The second issue of this series is as good (if not better) than the first, and that's saying something.In the afterword to the first issue, author Neil Gaiman admitted that the story he wrote that serves as the basis for The Sandman: The Dream Hunters is not a retelling of an old Japanese fairy tale, but instead a new, original story.
That's amazing, because it certainly reads like the real deal (although I must admit I haven't read too many Japanese fairy tales). Apparently it was good enough to fool artist P. Craig Russell, too, as he expresses his surprise in the afterword to this issue.
Here we learn more about the man who has targeted an innocent monk, the reason he is attacking the monk through his dreams, and the mystery of why the fox who has befriended the monk lies near death.
This book is that rare balance between outstanding writing and excellent artwork. I've long been a fan of Russell's art, and I don't know that he's ever done better work. Each page is a work of art alone, and together they tell a fascinating tale.
This book serves as a strong reminder of the power of the original Sandman comics by Gaiman, and how much they're missed.
Better enjoy this one while it lasts!
Grade: A
2 comments:
Hear hear! This is outstanding artistry all around. I was amazed, too, to see that it is a $2.99 book in these days of some books now being $3.99, and there is nary an ad anywhere. how'd they do that?
As Craig Ferguson always says, "I know!" The best book on the stands and it's (comparatively) cheap. Go figure!
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