The Sandman is a critically acclaimed comic book series written by Neil Gaiman and published by DC Comics under its Vertigo imprint. The series ran for 75 issues from January 1989 to March 1996, with artists including Sam Kieth, Mike Dringenberg, Jill Thompson, and many others contributing to its distinctive visual style. The story centers on Dream, also known as Morpheus, one of the seven Endless—immortal beings who embody fundamental aspects of existence. After being imprisoned by an occult ritual for over 70 years, Dream escapes and must rebuild his kingdom, the Dreaming, while reckoning with the changes that have occurred in his absence.
The series is renowned for its literary ambition, blending mythology, history, and horror into a sprawling narrative that moves between the waking world, the Dreaming, and realms beyond. Gaiman wove together disparate elements of DC Comics lore with original creations, classical mythology, and Shakespearean drama. The character of Lucifer Morningstar first appeared in the seminal story arc 'Season of Mists,' where the Devil abdicates his throne in Hell and hands the key to Dream, setting off a chain of events that would later inspire a spin-off series.
The Sandman is widely regarded as one of the greatest graphic novels ever published, earning numerous awards including the World Fantasy Award for Best Short Fiction in 1991—the only comic ever to win that honor. Its influence extends far beyond comics, shaping modern fantasy literature and paving the way for more mature, literary approaches to the medium.
