Rating: Summary: Sandman Surprise Review: Sandman: The Dream Hunters is a gorgeously illustrated graphic novel. During research into the myths of Japan while working on the english script for the film Princess Mononoke, Gaiman came across a story that would make an interesting take on the Sandman. The story of a shape-changing fox falling in love with a monk is the typical, bittersweet fantasy that Gaiman excels at. The ease into which he fits the Sandman milieu in this ancient story is to his credit as a writer and the archetypes on which the tales are based. He easily makes us believe that the Endless has always existed and are behind the scenes in mythos from every part of the world. You could call it a fairy tale for adults. But it is Amano's breath taking paintings that really make this book great. These paintings make the story come alive on the page and create a sense of past and wonder that could only be hinted at with words alone. It is unlike anything done before in Sandman or anything I've seen in Japanese manga. Truly a work of art.
Rating: Summary: Good but not to die for Review: so this book was great and very endearing story, I don't know if I would tell the casual reader to spend 20 dollars on a book that they will finish in twenty-thirty minutes though. If you are a fan of Neil Gaiman you will not be disappointed. I love his work and love this but it is not for the casual reader looking for a good tale... it rather fits a mood or rings true to a deeper part of oneself that you just might be in the mood to read... hope I didn't offend any Gaiman fans... I did really enjoy the book but I just wish I didn't buy the book. On the lighter side my roommate was very happy with the book and happy that he bought it.
Rating: Summary: Amazing! Review: The best combination of an artist and a writer team is created! Both their abilities made this a wonderful book! most recommended to people of all ages!
Rating: Summary: Lush, imaginative and smart Review: The forces that put Neil Gamain and Yoshitaka Amano together should be roundly thanked. Dream Hunters is a graphic novel that will, for a long time, define what a graphic novel should be. The writing is coherent, detailed and rich without losing the tenor of the story. Morpheus does not "steal" this beautiful story, but only adds to its telling. The work by Amano is gorgeous, and the inks that appear on the inside covers are some of the most evocative in the book. Simple, yet possessing an energy that preludes wonderfully this wonderful novel.
Rating: Summary: Exquisite art, exquisite story Review: The illustrations and story perfectly balance, both exquisite, haunting and beautiful. I've read through the story, looking at the illustrations on the way. I've also leafed through the book just to pore over the art, with the story in mind, knowing that more details will emerge with each study. Usually, you have to go to children's lit for this caliber of picture book; finally, here's a fully realized picture book for people who have experienced a bit more of life. I only wish it had been produced in a bigger size.
Rating: Summary: Did you know? Review: The story isnt't actually based on a Japanese tale, Gaiman made it up.
Rating: Summary: the sandman as a universal theme Review: there is no mistaking the fact that dreams are what many a story is often made of. may it be an invention of a particularly popular writer or a legend existing long before graphic novels were in fashion. neil gaiman has once again proven that stories related to morpheus and the dreaming are so universal that anyone can relate to the magic and the nightmare of dreams. sometimes dreams are what we want to see, sometimes dreams are what can only be seen by us, and sometimes dreams are just that...dreams. the main character, although too good to be true, reflects everything that we would like to achieve. that everything is peace. the novel makes me think only of one thing...peace...but only in dreams. damn you sandman. i'll be waiting for the next novel.
Rating: Summary: Not what I expected Review: This book had absolutely gorgeous artwork, and is well worth the price for that reason alone. However, I found the story to be lacking something. It was kind of slow and not as enthralling as some of the other Sandman books. Though it was definitely not as great as I had expected, it is still worth the read for true Gaiman fans.
Rating: Summary: Gaiman returns in top form Review: This book has come at the end of a very long wait for fans of the Sandman series. It is classic Gaiman - Sandman transported into a mythic setting. Think Tales in the Sand, and Ramadan. Regulars of the comic book series might not be used to the abstract drawings of Amano but it is a refreshing style that suits the tone of the story completely. This is a stand-alone tale that will appeal to those who have had no contact with the Sandman series but those who are fans will find joy in spotting occasional regular characters in this new setting.
Rating: Summary: An Ancient and Profoundly Beautiful Tale Review: This book is not a graphic novel. Rather, it is a beautifully illustrated and exquisitely written story of ancient Japan involving magic, love, sacrifices and, of course, dreams. Taken from an ancient myth, this magical retelling is both a Sandman story and a freestanding work all its own, without needing reference or background in the Sandman universe. The story begins, as many do, with a wager. A badger and a fox wager that whoever can drive a pious young monk from his temple will have the temple for a home. Despite their efforts, the monk is not fooled, and eventually the wager is called off. The fox goes to the monk and apologizes, an unprecedented move for the fox. The monk is accepting, and the two become good friends. The fox then learns of danger to her new friend and is determined to save him from almost certain death. Indeed, she travels to far inner spaces, and manages to save the monk from the subtle spell that has been cast upon him. However, the monk is as stubborn as the fox and his own efforts to save her are as just as strong. He travels to the dreamlands in order to bargain for her life, and is beset by dangers of all sorts, without losing his resolve. The ending is unexpected, bittersweet and revealing all at once. A magical and emotionally moving story, this is one book not to be missed.
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