The Sandman (Audiobook) (2020)
TLDR: One of the best graphic novels of all-time has just become one of the best audiobooks of all-time.
Here we go again, venturing into new and ominous directions. As you can see, this is not a review of a film or series, but of a new audiobook. I will admit that, going into this I was not unbiased however. The Sandman graphic novel series, written by Neil Gaiman, and published by DC/Vertigo through the late 80's into the early 90's, is one of my favourite works of fiction ever. Yes, that is a strong statement, but I wholeheartedly stand by it. I will try not to delve too deeply into the majesty of the specific graphic novel series here, and, instead, try to focus on the audiobook that has just been released by Audible that adapts the first three books of the series.
The Sandman is a dark fantasy series that rivals almost any other work of fiction in its grand and daring scope. While it technically takes place in the DC universe, its bevy of stories and characters pull from everything, from Shakespeare, to religion (the New Testament as well as most other major religions), mythology, philosophy, and contemporary society. That all may seem nice, while also somewhat meaningless if you have not experienced it yet, but once you enter into the world of The Sandman, you will quickly learn what I mean. In the first few volumes, the eclectic range of recognizable characters include Cain and Abel, the Corinthian, William Shakespeare, Batman and Green Lantern, John Constantine, Calliope, the Wyrd Sisters/the three witches, and Lucifer. However, these are only supporting characters. The series' main focus is upon the Morpheus aka the Sandman aka Dream of the Endless, the Endless being a family of living entities that include Destiny, Desire, Despair, Delirium and, of course, Death - each of whom lord over their respective kingdoms. While they are beings more powerful than any other in existence, and whom have existed since the beginning of time, they are also a family and siblings, each of whom have rich personalities and history and, like all family, tend to squabble frequently with each other. Very broadly speaking, the first three volumes of The Sandman found in the audiobook follow Dream as he fights to regain his kingdom of The Dreaming after being captured for many decades by a British occultist.
The excellence of this audiobook adaptation comes in its presentation and its prestige. Unlike many audiobooks, The Sandman boasts an all-star cast that includes James McAvoy, Michael Sheen, Andy Serkis, Kat Dennings, Taron Egerton, Riz Ahmed and Neil Gaiman himself as the Narrator. On top of that, the series is filled with vibrant sound effects and a full musical score creating the notion that you are listening to much more than simply a novel. I have listened to plentiful audiobooks over the years and I have never experienced anything quite like The Sandman. I simply can't recommend this audiobook (as well as the original series) enough. It is a wondrous world that provides more and more the further you get into it. This audiobook in particular is a great choice as it is a very literal adaptation of the series, unlike the upcoming Netflix series, which reportedly will be a more contemporized version of the graphic novel.
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