Is Netflix’s ‘Sandman’ Premiere a Dream Come True for Comic Book Fans?
I had incredibly high standards for the Netflix adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s iconic series. Would The Sandman live up to the hype?
If you, like me, have read (and reread) the Sandman comics by Neil Gaiman, you probably have a pretty hefty emotional connection to the tale. When you immerse yourself in the world of the Endless, things get pretty existentially heavy pretty quickly. And I, like so many other devoted fans, have been eagerly awaiting the day when we would finally enjoy an on-screen adaptation as breathtaking as the source material. But is that even possible?
Okay, I can only be a tease for so long. Yes – it’s not only possible, it’s here.
Ahoy! This article contains spoilers for the original ‘Sandman’ graphic novels. Any places where the show chose to deviate from the original plot will not be spoiled in this article.
Cool, So Now Tom Sturridge is Haunting My Dreams
I’m not mad about it.
The Sandman premiere follows roughly the same story as the first issue of the comic. It begins with the capturing and imprisoning of Morpheus, Lord of Dreams, in the dark cellar of one Roderick Burgess (Charles Dance). Dream is trapped, weakened, and biding his time until the opportunity for release prevents itself. This is a great opportunity for the show to beautifully frame up some panel-exact imagery from the unforgettable comic. But it isn’t just the technical aspects that make it look like Dream has jumped off of the page.
Dream, trapped in Burgess’ cellar, courtesy of Netflix
Tom Sturridge captures the essence of this Endless to perfection. His voice and his demeanor are perfect, and like Dream, he somehow achieves the task of occupying the entire scene with his presence while still seeming distant and quiet.
Throughout pre-production, each casting announcement was incredibly encouraging. Gaiman’s hands-on influence over the show only emphasized that feeling. Having seen the first episode, every performer nailed it. Especially the members of –
House Burgess
In an interview with George R.R. Martin, Neil Gaiman jokingly laments how poorly the two writers have treated actor Charles Dance. After all, between Tywin Lannister and Roderick Burgess, he does seem to come to some gruesome ends. But I have to say if ever there was an actor who cornered the “yeah, but he deserved it” market, Dance is the guy. His character’s acute desperation is well but subtly played here. And the role of his younger son Alex is one of conflict and insecurity.
The Death you have tried to capture is no longer in service; please try your dark ritual later.
The Characters of the Dreaming
Like the comic, most of this first episode is spent in Burgess’ basement and the surrounding story. But we do get some glimpses into the Dreaming.
For one, Boyd Holbrook’s Corinthian is creatively used to help move the plot in a way that feels natural and understated. I’ll be honest, the horrifying nature of the character takes a while to settle in – and I don’t think it will really rev up until after the premiere. But there are moments when you notice just how toothy his smile is and it’s appropriately unsettling. After this brief preview, I’m eager to see the character really unleash his full potential for horror.
Aww, he’s just a big ol’ ice cream cone filled with NOPE.
We also see a little of the Dreaming, primarily the introduction of Lucienne, the Gates of Horn and Ivory, and a derelict version of Dream’s kingdom. We even get the tiniest, briefest look at Gregory the Gargoyle and the infamous Houses of Mystery and Secrets, where brothers Cain and Abel live.
Sandman Maintains the Book’s Gravitas
Look, I expected the series to be good. With all the promo material and how enthusiastic the cast has been about signal-boosting the show, I had seen enough to expect good things.
But when the episode wound down to a close and Dream finally arrives before the Gates of Horn and Ivory, behind which his kingdom lies, I was moved to tears. I have read this comic so many times that I’ve practically memorized the panels. One of Sandman‘s greatest strengths (of which there are many) is its unforgettable scenery. From the realm of the Dreaming to Desire’s threshold, from the gates of Hell to Destiny’s garden, I didn’t expect to be so taken aback by seeing this story actually come to life.
What can I say? I’m passionate about good fence work.
‘The Sandman’ premieres exclusively on Netflix today. Why are you reading this? Go watch it!
