‘Sandman’ Celebrates 35th Anniversary, Resumes Filming
Neil Gaiman’s groundbreaking Sandman celebrates a milestone with a fantastic announcement about Season 2.
Thirty-five years ago today, the first issue of Neil Gaiman’s Sandman was released and changed the idea of what comics could be. It was one of the first graphic novels included in the New York Times Best Seller List. The original series ran for 75 issues from 1989 to 1996. Its pages feature work from a wealth of artists—including iconic covers by Dave McKean.
The stories of Dream and the other members of the Endless explore themes that are all too human. Contemplating the meaning of death, the way we’re pulled by our basest emotions, and grappling with change. Gaiman attempted to sum up the entire run in less than 25 words: “The Lord of Dreams learns that one must change or die, and makes his decision.”
The series is filled with beautiful and emotional stories that will change you. If you haven’t read the series, I suggest starting with Preludes & Nocturns.
Gaiman released a letter to fans celebrating Sandman‘s anniversary…
We never know where our dreams will take us. Thirty-five years ago today, the first issue of The Sandman was released and set many people and characters on paths that seemed, even at the time, so unlikely as to be impossible. Back then most comics featured superheroes. Sandman wasn’t that. It wasn’t like anything else, but magically (the magic consisting of hard work, youthful overconfidence, and some key people who believed in the vision) we were given the opportunity to tell the story I had in my head and bring Morpheus and the rest of the Endless to life.
A little over 36 years ago, in October 1987, the worst storm in at least 500 years left my house without power and my family trapped in our little village by fallen trees, and I spent my time writing an outline for the first eight issues of Sandman.
Thirteen months later, in November 1988, the first issue of Sandman hit the comics shops.
Like those who walk a path in Destiny’s garden, I look back and see one clear path stretching behind me. At times on this journey the way forward seemed impossible, and I don’t think I could have conceived of the impact that these characters would have on individuals or on the world. When I look at the path ahead, though, I don’t see darkness. I see how the world of The Sandman continues to grow and evolve and take new forms.
Netflix’s Sandman
Over the years, there have been multiple attempts to bring Sandman to the screen. Netflix broke the curse, bringing the comics to live-action with a fantastic cast. The first ten episodes were released last year to critical acclaim. The series was quickly picked up for a second season, but production was put on hold during this summer’s strikes.
Along with celebrating Sandman‘s anniversary, Gaiman and Netflix announced filming has resumed for Season 2.
This week we officially restart production on the next sequence of stories of The Sandman for Netflix. Genius showrunner Allan Heinberg and the countless people in front of and behind the camera are building something endlessly special, and bringing these stories to life in a way that would once have been unimaginable.
A journey is beginning that will take us from Destiny’s garden to Hell, from the Heart of the Dreaming to Ancient Greece and revolutionary France, and from there to places even I cannot quite imagine on the screen. I will be patient. Good things are coming.
A release date hasn’t been shared, but it’s a relief that production is moving forward. We loved season one and are excited to see what’s next.
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