About this Collection
This hardcover volume presents the first 20 issues of Neil Gaiman's landmark DC Vertigo series, The Sandman, accompanied by extensive annotations that provide context, references, and background on the story's mythological and literary allusions. The annotations, drawn from Gaiman's scripts and commentary, enrich the reading experience for both new readers and longtime fans of the Dreaming's dark fantasy world.
In "Sleep of the Just," the first chapter of The Annotated Sandman, Dream—long imprisoned by the fanatical Roderick Burgess—finally breaks free after decades in captivity, setting in motion a quiet but profound reckoning. Written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated with haunting detail by Sam Kieth, with inks by Mike Dringenberg and letters by Todd Klein, this landmark issue unfolds with the weight of myth and the precision of a master storyteller. The cover, a striking original piece by Dave McKean, captures the eerie stillness of a world waking from a long dream.
Contains 20 stories
Sleep of the Just
40 pp · Fantasy
John Hathaway (introduction)Order of Ancient Mysteries [Roderick Burgess [Lord MagusDaemon King] (introduction)Alex Burgess (introduction)Ethel Cripps (introduction)Ruthven Sykes [Ararita]Paul McGuireunnamed members]Compton (introduction)Ellie MarstenMr. Marsten (Ellie's father)Mrs. Marsten (Ellie's mother)Daniel BustamonteStefan WassermanUnity Kinkaid (introduction)Dream [Morpheus] (introduction)Sandman [Wesley Dodds] (cameo)Nurse EdmundsChoronzon (in the shadows)Mort NotkinErnieFrederick
Imperfect Hosts
24 pp · Fantasy
CainAbelGregoryDream [Morpheus]Ethel DeeRoger HuntoonDoctor Destiny [John Dee]Lucienthe Raven Woman [Eve]the Fashion Thing [Mad Mod Witch]Goldie [Irving]the Hecateae [UrthVerthandiSkald]John ConstantineRuthven SykesGreen Lantern [Hal Jordan]Batman
...Dream a Little Dream of Me
24 pp · Fantasy
RachelJohn ConstantineLeighMad HettieDream [Morpheus]Chas
A Hope in Hell
24 pp · Fantasy
Dream [Morpheus]SquatterbloatEtriganNadaLucifer MorningstarBeelzebubAzazelChoronzonAgonyEcstasyDoctor Destiny [John Dee]
Passengers
24 pp · Fantasy
Doctor Destiny [John Dee]Scarecrow [Jonathan Crane]Rosemary KellyMister Miracle [Scott Free]Granny GoodnessZepBravoWeldunAuralieDream [Morpheus]Martian Manhunter [J'onn J'onnz]Merv PumpkinheadAmazo
24 Hours
24 pp · Fantasy
BetteJudyMarkGarry FletcherKate FletcherMarshthe Hecateae
Sound and Fury
24 pp · Fantasy
Bobby-Joe McCannHarold SmithMaude CarillonDream [Morpheus]Doctor Destiny [John Dee]Barbara WongJoey Campbellthe HecateaeEveCainAbelGoldieGregoryDestinyScarecrow [Jonathan Crane]Nan Fowler
The Sound of Her Wings
24 pp · Fantasy
Dream [Morpheus]Death (introduction)FranklinHarryEsmé
Tales in the Sand
24 pp · Fantasy
NadaDream [Morpheus]CainAbel
The Doll's House
24 pp · Fantasy
DesireDespairRose WalkerMiranda WalkerJack HoldawayLucienAbelGoldieDream [Morpheus]BruteGlobthe CorinthianFiddler's GreenUnity Kinkaidthe HecateaeDavy
Moving In
24 pp · Fantasy
Rose WalkerHal CarterKenBarbieChantalZeldaJed WalkerSandman [Hector Hall]Fury [Lyta Hall]BruteGlobMatthew the RavenDream [Morpheus]Fiddler's Green [Gilbert]the CorinthianLucien
Playing House
24 pp · Fantasy
Lyta HallSandman [Hector Hall]BruteGlobJed WalkerClariceBarnabyDream [Morpheus]Rose WalkerFiddler's Green [Gilbert]the CorinthianSandman [Garrett Sanford]
Men of Good Fortune
24 pp · Fantasy
Dream [Morpheus]DeathHob Gadling (introduction)Geoffrey ChaucerEdmundCrispinWilliam ShakespeareChristopher MarloweJohanna ConstantineMichaelTobiasLushing Lou
Collectors
38 pp · Fantasy
Mister NimrodNathan DiskinRose WalkerFiddler's Green [Gilbert]Red Riding HoodBig Bad Wolfthe CorinthianDog SoupMoon RiverPhilip SitzDream [Morpheus]Jed Walker
Into the Night
24 pp · Fantasy
Rose WalkerHal CarterKenBarbieZeldaChantalMartin TenbonesFiddler's Green [Gilbert]Jed WalkerDream [Morpheus]Matthew the RavenMiranda WalkerUnity Kinkaid
Lost Hearts
24 pp · Fantasy
Dream [Morpheus]Rose WalkerMatthew the RavenFiddler's Green [Gilbert]Miranda WalkerUnity KinkaidJed WalkerDesire
Calliope
24 pp · Fantasy
Richard MadocFelix GarrisonHarryErasmus FryCalliopethe HecateaeHarveyDream [Morpheus]
A Dream of a Thousand Cats
24 pp · Fantasy
Dream (of Cats)
A Midsummer Night's Dream
24 pp · Fantasy
William ShakespeareHamnet ShakespeareWill KempDream [Morpheus]Richard BurbageWendelAuberonTitaniaPuck [Robin Goodfellow]Henry CondellSkarrowTommyPeaseblossomDick Cowley
Façade
24 pp · Fantasy
Element Girl [Urania Blackwell]MulliganDella KariakisTriangleRaDeathAlgon
