkiewicz
Chapter 6: Destruction: On the Peninsula – artwork by Glenn Fabry
Chapter 7: Destiny: Endless Nights – artwork by Frank Quitely
For the past few volumes of the “Sandman” series, we were able to really get deep into the dark and mysterious world of Morpheus, better known as Dream of the Endless. Now, we finally have a volume that is dedicated to all of the siblings from the Endless, most notably Death, Dream’s older sister, Delirium, the youngest sister and Destruction, the brother who left the Endless family over four hundred years ago. Neil Gaiman has done a brilliant job at writing this volume as we actually get a closer look at not just Dream, but his siblings and I loved the way that Neil Gaiman explored each Endless character in deep detail. Probably my favorite stories in this volume were “Death and Venice,” “What I’ve Tasted of Desire,” “The Heart of a Star,” and “On the Peninsula” as these stories had the most interesting storylines and really delved into the minds of the characters being presented. Neil Gaiman’s introduction in this volume was probably the best introduction I had read out of any graphic novel (although, I do not normally read the introductions in graphic novels since I easily get bored reading them). Neil Gaiman clearly explains to the readers about why he wrote this volume after his nine year run on the “Sandman” series and it was interesting that Neil Gaiman wanted to do this volume because he wanted to work with different artists while still telling more stories about the Endless. The artwork in this volume, as with the previous volumes, are extremely well done as there are many different artists working on this volume and they include Glenn Fabry, Milo Manara, Miguelanxo Prado, Frank Quitely, P. Craig Russell, Bill Sienkiewicz, and Barron Storey. Probably my favorite artworks in this volume were done by P. Craig Russell, Milo Manara and Glenn Fabry. P. Craig Russell’s artwork in “Death and Venice” was extremely well done as the characters look slightly cartoonish, but still have a realistic touch to the characters’ appearances and I loved the way that the colors are done brightly which makes the artwork pleasing to see. Milo Manara’s artwork in “What I’ve Tasted of Desire” has a brilliant Renaissance Era vibe as the characters are realistic looking and the paintings flow well with the artwork. Glenn Fabry’s artwork in “On the Peninsula” is truly beautiful as the characters have realistic facial expressions and the environment of the peninsula is amazing to look at.
The reason why I took off half a star is because some of the stories were a bit confusing to read through. Probably the stories I had the most problems reading through were Delirium’s story “Going Inside” and Despair’s story “Fifteen Portraits of Despair” as the narratives were too complicated to understand since it seems like the stories were being told from a point of view of a crazed mind (although Delirium’s story makes so much sense based on her character). Also, for anyone who does not like violence and language, this volume does have some gory violence and strong language, although the violence is not as strong in this volume as it was in previous volumes.
Overall, “The Sandman: Endless Nights” is a fantastic book for fans of the “Sandman” series! Even though The Sandman, Vol. 10: The Wake is often considered the final volume in the “Sandman” series, this volume is sometimes considered the final volume of the “Sandman” series, even though any new reader to the “Sandman” series can read this to gain a better understanding of the “Sandman” characters as a whole.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
After reading almost all of Neil Gaiman’s fantastic run on the “Sandman” series (to the point where I called the year 2012 “The Year of the Sandman” since I had spent the year reading the Sandman comics), I wanted to read Neil Gaiman’s latest story on the “Sandman” series, “The Sandman: Endless Nights,” even though The Sandman, Vol. 10: The Wake was actually considered the final story arc in the “Sandman” series. “The Sandman: Endless Nights,” which is also a Bram Stoker Award winner and a Locus Award winner, is a fantastic series for any newcomer who wants to learn more about the Endless characters!
This volume is basically detailing seven chapters that deal with the seven siblings of the Endless and how they meet up with several unsuspecting characters in their stories. The chapters are as follow:
Chapter 1: Death: Death and Venice – artwork by P. Craig Russell
Chapter 2: Desire: What I’ve Tasted of Desire – artwork by Milo Manara
Chapter 3: Dream: The Heart of a Star – artwork by Miguelanxo Prado
Chapter 4: Despair: Fifteen Portraits of Despair – artwork by Barron Storey with designs by Dave McKean
Chapter 5: Delirium: Going Inside – artwork by Bill Sienkiewicz
Chapter 6: Destruction: On the Peninsula – artwork by Glenn Fabry
Chapter 7: Destiny: Endless Nights – artwork by Frank Quitely
For the past few volumes of the “Sandman” series, we were able to really get deep into the dark and mysterious world of Morpheus, better known as Dream of the Endless. Now, we finally have a volume that is dedicated to all of the siblings from the Endless, most notably Death, Dream’s older sister, Delirium, the youngest sister and Destruction, the brother who left the Endless family over four hundred years ago. Neil Gaiman has done a brilliant job at writing this volume as we actually get a closer look at not just Dream, but his siblings and I loved the way that Neil Gaiman explored each Endless character in deep detail. Probably my favorite stories in this volume were “Death and Venice,” “What I’ve Tasted of Desire,” “The Heart of a Star,” and “On the Peninsula” as these stories had the most interesting storylines and really delved into the minds of the characters being presented. Neil Gaiman’s introduction in this volume was probably the best introduction I had read out of any graphic novel (although, I do not normally read the introductions in graphic novels since I easily get bored reading them). Neil Gaiman clearly explains to the readers about why he wrote this volume after his nine year run on the “Sandman” series and it was interesting that Neil Gaiman wanted to do this volume because he wanted to work with different artists while still telling more stories about the Endless. The artwork in this volume, as with the previous volumes, are extremely well done as there are many different artists working on this volume and they include Glenn Fabry, Milo Manara, Miguelanxo Prado, Frank Quitely, P. Craig Russell, Bill Sienkiewicz, and Barron Storey. Probably my favorite artworks in this volume were done by P. Craig Russell, Milo Manara and Glenn Fabry. P. Craig Russell’s artwork in “Death and Venice” was extremely well done as the characters look slightly cartoonish, but still have a realistic touch to the characters’ appearances and I loved the way that the colors are done brightly which makes the artwork pleasing to see. Milo Manara’s artwork in “What I’ve Tasted of Desire” has a brilliant Renaissance Era vibe as the characters are realistic looking and the paintings flow well with the artwork. Glenn Fabry’s artwork in “On the Peninsula” is truly beautiful as the characters have realistic facial expressions and the environment of the peninsula is amazing to look at.
The reason why I took off half a star is because some of the stories were a bit confusing to read through. Probably the stories I had the most problems reading through were Delirium’s story “Going Inside” and Despair’s story “Fifteen Portraits of Despair” as the narratives were too complicated to understand since it seems like the stories were being told from a point of view of a crazed mind (although Delirium’s story makes so much sense based on her character). Also, for anyone who does not like violence and language, this volume does have some gory violence and strong language, although the violence is not as strong in this volume as it was in previous volumes.
Overall, “The Sandman: Endless Nights” is a fantastic book for fans of the “Sandman” series! Even though The Sandman, Vol. 10: The Wake is often considered the final volume in the “Sandman” series, this volume is sometimes considered the final volume of the “Sandman” series, even though any new reader to the “Sandman” series can read this to gain a better understanding of the “Sandman” characters as a whole.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
October 2, 2023
«Мати бажане й бути щасливою – це зовсім різне.»
Рік тому, коли завершився перший сезон серіалу, коли завершився десятий том графічного роману, мені катастрофічно не вистачало контенту – сиквела (ок, тут навряд), приквела, вбоквела – хоча б чогось. Минув рік і нарешті маю)))
Збірка коротких історій зі знайомою родиною Безмежних. Найбільше сподобалася «Смерть і Венеція». Останнє оповідання про Судьбу дещо розчарувало, бо хотілося більшого про найзагадковішого брата.
Рік тому, коли завершився перший сезон серіалу, коли завершився десятий том графічного роману, мені катастрофічно не вистачало контенту – сиквела (ок, тут навряд), приквела, вбоквела – хоча б чогось. Минув рік і нарешті маю)))
Збірка коротких історій зі знайомою родиною Безмежних. Найбільше сподобалася «Смерть і Венеція». Останнє оповідання про Судьбу дещо розчарувало, бо хотілося більшого про найзагадковішого брата.
June 13, 2024
Рисунките са добри, но историите нещо не ми допаднаха. Даже и великия Мило Манара ми се губи точно в тази компилация.
Може би затова и не си взех нито една книжка от серията след тази...
P.S. Пресна новина от Панаира на книгата, пролет 2021 - май от издателство Артлайн се готвят да издават поредицата на български!
Може би затова и не си взех нито една книжка от серията след тази...
P.S. Пресна новина от Панаира на книгата, пролет 2021 - май от издателство Артлайн се готвят да издават поредицата на български!
December 8, 2022
A bunch of short stories about Dream and his siblings...what more can I ask for?
The artwork is terrific! Plus we get to see Dream having his heart broken!!! (but I am not sure what he felt is exactly a heartbreak, or not) WOWOWOW!!! I'm so impressed!
We need more!
The artwork is terrific! Plus we get to see Dream having his heart broken!!! (but I am not sure what he felt is exactly a heartbreak, or not) WOWOWOW!!! I'm so impressed!
We need more!
February 5, 2008
Singer-songwriter Fish has a line about returning to your past. When asked, as he often is at concerts, to play one of the seminal songs from his former band Marillion, he responds, "I'm not playing fucking Grendel!" His point is that to try and relive the past like that would make no sense--he can't sing it the way he used to, the meaning's not there. It would be nostalgic at best, off-key at worst. Trying to relive something you did years ago and have moved on from is not the best plan.
Which brings me to this graphic novel. Gaiman got his name writing an amazing series called Sandman that was already unraveling a bit by the end. He'd simply said all he wanted to do, and to make sure he was done, he destroyed his work ala the way Shakespeare destroyed his in the Tempest. He even gives us one last hurrah by linking the two together. It's a great idea. It was a great way to go out.
But fans clamor for more. They always do. No one knows when to "close the book and gracefully decline" if I may borrow yet another musical reference. We've got Indiana Jones and the Nursing Home of Doom on deck and I just saw an ad for an all-new Rambo--still starring Stallone! If you want further proof that going back and doing more is a bad idea, I have two words for you: Phantom Menace.
Gaiman tries his best to work some old magic in this one, but it's clear his attention is elsewhere. Death's story, brilliantly illustrated by P. Craig Russell, almost captures what used to be, but the ending twists what looked interesting into a simple "a killer justifies his life" plot line. There's some great ideas and Death as always steals the show, but it feels like it was rushed.
Desire's story is by far the best of the collection. Folklore, myth, and tales of olden times given a modern perspective weave together as a woman uses the power of Desire to get what she wants--at a terrible cost. These are themes that feature prominently in Gaiman's prose and his current film work, and it's obvious he's very engaged in this one. The Artwork, just a bit out of focus in many ways, captures how we see something when we desire it. This was my favorite, and it would have made a great one-shot.
Dream, the character most closely associated with Gaiman, gets rather shorted here, as his story features an ensemble cast. This is a story from the past, when Dream was more apt to love. The Endless meet up with the stars to plan the future. Dream brings his girlfriend, a young from from a planet we'll hear more about in other times. Meanwhile, Despair woos a red sun into tragic plots, and Desire does what he does best. I'm a bit surprised Gaiman tries to link the Endless to the DC universe Canon--he even mentions in the first trade of Sandman that when he tried to do that, he felt he failed. This is a story designed to show why some of the things happened the way they did in the series, and I'm not sure that was needed. It's a very clever tale, however. Yet it's not a real story about Dream.
Despair's chapter is very rough, as expected,. As experimental graphic work goes, I'm sure it's good, but not really my taste.
Delirium has gone a bit mad, even for her, and it's up to a few who think like she does to save her. Bill Sienkiewicz does the art duties here and his half normal art, half odd graphical work serves the story well. None of this story makes sense, but that's to be expected. It sets up the Destruction tale in the next story, where a woman goes to excavate the future--and finds some things man would be better off not knowing. Can Delirium--who's more her usual self here--and Destruction convince this archaeologist-for-hire that preservation is not always what it's cracked up to be? Again, like the Death story, I feel that this plot has been done too many times to make it worthy of what used to be written in Sandman.
Last is Destiny, who mostly gets a character description. This is a shame, because I think there could have been a great story about how Destiny, like Gaiman, knows all, and choses that which he opts to share, just as a writer chooses what to write. This is what I mean when I said I don't think his heart was completely into the writing--none of the stories really push the boundaries the way that Gaiman does when he's in his stride.
These are nice tales of the Endless for those who wanted more. But they're just that--more. They aren't the type of writing that makes a person who doesn't normally read "edgy" comics sit up and take notice the way that Sandman changed how I read comics. This is an encore from a man who's doing other things. Because he's so good at writing, they are still good stories. They just aren't what I've come to expect from Gaiman, and I don't think that was his fault. He felt it was time to write more Endless stories. I think he may have stretched that desire a bit too thin here. If we get more Endless, I'd prefer it to be in the form of a one-shot, so that the best idea is what we get. I'd love to read more, too--but only if it really needs to be said. (Library, 01/08)
Trebby's Take: Not as satisfying as I'd hoped. Still worth reading, but please don't make this your introduction to Sandman.
Which brings me to this graphic novel. Gaiman got his name writing an amazing series called Sandman that was already unraveling a bit by the end. He'd simply said all he wanted to do, and to make sure he was done, he destroyed his work ala the way Shakespeare destroyed his in the Tempest. He even gives us one last hurrah by linking the two together. It's a great idea. It was a great way to go out.
But fans clamor for more. They always do. No one knows when to "close the book and gracefully decline" if I may borrow yet another musical reference. We've got Indiana Jones and the Nursing Home of Doom on deck and I just saw an ad for an all-new Rambo--still starring Stallone! If you want further proof that going back and doing more is a bad idea, I have two words for you: Phantom Menace.
Gaiman tries his best to work some old magic in this one, but it's clear his attention is elsewhere. Death's story, brilliantly illustrated by P. Craig Russell, almost captures what used to be, but the ending twists what looked interesting into a simple "a killer justifies his life" plot line. There's some great ideas and Death as always steals the show, but it feels like it was rushed.
Desire's story is by far the best of the collection. Folklore, myth, and tales of olden times given a modern perspective weave together as a woman uses the power of Desire to get what she wants--at a terrible cost. These are themes that feature prominently in Gaiman's prose and his current film work, and it's obvious he's very engaged in this one. The Artwork, just a bit out of focus in many ways, captures how we see something when we desire it. This was my favorite, and it would have made a great one-shot.
Dream, the character most closely associated with Gaiman, gets rather shorted here, as his story features an ensemble cast. This is a story from the past, when Dream was more apt to love. The Endless meet up with the stars to plan the future. Dream brings his girlfriend, a young from from a planet we'll hear more about in other times. Meanwhile, Despair woos a red sun into tragic plots, and Desire does what he does best. I'm a bit surprised Gaiman tries to link the Endless to the DC universe Canon--he even mentions in the first trade of Sandman that when he tried to do that, he felt he failed. This is a story designed to show why some of the things happened the way they did in the series, and I'm not sure that was needed. It's a very clever tale, however. Yet it's not a real story about Dream.
Despair's chapter is very rough, as expected,. As experimental graphic work goes, I'm sure it's good, but not really my taste.
Delirium has gone a bit mad, even for her, and it's up to a few who think like she does to save her. Bill Sienkiewicz does the art duties here and his half normal art, half odd graphical work serves the story well. None of this story makes sense, but that's to be expected. It sets up the Destruction tale in the next story, where a woman goes to excavate the future--and finds some things man would be better off not knowing. Can Delirium--who's more her usual self here--and Destruction convince this archaeologist-for-hire that preservation is not always what it's cracked up to be? Again, like the Death story, I feel that this plot has been done too many times to make it worthy of what used to be written in Sandman.
Last is Destiny, who mostly gets a character description. This is a shame, because I think there could have been a great story about how Destiny, like Gaiman, knows all, and choses that which he opts to share, just as a writer chooses what to write. This is what I mean when I said I don't think his heart was completely into the writing--none of the stories really push the boundaries the way that Gaiman does when he's in his stride.
These are nice tales of the Endless for those who wanted more. But they're just that--more. They aren't the type of writing that makes a person who doesn't normally read "edgy" comics sit up and take notice the way that Sandman changed how I read comics. This is an encore from a man who's doing other things. Because he's so good at writing, they are still good stories. They just aren't what I've come to expect from Gaiman, and I don't think that was his fault. He felt it was time to write more Endless stories. I think he may have stretched that desire a bit too thin here. If we get more Endless, I'd prefer it to be in the form of a one-shot, so that the best idea is what we get. I'd love to read more, too--but only if it really needs to be said. (Library, 01/08)
Trebby's Take: Not as satisfying as I'd hoped. Still worth reading, but please don't make this your introduction to Sandman.
June 22, 2021
Raccolta di storie brevi con disegnatori d'eccezione, ognuna dedicata a un Eterno.
Alcune più carine di altre, tutte bene o male sensate. Però mi aspettavo di più, lo ammetto.
(Anche se con la storia di Sogno e con quella di Distruzione Gaiman ha tirato fuori delle perle di inventiva, eh)
Alcune più carine di altre, tutte bene o male sensate. Però mi aspettavo di più, lo ammetto.
(Anche se con la storia di Sogno e con quella di Distruzione Gaiman ha tirato fuori delle perle di inventiva, eh)
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January 15, 2025Sandman: Endless Nights made history; it was the first graphic novel to ever make the New York Times Bestseller List. In it, each of the Endless get their own chapter, and each tale is illustrated by a different artist in an often experimental style. The stories are stand-alones and independent of each other, except Delirium's and Destruction's, which are also the only ones that take place after the events in the main Sandman series. I wouldn't normally review a graphic novel issue by issue, but since these can be considered to be illustrated short stories, and they are so stylistically different, I'll break it down.
Death And Venice · ★★★★ (Art by P. Craig Russell)
This is the oldest story in the book, written in Venice the week after the 9/11 attacks. Its title is a nod to Thomas Mann's Death In Venice, and the tale itself is clearly strongly inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's The Masque of the Red Death. It switches back and forth between two story- and timelines: A group of people in a by-gone century, living on an island off the coast of Venice which is protected from Death by magic, and the memories and thoughts of a contemporary American soldier who met Death on that same island as a child, and never forgot the encounter.
What I've Tasted Of Desire · ★★★★1/2 (Art by Milo Manara)
In the introduction, Gaiman says that the thought of Manara illustrating a tale of Desire was one of the things that propelled him into making Endless Nights a reality, and I can see why; everything from his line-work to the coloring is beautiful and sensual. This story appears to be set in pre-Roman Britain, and follows the life of a woman who bargains with Desire to win the hand of her handsome neighbor.
Dream: The Heart of a Star · ★★★ (Art by Miguelanxo Prado)
I admit that this one tied into the wider DC universe too strongly for me to fully appreciate, so it's my least favorite in the collection—I like my Sandman to be self-contained. This is the earliest story in the Sandman chronology, set near the beginning of the habitability of the universe—Delight has not yet become Delirium, Death is unmerciful, and we see the genesis of the rivalry between Dream and Desire. The story is narrated by the Sun to the Earth, long before the evolution of life on it, and the illustrations involving space were by far my favorites, while I really disliked the look of Killalla of the Glow's face.
Fifteen Portraits Of Despair · ★★★★★ (Art by Barron Storey, designed by Dave McKean)
Not really a story, but rather a collection of fifteen vignettes, or, as the title suggests, portraits, illustrating different aspects of Despair. This was some really heavy stuff, and the dark, bizarre, and often abstract art, unlike any I've seen in any other Sandman book (save on McKean's cover art), really enhanced the stories. This would be my pick as favorite chapter, although I had to take breaks while reading it because the sense of hopeless despair I got from these shorts was a lot to take.
Delirium: Going Inside · ★★★★1/2 (Art by Bill Sienkiewicz)
I felt like I was going crazy while trying to bring coherence to these pages, until you realize that you just have to let it go, you're entering Delirium's realm after all—which tells you how well-done both story and accompanying artwork really are. It's about several mentally ill people (one of whom is loosely based on Henry Darger—I had never heard of him, but it's an incredibly fascinating story, I encourage you to look it up) who are brought together by Daniel, Dream's raven Matthew, and Delirium's dog protector Barnabas, on a quest to save Delirium from herself.
Destruction: On the Peninsula · ★★★★ (Art by Glenn Fabry)
This directly follows and relates to Delirium's story, and features her as well. A female archaeologist who has constant dreams and visions of variations of a post-apocalyptic world is exploring an Italian peninsula which appears to hold artifacts from the future (they find pennies dated 2019—I was so glad to have found this volume now, while the future in the story is still the future!). The most sci-fi of the stories, in a way, I really enjoyed it, although Destruction's role was rather minor when compared to the other chapters so far.
Destiny: Endless Nights · ★★★★ (Art by Frank Quitley)
Not a story, but a short vignette of the burden of responsibility that Destiny, the most elusive and mysterious of the Endless, has to bear. This chapter holds my favorite art and lettering in the volume—bright and airy full-page illustrations perfectly suited as the closing chapter in what, at the time, was the last Sandman volume.
While Endless Nights might not be an essential addition to the Sandman canon, it is a delightful one, and a great way to revisit the siblings; perhaps especially because each of them gets to shine in turn. I took my time reading it and really savored it, knowing that it might be the last time I'd read a Sandman story for the first time. I can highly recommend it—it would be confusing to someone unfamiliar with the main series though, and is really only a treat for long-time fans, and not a good starting point for new readers.
—————
My other Sandman reviews:
01: Preludes & Nocturnes · ★★★½
02: The Doll's House · ★★★★
03: Dream Country · ★★★
04: Season of Mists · ★★★★½
05: A Game of You · ★★★½
06: Fables and Reflections · ★★★½
07: Brief Lives · ★★★★½
08: Worlds' End · ★★★
09: The Kindly Ones · ★★★★★
10: The Wake · ★★★
Overture · ★★
The Dream Hunters · ★★★★
Death: The Deluxe Edition · ★★★★
Audible Original Act I · ★★★★★
Audible Original Act II · ★★★★★
Audible Original Act III · ★★★★★
Death And Venice · ★★★★ (Art by P. Craig Russell)
This is the oldest story in the book, written in Venice the week after the 9/11 attacks. Its title is a nod to Thomas Mann's Death In Venice, and the tale itself is clearly strongly inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's The Masque of the Red Death. It switches back and forth between two story- and timelines: A group of people in a by-gone century, living on an island off the coast of Venice which is protected from Death by magic, and the memories and thoughts of a contemporary American soldier who met Death on that same island as a child, and never forgot the encounter.
What I've Tasted Of Desire · ★★★★1/2 (Art by Milo Manara)
In the introduction, Gaiman says that the thought of Manara illustrating a tale of Desire was one of the things that propelled him into making Endless Nights a reality, and I can see why; everything from his line-work to the coloring is beautiful and sensual. This story appears to be set in pre-Roman Britain, and follows the life of a woman who bargains with Desire to win the hand of her handsome neighbor.
Dream: The Heart of a Star · ★★★ (Art by Miguelanxo Prado)
I admit that this one tied into the wider DC universe too strongly for me to fully appreciate, so it's my least favorite in the collection—I like my Sandman to be self-contained. This is the earliest story in the Sandman chronology, set near the beginning of the habitability of the universe—Delight has not yet become Delirium, Death is unmerciful, and we see the genesis of the rivalry between Dream and Desire. The story is narrated by the Sun to the Earth, long before the evolution of life on it, and the illustrations involving space were by far my favorites, while I really disliked the look of Killalla of the Glow's face.
Fifteen Portraits Of Despair · ★★★★★ (Art by Barron Storey, designed by Dave McKean)
Not really a story, but rather a collection of fifteen vignettes, or, as the title suggests, portraits, illustrating different aspects of Despair. This was some really heavy stuff, and the dark, bizarre, and often abstract art, unlike any I've seen in any other Sandman book (save on McKean's cover art), really enhanced the stories. This would be my pick as favorite chapter, although I had to take breaks while reading it because the sense of hopeless despair I got from these shorts was a lot to take.
Delirium: Going Inside · ★★★★1/2 (Art by Bill Sienkiewicz)
I felt like I was going crazy while trying to bring coherence to these pages, until you realize that you just have to let it go, you're entering Delirium's realm after all—which tells you how well-done both story and accompanying artwork really are. It's about several mentally ill people (one of whom is loosely based on Henry Darger—I had never heard of him, but it's an incredibly fascinating story, I encourage you to look it up) who are brought together by Daniel, Dream's raven Matthew, and Delirium's dog protector Barnabas, on a quest to save Delirium from herself.
Destruction: On the Peninsula · ★★★★ (Art by Glenn Fabry)
This directly follows and relates to Delirium's story, and features her as well. A female archaeologist who has constant dreams and visions of variations of a post-apocalyptic world is exploring an Italian peninsula which appears to hold artifacts from the future (they find pennies dated 2019—I was so glad to have found this volume now, while the future in the story is still the future!). The most sci-fi of the stories, in a way, I really enjoyed it, although Destruction's role was rather minor when compared to the other chapters so far.
Destiny: Endless Nights · ★★★★ (Art by Frank Quitley)
Not a story, but a short vignette of the burden of responsibility that Destiny, the most elusive and mysterious of the Endless, has to bear. This chapter holds my favorite art and lettering in the volume—bright and airy full-page illustrations perfectly suited as the closing chapter in what, at the time, was the last Sandman volume.
While Endless Nights might not be an essential addition to the Sandman canon, it is a delightful one, and a great way to revisit the siblings; perhaps especially because each of them gets to shine in turn. I took my time reading it and really savored it, knowing that it might be the last time I'd read a Sandman story for the first time. I can highly recommend it—it would be confusing to someone unfamiliar with the main series though, and is really only a treat for long-time fans, and not a good starting point for new readers.
—————
My other Sandman reviews:
01: Preludes & Nocturnes · ★★★½
02: The Doll's House · ★★★★
03: Dream Country · ★★★
04: Season of Mists · ★★★★½
05: A Game of You · ★★★½
06: Fables and Reflections · ★★★½
07: Brief Lives · ★★★★½
08: Worlds' End · ★★★
09: The Kindly Ones · ★★★★★
10: The Wake · ★★★
Overture · ★★
The Dream Hunters · ★★★★
Death: The Deluxe Edition · ★★★★
Audible Original Act I · ★★★★★
Audible Original Act II · ★★★★★
Audible Original Act III · ★★★★★
August 14, 2016
Sandman, Vol 11: Endless Nights: Individual tales of the Endless
Having just finished the 10-volume epic SANDMAN saga, it’s hard to imagine anything that can top this achievement. In aggregate, it is certainly the most ambitious comic of its time, and having depicted the character arc of Dream, also known as Morpheus and the Sandman, there is isn’t much to add to that. At the same time, since the Endless have lived for the lifetime of the current universe (and perhaps previous iterations), there are an infinite number of side-stories that Gaiman could conceive. So it was inevitable that he would choose to pen some stories that featured each of the Endless - this project itself could be endless, if there’s enough demand from Sandman fans.
Endless Nights has a story about each of the Endless, each penned by different artists who Gaiman chose to best represent the unique aspects of each Endless sibling and their stories. As such, your impressions of the story will be greatly affected by the artists, and in the case of Despair (“Fifteen Portraits of Despair”) and Delirium (“Going Inside”), the stories are suitably grim and disorienting, respectively.
The writing is also fragmented into poetic and cryptic snippets, so their stories are not so much stories as montages. In the case of Delirium, it makes perfect sense the the images and worlds are chaotic, disturbing, and somewhat crazed. It doesn’t make for easy reading. In the case of Despair, I just couldn’t understand what the story was about, but the artwork is suitably creepy.
My favorite stories were about Death (“Death and Venice”), Desire (“What I’ve Tasted of Desire”), and Destruction (“On the Peninsula”).
The story of Death is a haunting one set on an island off the coast of Venice, where a disillusioned soldier on leave recalls his brief encounter with Death as a child, and his second encounter with her as they crash the idyllic party of some decadent immortals who think themselves immune to death. The artwork by P. Craig Russell is precise, evocative, and pleasing, which is no surprise as he also did the legendary “Ramadan”.
Desire’s tale is definitely the most sexually-charged, a fable of a young woman in early Britain who desires the handsome but playboy son of the village leader. She cuts a deal with Desire, but in typical fashion, the passions that are ignited do not conform to expectations. It reminded me a bit of the Wildlings of the North in Game of Thrones.
The story about Destruction features my favorite, by Glen Fabry, and is a mysterious story about a remote island in the Mediterranean, where some archaeologists have unearthed some strange objects apparently from the future. The story actually features both Destruction and Delirium, and just like in previous Sandman stories, Destruction is a deeply thoughtful being, nothing like what you might expect, and is always ambivalent about his past life.
The final story about Destiny (“Endless Nights”) is more of a brief coda or book end, and hardly counts, thought that is understandable considering that Destiny is a passive figure who knows the life of all people based on the book he carries, but he does not create or affect these life paths but merely observes. It always struck me that his role was fairly pointless, for that reason.
Having just finished the 10-volume epic SANDMAN saga, it’s hard to imagine anything that can top this achievement. In aggregate, it is certainly the most ambitious comic of its time, and having depicted the character arc of Dream, also known as Morpheus and the Sandman, there is isn’t much to add to that. At the same time, since the Endless have lived for the lifetime of the current universe (and perhaps previous iterations), there are an infinite number of side-stories that Gaiman could conceive. So it was inevitable that he would choose to pen some stories that featured each of the Endless - this project itself could be endless, if there’s enough demand from Sandman fans.
Endless Nights has a story about each of the Endless, each penned by different artists who Gaiman chose to best represent the unique aspects of each Endless sibling and their stories. As such, your impressions of the story will be greatly affected by the artists, and in the case of Despair (“Fifteen Portraits of Despair”) and Delirium (“Going Inside”), the stories are suitably grim and disorienting, respectively.
The writing is also fragmented into poetic and cryptic snippets, so their stories are not so much stories as montages. In the case of Delirium, it makes perfect sense the the images and worlds are chaotic, disturbing, and somewhat crazed. It doesn’t make for easy reading. In the case of Despair, I just couldn’t understand what the story was about, but the artwork is suitably creepy.
My favorite stories were about Death (“Death and Venice”), Desire (“What I’ve Tasted of Desire”), and Destruction (“On the Peninsula”).
The story of Death is a haunting one set on an island off the coast of Venice, where a disillusioned soldier on leave recalls his brief encounter with Death as a child, and his second encounter with her as they crash the idyllic party of some decadent immortals who think themselves immune to death. The artwork by P. Craig Russell is precise, evocative, and pleasing, which is no surprise as he also did the legendary “Ramadan”.
Desire’s tale is definitely the most sexually-charged, a fable of a young woman in early Britain who desires the handsome but playboy son of the village leader. She cuts a deal with Desire, but in typical fashion, the passions that are ignited do not conform to expectations. It reminded me a bit of the Wildlings of the North in Game of Thrones.
The story about Destruction features my favorite, by Glen Fabry, and is a mysterious story about a remote island in the Mediterranean, where some archaeologists have unearthed some strange objects apparently from the future. The story actually features both Destruction and Delirium, and just like in previous Sandman stories, Destruction is a deeply thoughtful being, nothing like what you might expect, and is always ambivalent about his past life.
The final story about Destiny (“Endless Nights”) is more of a brief coda or book end, and hardly counts, thought that is understandable considering that Destiny is a passive figure who knows the life of all people based on the book he carries, but he does not create or affect these life paths but merely observes. It always struck me that his role was fairly pointless, for that reason.
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