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Sandman Mystery Theatre (collected editions) #5
Sandman Mystery Theatre, Vol. 5: Dr. Death and the Night of the Butcher
Writers Matt Wagner and Steven T. Seagle and artists Guy Davis and Vince Locke continue their masterly exploration of the pulp detective genre with this fifth collection of Sandman Mystery Theatre as Wesley Dodds is driven by his dreams to fight injustice in the dark of night. Donning a gas mask, fedora, business suit and cape, Dodds goes after evildoers as the vigilante known only as The Sandman. Dr. Death and the Night of the Butcher follows Wesley Dodds through two new cases of serial murderers, each more grisly than the last. But the real challenge for The Sandman will be holding on to his paramour, Dian Belmont, once she finally uncovers his secret career.
208 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2007
About the author
Matt Wagner
963 books238 followersMatt Wagner is an American comic book writer and artist. In addition to his creator-owned series' Mage and Grendel, he has also worked on comics featuring The Demon and Batman as well as such titles as Sandman Mystery Theatre and Trinity, a DC Comics limited series featuring Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 11, 2023
This is a turning point volume for Sandman.
Dian is onto Wesley's nightly excursions and spends the majority of the Dr. Death arc wondering whether or not to confront him with her knowledge.
Dr. Death is a man who sends out prescriptions warning his victims that they are next. Wesley and the medical examiner forge a bond that will surely prove helpful in the future. Once again, Dian has a personal connection to the case that lands her in the thick of it all.
The Night of the Butcher arc has Dian and Wesley fighting. Well, Dian is fighting. Wesley is just trying to win her back. The big question is whether or not she’s willing to be with a man who runs around squirting criminals with gas while wearing a respirator.
Nobody’s perfect.
Wesley’s nightly visions are on the fritz due to his relationship issues. But now the reader can really see that his dreams point towards the idea that the supernatural Sandman is behind his drive to right wrongs.
This Butcher is a new crazy on the scene who is chopping up seemingly random people and leaving parts of their corpses all over the place. Burke is convinced that there’s a connection to the old sewer system and takes a few cops down to investigate.
So that’s a fun Friday night.
The art is still a pill and it’s not exactly fast-paced, but for whatever reason I’m really enjoying this.
Dian is onto Wesley's nightly excursions and spends the majority of the Dr. Death arc wondering whether or not to confront him with her knowledge.
Dr. Death is a man who sends out prescriptions warning his victims that they are next. Wesley and the medical examiner forge a bond that will surely prove helpful in the future. Once again, Dian has a personal connection to the case that lands her in the thick of it all.
The Night of the Butcher arc has Dian and Wesley fighting. Well, Dian is fighting. Wesley is just trying to win her back. The big question is whether or not she’s willing to be with a man who runs around squirting criminals with gas while wearing a respirator.
Nobody’s perfect.
Wesley’s nightly visions are on the fritz due to his relationship issues. But now the reader can really see that his dreams point towards the idea that the supernatural Sandman is behind his drive to right wrongs.
This Butcher is a new crazy on the scene who is chopping up seemingly random people and leaving parts of their corpses all over the place. Burke is convinced that there’s a connection to the old sewer system and takes a few cops down to investigate.
So that’s a fun Friday night.
The art is still a pill and it’s not exactly fast-paced, but for whatever reason I’m really enjoying this.
March 6, 2026
Amazing stories from the Golden Age. Very recommended
December 17, 2022
Due cicli del Sandman Mystery Theatre decisamente intrisi di violenza, questa è la prima cosa che balza all'occhio. La seconda è lo sviluppo del rapporto di Dian Belmond con Wesley Dodds. Lei sa che lui è Sandman. Lui vorrebbe rivelarle la verità ma non sa come fare e, sopratutto, ha paura di cosa la rivelazione può portare nel loro rapporto. Inoltre c'è l'evolversi delle relazioni tra Sandman e il detective Bourke, nonché con il patologo legale. Sullo sfondo, la Germania nazista prosegue la sua ascesa verso l'orrore.
Dr. Death parla di un falso medico, che uccide quelli che considera relitti umani con un sistema poco realistico. Ma la storia si lascia leggere e fornisce ottimi spunti di riflessione sia sul tema del sesso sia su quello della morte e della vita, e del senso della vita.
La Notte del Macellaio è quello che promette: una sequenza di orrori, di macellazioni causali. C'è un folle, minorato mentale, cannibale che esce dalle fogne, uccide, macella e torn nel suo covo d'orrore.
Nel complesso due ottime sequenze abbastanza ben disegnate. 4 stelle
Dr. Death parla di un falso medico, che uccide quelli che considera relitti umani con un sistema poco realistico. Ma la storia si lascia leggere e fornisce ottimi spunti di riflessione sia sul tema del sesso sia su quello della morte e della vita, e del senso della vita.
La Notte del Macellaio è quello che promette: una sequenza di orrori, di macellazioni causali. C'è un folle, minorato mentale, cannibale che esce dalle fogne, uccide, macella e torn nel suo covo d'orrore.
Nel complesso due ottime sequenze abbastanza ben disegnate. 4 stelle
June 9, 2021
Well, these were some of the most gruesome installments yet, especially those on Night of the Butcher... I came very close to skipping pages just so I didn't have to look at what was happening!
Some things felt a bit too on the nose though, like they needed either better dialogue or more time to be developed. I quite liked Dr. Death's story arc, but I think the motives were a bit lacking, in my eyes.
Also, that police detective is so infuriating!
Some things felt a bit too on the nose though, like they needed either better dialogue or more time to be developed. I quite liked Dr. Death's story arc, but I think the motives were a bit lacking, in my eyes.
Also, that police detective is so infuriating!
October 14, 2025
4.5 Stars
I love this series. The macabre tales mixed with the 1938 setting just works. In this volume we have a story about a Doctor who prescribes death to those he deems past their primes and ready to die. I did have an issue with how this story ended, as it ended abruptly and I'd have liked at least another page or two explaining the villains motives. The second story had the Sandman facing an Ed Gein type adversary and was the perfect type of story for this series. Overall a very strong volume.
I love this series. The macabre tales mixed with the 1938 setting just works. In this volume we have a story about a Doctor who prescribes death to those he deems past their primes and ready to die. I did have an issue with how this story ended, as it ended abruptly and I'd have liked at least another page or two explaining the villains motives. The second story had the Sandman facing an Ed Gein type adversary and was the perfect type of story for this series. Overall a very strong volume.
January 29, 2021
This is one is great. There is a lot less emphasis on the crime. The way to connect Dian to the main story seemed a BIT of a stretch. But the story itself is about the strain of knowing the truth about Wesley has on their relationship. First in her wanting to know the secret and then the bigger strain when she actually discovers it. Those play out REALLY well over the course of these two arcs.
Dr. Death is probably the one with the bigger and well thought out mystery to it. The second one seems motiveless the whole time-- but by the end we see WHY they seemed that way. Plus, who doesn't love a story about deranged sewer cannibals.
Plus, both of these stories have at least nods to the JSA. One of the midweight boxers goes to 'Ted's Gym'.... with the implication that it was the same gym we see Ted Grant running- either before he was framed for murder or after he cleared his name. The second arc has Wesley getting hurt and holding back on called Dr. McNider- who may or may not be Dr. Midnite. So cool bit for people who are actually fans of the rare crossovers between the DC Universe and Vertigo line. (Which became increasingly rare as the two imprints began diverging more and more.)
Dr. Death is probably the one with the bigger and well thought out mystery to it. The second one seems motiveless the whole time-- but by the end we see WHY they seemed that way. Plus, who doesn't love a story about deranged sewer cannibals.
Plus, both of these stories have at least nods to the JSA. One of the midweight boxers goes to 'Ted's Gym'.... with the implication that it was the same gym we see Ted Grant running- either before he was framed for murder or after he cleared his name. The second arc has Wesley getting hurt and holding back on called Dr. McNider- who may or may not be Dr. Midnite. So cool bit for people who are actually fans of the rare crossovers between the DC Universe and Vertigo line. (Which became increasingly rare as the two imprints began diverging more and more.)
April 10, 2025
Sandman Mystery Theatre, Vol. 5 keeps the momentum going with another strong entry in the series. This volume is split between two story arcs, both delivering in tone and tension.
The first arc, Dr. Death, revolves around a mysterious figure who is administering fatal doses to patients under the guise of care. It's grim, atmospheric stuff, and the emotional weight hits harder because of what’s going on between Dian and Wes. Both characters are under a lot of pressure, and their relationship really gets tested here, which added some nice growth to the characters.
Then we get to The Butcher arc, which is straightup brutal. Easily the most disturbing and violent arc so far, it features some of the nastiest kills in the series. The killer is chilling, and the sense of dread is constant. That said, I wasn’t a fan of the main cop character in this arc. He felt more grating than usual and kind of dragged the momentum down in parts.
Even with that minor gripe, this is still a great collection. The storytelling remains strong, the noir vibes are thick, and the art continues to complement the moody atmosphere perfectly. Solid 4 out of 5.
The first arc, Dr. Death, revolves around a mysterious figure who is administering fatal doses to patients under the guise of care. It's grim, atmospheric stuff, and the emotional weight hits harder because of what’s going on between Dian and Wes. Both characters are under a lot of pressure, and their relationship really gets tested here, which added some nice growth to the characters.
Then we get to The Butcher arc, which is straightup brutal. Easily the most disturbing and violent arc so far, it features some of the nastiest kills in the series. The killer is chilling, and the sense of dread is constant. That said, I wasn’t a fan of the main cop character in this arc. He felt more grating than usual and kind of dragged the momentum down in parts.
Even with that minor gripe, this is still a great collection. The storytelling remains strong, the noir vibes are thick, and the art continues to complement the moody atmosphere perfectly. Solid 4 out of 5.
December 7, 2023
Dr. Death (#21-24). A lot of this story feels like a tease for a major plot movement in the overall storyline that we didn't even know we were waiting for before "The Scorpion". It actually makes the murder plot feel like the less important part of the story, which is a somewhat uncomfortbale balance. Still, Wagner doesn't keep us hanging too long, and the murder has some surprising even shocking complications, so it's a good storyline [4/5].
Night of the Butcher (#25-28). A muddy story with an incomplete feel to it. Dian acting very annoying because of the last arc's revelations. But still, there's something haunting and memorable about The Brute and his lair and the muddy, running right of the last volume [4/5]
Night of the Butcher (#25-28). A muddy story with an incomplete feel to it. Dian acting very annoying because of the last arc's revelations. But still, there's something haunting and memorable about The Brute and his lair and the muddy, running right of the last volume [4/5]
February 7, 2018
A magnificent piece of vigilante noir - great period touches, compelling characters and amazing art. The love story between Wes and Dian is one for the ages. An overlooked classic.
October 20, 2020
Hard to express how dumb these two stories are. Guy Davis' art is the only good aspect of this otherwise pointless book, and I can read anything he illustrates just to enjoy the visuals.
June 19, 2023
Still can't believe I slept on this series for years. Great atmospheric crime comics with a classic style
July 7, 2024
This is such a great series that focuses on the ugly side of the 'good old days'.
June 11, 2019
While Wesley and Dian quabble about what's important in life, Lt. Tony starts to mature and really gets his hands dirty in the most horrifying case yet.
December 1, 2008
In this two-story-arc collection, Wesley Dodds – better known as the intrepid detective of the night the Sandman – encounters two of the most heinous monsters yet. In “Dr. Death”, we meet a depraved and fallen soul who prescribes death by way of a mysterious substance on his fatal RX missives – not unlike the anthrax scare in recent times. And in “The Night of the Butcher”, Wesley comes face-to-face with a killer straight out of a Hannibal Lecter novel-turned-film or -- even more depraved (in my opinion) -- Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
In previous story-arcs, the killer always had a motive that lay in revenge. Cool, calculated, and even – yes – cruel. But in these two narratives, there doesn’t appear to be any “rational” motivation for either of these killers, other than simple and raw butchery. And as previously, Wesley’s paramour Dian Belmont joins in the fray as she comes around to accept his night-stalking as an emerging crime-fighter of the Big Apple. (Much to the chagrin of Detective Burke, who works under her father, the District Attorney.)
As for the art duties, I much prefer Davis’ style over Locke’s. Davis’ line may be quirky in its slightly pudgy and misshapen way, yet his is a perfect fit for this realistic period detective drama in the late 30s urban concrete jungle called New York. (And no doubt the reason why he’s the primary artist to take over the art chores on Hellboy and its related titles since Mignola handed over the artistic reins in order to focus on writing and movie-making. But I digress.)
In previous story-arcs, the killer always had a motive that lay in revenge. Cool, calculated, and even – yes – cruel. But in these two narratives, there doesn’t appear to be any “rational” motivation for either of these killers, other than simple and raw butchery. And as previously, Wesley’s paramour Dian Belmont joins in the fray as she comes around to accept his night-stalking as an emerging crime-fighter of the Big Apple. (Much to the chagrin of Detective Burke, who works under her father, the District Attorney.)
As for the art duties, I much prefer Davis’ style over Locke’s. Davis’ line may be quirky in its slightly pudgy and misshapen way, yet his is a perfect fit for this realistic period detective drama in the late 30s urban concrete jungle called New York. (And no doubt the reason why he’s the primary artist to take over the art chores on Hellboy and its related titles since Mignola handed over the artistic reins in order to focus on writing and movie-making. But I digress.)
February 4, 2010
Now that I'm onto the third of this series I'm realizing that a good portion of what I'm enjoying is the character of Dian Belmont, the Sandman's lover. Dian Belmont was an original character of the 1930's comic and then (as now) it was rare to have a female character participate fully in the action. Decades later the character becomes a reporter and I believe in the 80's (in the Starman reboot) it was revealed that she had won a Pulitzer. This one gets only 3 stars because there wasn't enough Dian.
(To be fair to the author Wesley Dodds and Dian are on the outs because they're having realationship troubles - she's discovered his secret and isn't too pleased about it- which seem to be resolved by the next collection)
But the big revelation for me is how well Matt Wagner writes female characters. I've been reading his current run on Madame Xanadu and it's true there, too. In a comics world that seems to pride itself on big breasted females with little or no clothing he writes women who are complex, intelligent, daring and independent. It's so refreshing! And sadly, so rare...
So I'm a fan. I'd recommend this series to anyone who might be put off by the superhero genre but whio might be interested in a more literary comic. There are no superpowers on display here, just ingenuity. But there's enough golden age history involved to be deeply satisfying to comic fans like me.
(To be fair to the author Wesley Dodds and Dian are on the outs because they're having realationship troubles - she's discovered his secret and isn't too pleased about it- which seem to be resolved by the next collection)
But the big revelation for me is how well Matt Wagner writes female characters. I've been reading his current run on Madame Xanadu and it's true there, too. In a comics world that seems to pride itself on big breasted females with little or no clothing he writes women who are complex, intelligent, daring and independent. It's so refreshing! And sadly, so rare...
So I'm a fan. I'd recommend this series to anyone who might be put off by the superhero genre but whio might be interested in a more literary comic. There are no superpowers on display here, just ingenuity. But there's enough golden age history involved to be deeply satisfying to comic fans like me.
November 8, 2012
Originaly bought as single-issues, I have the complete collection.
Somehow, Matt Wagner and Guy Davis were the perfect team to bring the original Sandman back.
Where most writers would have updated the character to bring him into the 21st century, Matt Wagner goes way back to his original roots set in the 1940s and gives us a bare bones version of the character.
This isn't a super-hero, he doesn't jump from rooftops, he's faillable, he's a well-rounded, caring human being, heck he's not even muscle-bound, he could probably even lose a bit of weight. You actually get the impression that he has to make an effort to do the things he does. Add to that the more than believable love interest of Dian and you have the setting for some great stories.
These stories should be re-collected into Absolute or Deluxe editions... even if I might be the only one buying them :-)
Somehow, Matt Wagner and Guy Davis were the perfect team to bring the original Sandman back.
Where most writers would have updated the character to bring him into the 21st century, Matt Wagner goes way back to his original roots set in the 1940s and gives us a bare bones version of the character.
This isn't a super-hero, he doesn't jump from rooftops, he's faillable, he's a well-rounded, caring human being, heck he's not even muscle-bound, he could probably even lose a bit of weight. You actually get the impression that he has to make an effort to do the things he does. Add to that the more than believable love interest of Dian and you have the setting for some great stories.
These stories should be re-collected into Absolute or Deluxe editions... even if I might be the only one buying them :-)
August 22, 2014
Два разказа - "Доктор Смърт" и "Касапина". И двата само по името ще ви стане ясно за какво иде реч. Големия проблем обаче на Додс не са тези темеряги (нещо средно м/у темерути и големи тояги), какво друго да е ? най големия проблем по прунцип на всички мъже? М? Еми , жените , разбира се! Това дори 120 килограмовия "Касапин" не важи пред красива жена способна да ти замае главата с едно фръцване. Което за Додс ,доста замайване му се насъбирва. Ще успее ли една женска да се пребори с "Сънчо" , там където и най големите злодеи не успяха? Еми а дано , ама надали! :)
April 9, 2015
I was worried when the first half of volume 5, "Dr. Death", featured far more theatre and not enough mystery. I mean, do not get me wrong, I love seeing the relationship between Wesley and Dian continue to develop but the villain was far too transparent and as a result mood was sacrificed. Luckily, the second half of volume 5, "Night of the Butcher", gave us a little bit of everything. Wesley and Dian, Sandman and Burke, mystery, action, period, texture, the works. I am also hoping the new dynamic that has been set up will play out nicely over the stories to come.
September 18, 2010
Dark and intersting stories of a vigilante that doesn't look like a vigilante. Well drawn characters, from Wesley Dodd (the Sandman), his girlfriend Dian and the police Lieutant who thinks the Sandman is as bad as the criminals he chases.
Dr. Death is about a man who thinks old people shouldn't be allowed to live, defintely a thriller/mystery.
The Buthcer is about a criminal who's name says enough.
Dr. Death is about a man who thinks old people shouldn't be allowed to live, defintely a thriller/mystery.
The Buthcer is about a criminal who's name says enough.
May 10, 2012
Dos de los relatos más violentos de la serie, marcadamente desagradables a la vez que astutos en la evolución de la coprotagonista Dian Belmont.
September 28, 2013
Artwork: OK, it could have been better.Story: Great The ass-whoppin The sandman takes was truly funny and showed how flawed he was.Excellent series.
February 8, 2015
The Sandman goes Film Noir and fits right in.
August 6, 2017
I really liked both of these entries. The Butcher was one of the creepiest/grossest antagonists yet and the action in the sewers was awesome.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews