Absolute Sandman HC Vol 04

book arrived in it's own original protective box, inside the Amazon parcel + paper padding. Very happy with this

Ah, here, this set of books is amazing. There is a reason that they feature in the top tens of most graphic novel 'best of' lists. I have read them all before, but I now have the first four of the Absolute volumes. They are so worth it.I have had the first three for over a year now, and I have reread all of them many many times. Almost every time I find something new, some element of mythology that was not apparent on the other reads. I have no hesitation in recommending these. The only reason I have not yet purchased the fifth in the series is because I am so tight that diamonds would ensue if I sat on a bag of coal. I am going to. Just not yet.

These DC Absolute Editions, with slipcases and everything and over-sized, are just amazing.

I have owned The Sandman in almost every iteration, from the original monthly comic books to softbound 'graphic novel' collected works. With Absolute Sandman, I will never need another copy as they are simply beautiful. Each large leather bound tome is encased in a matching sleeve with artwork by the legendary Dave McKean. His distinctive stylings are further reproduced on each cover, with attractive stamped detail and silver lettering. Whether you are an old fan or a newcomer, I can't recommend this set of books highly enough. They are still as fresh and immersive today as the first time I found them, and stand up well as the pinnacle of the author's storytelling powers. I'll forever be appreciative of Neil Gaiman's other work but for me The Sandman is a true legacy.Volume Four begins with a foreword by Karen Berger, creator of the Vertigo imprint for DC Comics. It was her belief in an untried comic book writer named Neil Gaiman who made all of this possible. Following the events of Brief Lives, this book pulls us straight into the Kindly Ones story arc, where Morpheus must confront the Furies for his crimes. The threads that the reader has patiently followed through all preceding issues come to a stunning conclusion, a real testament to the superb storytelling that Gaiman is capable of. Besides the arresting nature of the Kindly Ones, there is also The Wake, which introduces us to some new players while also getting a final look at the multitude of characters that we have come to know and love. The art by Michael Zulli is some of the most beautiful in all of the collected works, with every page a virtual painting of gods and goddesses, lovers and innocents, faerie folk, angels and immortals.

After reading the Sandman trade paperbacks I decided to buy the Absolute Sandman series. Each comes in a luxurious oversized hardback of over 600 pages, beautifully bound and complete with colourful slipcase. The attention to detail is amazing, the colours are brilliant and though heavy you can hold it on your lap to read. All have extras and at £40+ for each volume they are worth the money if you are a Sandman fan. Volume 4 has issues 57-75 plus lots of extras at the back.