Probably one of the best epic-level comics of all time, Sandman has captured the hearts and imaginations of thousands. The Niel Gaiman series ended some time ago, but now the scribe is coming back to tell more tales set in the Sandman universe.
UPDATE: Complete press release, and cover image now available.
“When I finished writing The Sandman, there was one tale still untold. The story of what had happened to Morpheus to allow him to be so easily captured in The Sandman #1, and why he was returned from far away, exhausted beyond imagining, and dressed for war. It was a story that we discussed telling for Sandman’s 20th anniversary… but the time got away from us. And now, with Sandman’s 25th anniversary year coming up, I’m delighted, and nervous, that that story is finally going to be told,” said Gaiman in an interview.
Twenty-five years after one of the most celebrated graphic novels of all-time hit shelves, award winning and critically acclaimed author and screenwriter, Neil Gaiman, announces his return to THE SANDMAN. Gaiman made the surprise announcement, via video, at DC Entertainment’s Vertigo panel at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. Karen Berger, Executive Editor of Vertigo, then revealed that Gaiman is paired with artist, JH Williams III (BATWOMAN) for the series, who appeared on stage to an already stunned and elated crowd. THE SANDMAN mini-series will be published by Vertigo in 2013.
One of the few graphic novels ever to be on the New York Times Best Seller list and lauded by critics the world over, THE SANDMAN is credited with changing the path of storytelling in the comic book industry. Gaiman will pick up his pen for the first time in more than 10 years since ending the series to continue a story that he feels still has yet to be told.
“When I finished writing THE SANDMAN, there was one tale still untold. The story of what had happened to Morpheus to allow him to be so easily captured in THE SANDMAN #1, and why he was returned from far away, exhausted beyond imagining, and dressed for war. It was a story that we discussed telling for Sandman’s 20th anniversary… but the time got away from us. And now, with Sandman’s 25th anniversary year coming up, I’m delighted, and nervous, that that story is finally going to be told,” said Gaiman.
“There’s nothing like a Neil Gaiman story,” said Berger, “and there’s nothing like having Neil back home on THE SANDMAN, his dark, soulful, literary epic that transformed comics and continues to captivate countless new readers year after year. Working with him again, and with JH Williams, the extraordinary and groundbreaking artist, is truly the stuff dreams are made of.”
DC Entertainment Co-Publishers Jim Lee and Dan DiDio added, “As accomplished as Neil Gaiman is in other media—whether it be novels, film and even music—he still has an incredible passion and love for comics. It’s exciting to have him back. J.H. Williams will be the perfect complement to Neil’s writing. He has a history of creating art that pushes the boundaries of the medium.”
Each issue of THE SANDMAN mini-series will be published day-and-date digitally. The title will be announced at a later date.
The mini-series is expected to arrive in 2013, with J.H. Williams III providing the art.
8 Comments
This is the most exciting news out of SDCC so far by a ton; it’ll be interesting to see if any company can top this.
The fact that J.H. Williams III is on the art makes me so incredibly happy. He is definitely the best possible artist that could have been chosen for this.
They should do Before the Endless and just have it be a bunch of black space.
w/ snark: Gaiman gotta eat!
w/out snark: yahoo! at last!
Greatest news ever!
J.H. Williams III is a the artist that should have drawn The Sandman, but didn’t cause cause he was born the wrong time, when his art hit epic level The Sandman had ended years past but now this is about to be corrected. Greatest news ever!
While I like the idea of the prequel-style story, one of the things I liked about the Sandman was the wide range Gaiman gave to his readers so they could use their own imagination. He and the various artists were very good on conveying just looks, or hints in Morpheus’ eyes, causing the readers to really wonder what he was thinking about. I am very excited to read a new story, however, I just hope it feels like it is in flow with the Sandman series, and Gaiman doesn’t throw in unnecessary characters, just so fans can be happy to see a mention or appearance of them, even if they do not really service the story.
With further consideration, I do have one semi-major qualm about this. Sandman was often told through the eyes of other characters in the book. From the way Gaiman described this, it seems as if it will have to be told through the eyes and perspective of Morpheus, and I don’t know how well that will work.
I am still very excited to see how it turns out though!
WOW. Would have loved to see the crowd for this announcement. Bet people didn’t know what to do with themselves.