Rating: 
Summary: This book introduced me to Sandman
Review: I had seen some of the Sandman books in the bookstore on and off but never was very interested in graphic novels or comics. Then I found The Sandman Companion at a used bookstore and decided to read about the series. Wow! This book is a fantastic introduction to the universe of the Sandman. The interviews with Neil and other Sandman talents are pure gold. The plot summaries and behind-the-scenes info helped me to understand what Sandman is all about, so that I wasn't afraid to take the plunge and read the series. It was a great decision to read The Sandman Companion as an introduction to some great literature.
Rating: 
Summary: A Book for Sandman Fans
Review: I recently read the entire Sandman series for the first time, as the books rather than the comics, and in order. And I liked it a lot. I thought Gaiman did a very good job of balancing stories with timeless appeal, that echoed familiar myths, fairy tales, and folk tales (even superhero comic books), with modern references to club Goths, pop stars, pop psych concerns, and so on. (Actually the pop-culture references seem a little too geared toward increasing sales among teenagers, but I was usually able to ignore them.)Then right afterward I read _The Sandman Companion_. I thought it would reveal greater depth in the work. More explanations of the mythologies Gaiman drew from. More explanations of the symbolism he used. More explanations of plots that were not entirely clear. (Like, why was Rose given back her heart late in the series?) Even endings of stories that were not fully told. (What happened with Cluracan and his Nemesis?) That's not what _The Sandman Companion_ is about. It's for fans. It's not for analytical readers. Much of it consists of dull summaries of plots that readers who have read Sandman are thoroughly familiar with. Most of the rest consists of trivial details like, which acquaintance of the author or an artist served as a visual model for which character in which comic. They do not support the depth and power of the Sandman story. Really they have nothing to do with it. Bender seems to be catering to fans so hungry for any further connection with the work and its author that they feel privileged to "overhear" his "intimate" interview. Which actually, seems to be merely very carefully calculated publicity.
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Summary: Essential for Sandman fans
Review: I was hoping that the Sandman Companion wouldn't be too much of a repeat of the Sandman Annotations online, and, happily, it isn't at all. There's definitely enough new stuff to make it worth the cover price. Besides that, some things many fans are already familiar with from rumors and/or interviews are clarified here, like the origin of Death, and the connection between Delirium and Tori Amos. Each Sandman collection is discussed, one at a time, with insightful essays by Hy Bender, and then the Neil Gaiman interviews. There really is a lot of new information. For every issue, almost, there's some neat fact you didn't know before, or a comment from Neil. (For example, it's no coincidence that "Three Septembers and a January" sounds like "Four Weddings and a Funeral", although the comic was released before the movie!) Even if I had known everything in this book already, Neil's interviews are always fun to read. The book includes an excellent introduction and "Frequently Asked Questions", with questions such as "Why should I read a comic book?" The answer to this question is the perfect thing to show someone who turns their nose up at comics. Yes, comics can be worthy literature, and not only that, they have potential for artistic effects that can't be achieved through film or words alone. The Sandman Companion is also well illustrated. With the text, there are black-and-white illustrations by Sandman artists, including panels from the comic, trading card art, and proposal sketches--early ideas for what Dream should look like. Then there's a great full-color section with more trading cards, and cool stuff like Sandman statues and posters (Now that I own picures of them, I don't feel so bad about not being able to get my hands on the actual items), foreign-language editions of the comic, and even some of Dave McKean's Vertigo Tarot (Mad Hettie as The High Priestess, Dream as The Hierophant, Delirium as Temperance, Destiny as The Wheel of Fortune, and Death as...well, Death). This is a very well-done companion book to the Sandman series, readable and constantly interesting. I really recommend it. The hardcover price may be a bit much for the casual fan, but any serious Gaiman fanatic (like me!) should buy this as soon as possible. I'd suggest that after you've finished the Sandman series at least once, read the Companion as you re-read each volume. That's what I'm doing--it's like discovering the series all over again.
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Summary: Great Interviews; Good Summaries; about the Creative Process
Review: Neil Gaimen's "Sandman" series has long since transcended the comic book genre (it was the 1st monthly comic to win a literary award)and earned a cult following of loyal fans who find added enjoyment with repeated readings. "The Sandman Companion" caters to those fans. *What it is - There are excellent summaries of each of the ten graphic novels, sidebars pointing out details not to miss, black and white sketches scattered throughout, commentary by the artists who drew the series, and in-depth interviews with Neil Gaimen on each book. Gaimen, in particular, is very insightful about the creative process, including the Alan Moore-like research he put into the backround of many of the stories. All of these were not only fascinating to read, but also gave added depth and perspective on future readings. *What it is not - "The Sandman Companion" does not clear up backstory, fill in plot ambiguities, nor spell out what is only hinted or implied in the books. It stays fairly true to what you are given on the printed page, and from that standpoint, there is nothing "new" in this book - its all about what already IS. So if you are one who dislikes the amibiguities or open-endedness of some parts of the plot, you won't find much help in this book. I'd recommend this for fans of the Sandman series who simply want a glimpse of what went on behind the creative process of one of the greatest comics in history.
Rating:
Summary: A fine book
Review: Okay, The people at DC Comics are sqeezing the Gaiman/Sandman phenomenon to the last drop. Toys, posters, spin offs - and now an Official Companion? ARGH! Well, actually its a very interesting and readable book. It works both as a sort of Neil Gaiman biography/interview and as an definitive overview of one of the most important graphic novel series of the 90'ies. Most people will need this guide if they want to fully appreciate all the weird details and in-jokes in the series. Oh, and the HUGE Gaiman interview could also work as a sort of introduction to some important story telling techniques of the comic book medium.
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Summary: a must-have for most Sandman fans
Review: Sandman afficianados who have combed the interviews, annotations and other goodies available (cons, fans, the web, etc.) are probably familiar with at least 90% of what's presented here. For those of us who enjoy the series but haven't researched it, this book is a gem. The insights into plot, characters, themes, and the comic book biz in general are fascinating, and it's a good read, full of wit and Neil's unique voice. The world of the Sandman is a richer place for it.
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Summary: A necessity for all dreamers
Review: This book is incredible, absolutely a necessity for ALL fans of Sandman. It's a storehouse of the coolest facts-- revealing all the deeper layers of the stories you may have missed. I was shocked to find that one of my favorite Sandman stories, "Cluracan's Tale", is one of the stories Neil is most disappointed with! Go figure! The 16-page color section is pretty cool too, and the book makes great "pick up and go" reading. I HIGHLY recommend this book to all Sandman fans--it's the next best thing to a new issue!
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Summary: Great book for writers
Review: This book is packed with behind-the-scenes information about the wonderful Sandman series, but also provides terrific insights about the writing process. If you have any interest in comic books, in Neil Gaiman, or in creativity, you're likely to enjoy this.
Rating:
Summary: A must for Gaiman fans
Review: This book provides essential insight, not only into Neil Gaiman's storyline and characters, but into his path to literary fame. I bought the book before I purchased all of the Sandman trade paperbacks, and it served as an appetizer to complete my collection. I constantly refer back to it, and discover something new each time.
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Summary: Things that make you go 'hmmm'
Review: This book really sheds new light on every story in the sandman continium - if you have ever read an liked any of the sandman stories I highly suggest you read this book - you will find out something about the story you love that you did not know before!
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