The Sandman

[dlbpharmd]

We watched (iow binged) the first season this past weekend. I haven't read the 1980s comics, but I've heard over the years they're considered to be some on the best from that time period. We greatly enjoyed this first season.

Anyone else watching?

[wayfriend]

Thinking about it.

Please tip the scales.

[Menolly]

I'm in the same boat as you, Don. I've heard the graphic novels are very well done, but have not read them. I don't have Netflix, so I'm hoping eventually it will be released on DVD.

[Khaliban]

I've seen the first episode and enjoyed it. I don't binge. (A study was done on why that's bad. Look it up.) I've heard Neil Gaiman has a lot of input, so that should maintain the quality. Netflix can be hit or miss, but, when they hit, they can really hit.

[Avatar]

I'm a big fan of the comics / graphic novels, and I enjoyed the series a lot. (Maybe the most I've enjoyed a series in a good while.)

Gaiman's input in keeping to the plot and themes of the comics is both obvious and effective, even to me who hasn't read them for many years now.

Definitely gets my vote.

--A

[wayfriend]

The resulting series is visually striking but dramatically listless, made for those -- and maybe only those -- who already possess degrees in Sandman 101. [link]

I don't have a degree in Sandman 101. So I am on the fence.

[Avatar]

I don't think it's necessary. The series gets the essential points across. There were definitely one, and maybe two, episodes that were somewhat listless, I agree.

But on the whole it worked well and I thought the casting was pretty good.

Try the first couple episodes...

--A

[Fist and Faith]

The comics are, indeed, amazing. Arguably the best comics ever. Of course, there's many you can say that about. I only watched the first episode so far. Which was definitely good. It's been a good number of years since I read the comics, so don't remember detail, so can't comment on how closely it follows. Looked right so far, though.

[wayfriend]

Decided to watch it. It's just about okay. It has a few plusses in the style department, but is rather juvenile in the plot and character categories. (The main character is an emo/goth teen who dresses in all black -- groundbreaking not.) Still, I am up to ep 11, as it's mildly entertaining, and the sub-stories wrap up quickly.

I never read the comic, but there's nothing in this show that indicates it would rival, say, The Watchmen. A criticism of the adaptation, not the source, I guess.

Does something more profound happen as it goes along? Does it pay off?

[Avatar]

Well, that's all of Season 1 + the bonus episode, so unless you mean the overall story as a whole, not sure what sort of pay-off you'd be referring to.

Each comic series / graphic novel has it's own story arc, (some I liked, some I didn't care for as much) but I don't recall any specific big ending or anything overall. Been a while though.

--A

[wayfriend]

I was just wondering if the smaller stories lead up to something bigger. It need not be an over-arching plot, but maybe just another small story that's more significant. If so many people love this, I was thinking that there must be.

It's not bad if there isn't one. I would just set my expectations accordingly. I like episodic stores as much as anyone.

[Avatar]

Ah, honestly can't recall anything specific, just the general plots of the individual series. (Season of Mists is probably my favourite. )

--A

[lucimay]

i'm not a Gaiman fan at all. i've tried several times to read American Gods because my brother is a HUGE Gaiman fan and swears i'll LOVE it, but it loses me after a chapter or two. then i tried watching the tv series of American Gods because Ian McShane. heh. and i got all the way to ep 7 of the first season and yeah...quit that too. heh. that's 2 more episodes than i usually give any tv series before i quit watching from lack of interest. cause it's my brother, right?
i hadn't ever read the sandman but had heard about it through my brother, who is an ardent collector (of comics and books.)

i saw the trailer and was immediately interested just on the look of it alone.
i binged the series and now i am a fan. i LOVED it. who knew?! lol

Way, i didn't find it juvenile at all. and the Death episode was definitely my favorite episode.
i'm awaiting the next season.

[Fist and Faith]

Luci, I don't care for any of his books that I read. I thought AG was only passable, and I can't stand one or two others. But the Sandman comic is extraordinary.

[I'm Murrin]

If I remember right, I tend to like Gaiman's stuff while I'm reading it but then it doesn't leave much of a lasting impression afterwards. Except for Sandman, that series really is great.

[wayfriend]

then i tried watching the tv series of American Gods because Ian McShane. heh. and i got all the way to ep 7 of the first season and yeah...quit that too.

Other things aside, Gillian Anderson blew me away as Media.

[lucimay]

then i tried watching the tv series of American Gods because Ian McShane. heh. and i got all the way to ep 7 of the first season and yeah...quit that too.

Other things aside, Gillian Anderson blew me away as Media.

i didn't get that far i guess! heh.

[Avatar]

The American Gods series was not good. I was originally excited, because I've always felt the book ended just when it was getting interesting, but they did not redeem it.

Fist, read Neverwhere and be sure to get a UK edition (the US one was edited because the publisher feared an American audience would not get the humour). It's my favourite written Gaiman bar none.

--A

[Fist and Faith]

I think that's the one I hate the most. Is that the one where rats play an important role?

[Avatar]

Well, a role. Ok, different strokes I guess. I love it. The TV adaptation was not that great unfortunately...ripe for a remake if you ask me.

--A