Neil Gaiman - The Sandman: Endless Nights

I completed my Sandman odyssey with the graphic novel that had seven separate stories, each featuring a member of the Endless. I was really looking forward to reading this as for me, the best part about the Sandman series was the Endless siblings. While I didn't like all of the stories, there were definitely more hits than misses. I thought the stories that featured Death, Dream, Desire and Delirium were brilliant. The one with Despair I didn't really care about, while I thought the rest were okay. Overall, a great collection and it gave readers greater insight into the Endless. My one complaint about the Sandman series was that the Endless featured far too infrequently so Endless Nights certainly fit the bill. For Sandman fans, this is definitely one not to miss.

Alan Moore - Watchmen

Oh dear... I have been extremely slack with updating this blog with my latest reads. This goes back quite a few months now! Oh well, better late than never, I suppose!

I borrowed Watchmen from the library before the movie was released as I wanted the opportunity to read the graphic novel before watching the film version. It was a good thing that I did because Watchmen was incredibly complex and it would be impossible to capture everything in the movie, although I did think the movie did a decent job. For people who brush off the comic medium as kids' stuff, this one certainly ain't for the kiddies. The novel was very dark and gritty, reflecting the turbulent times in the world at the time of its publication. Even though it was published in the 80s, the material did not feel dated. Watchmen probably won't be everyone's cup of tea (it did get a bit much for me at times) but it was certainly very interesting and thought-provoking - definitely worth a look for someone interested in exploring the comics genre.

Neil Gaiman - The Sandman Vol. 10: The Wake

With The Wake, I have finally reached the end of the Sandman series. The first three chapters conclude the events from the previous volume and serve as a truly fitting finale to a brilliant series. It was great to see several characters reappearing for Dream's wake, some with their absolutely moving eulogies; there were even a few cameos thrown in. I also really enjoyed seeing the new Dream take shape and finding his place in the Dreaming. Personally, I didn't really care much for the epilogue and it didn't resonate with me, but it doesn't matter; overall, with just the first three chapters alone, The Wake brings a satisfying end to the Sandman series. I am glad I made the decision to seek out these graphic novels and I look forward to reading them again in the future.

Neil Gaiman - The Sandman Vol. 9: The Kindly Ones

The Kindly Ones is the climax of the Sandman series and is truly an epic tale. For me, it's the best one out of the series. I also really liked the artwork in this particular story arc; it's very different from the usual comic book style and it really appealed to me visually. Even though the previous volumes prepared readers for Dream's death, I was still incredibly saddened by the loss of Morpheus. Yes, technically, Dream of the Endless does not die; he has existed since the beginning of time and will continue to do so for a long time, but Morpheus is no longer and I was truly sad to see him go. To fully appreciate this volume, it is definitely necessary to have read the previous volumes as several storylines from earlier books get tied up here. What an incredible story, and one that I think will just get better and better each time I revisit it.

Neil Gaiman - The Sandman Vol. 8: World's End

I always find it hard to give my opinion on the Sandman books; partly because I think I will sound like an idiot, but also because it's hard to find the right words to adequately describe them. In World's End, a whole bunch of people/supernatural beings find themselves stranded in an inn because of a reality storm and they share their tales with one another while waiting for the storm to pass. I really liked this volume, which effectively was a collection of short stories, with Dream (and Death) making an appearance occasionally. I was completely intrigued by what was revealed towards the end and appeared to be the cause of the reality storm: a funeral procession in the sky involving the Endless. It feels like a set-up for the next volume; what is going to happen in The Kindly Ones? I can't wait to find out.

Neil Gaiman - The Sandman Vol. 7: Brief Lives

A whole book featuring the Endless? Perfect. Delirium decides that she needs to hunt down her missing brother and the only sibling she can convince to go with her is Dream, who needs to snap out of his own misery following a broken heart. Change is the main theme in this volume, and because of the events that take place, there is much change coming to the Endless, especially for Dream. As usual, the storytelling is impeccable and it is great to see storylines from previous volumes weaved into this one and as well as borrowing from the various mythologies and integrating that into the Sandman story; all things that make this series such a unique one. Another great addition to the Sandman collection that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Neil Gaiman - The Sandman Vol. 6: Fables and Reflections

Fables and Reflections is another volume in the Sandman series that is a collection of short stories. Once again, Neil Gaiman displays his deft touch with some brilliant story-telling: Ramadan, Orpheus, and The Hunt are my favourites from this volume, although I do like most of the stories in this volume. While they are standalone stories, some do have linkages with previous and future volumes, which make it confusing for me at times because I feel that I'm not getting the full picture. There were also a few stories that didn't do much for me, like Soft Places and Fear of Falling, while August was just plain weird. The best thing in this volume though? Seeing Death and Dream as children - absolutely adorable, something that you'd think would never apply! If there ever were figurines of Lil' Death and Dream, I'd definitely try to get them for myself. Fables and Reflections may not be the most consistent offering as a whole, but it's definitely still worth a read for the ones that don't disappoint.

Neil Gaiman - The Sandman Vol. 5: A Game of You

This is another solid addition to the Sandman series. This is a sequel (of sorts) to the events in The Doll's House (Volume 2); however, the main thing I remember from that volume is the serial killer convention while I only have a vague memory of the other stories. Nevertheless, it was still a delight to read A Game of You, a tale about exploring one's identity. I'm sure it was much deeper than I could actually comprehend, but I enjoyed it anyway, even with my limited understanding. I probably still prefer Season of Mists to this, only because I find the Endless characters so intriguing and always enjoy the stories that they feature in. I am sure I will benefit from a re-read of this in the future to get a better understanding of the underlying themes and meaning; in the meantime, I'm on to the next one in the series!

Neil Gaiman - The Sandman Vol. 4: Season of Mists

In Season of Mists, the focus is back on Dream after minor appearances in the previous volume. The rest of the Endless family also make an appearance, with the exception of one missing sibling. This story arc is extremely interesting and inventive, where Lucifer decides to quit Hell and hands over his realm to Dream. His action has its ramifications and Dream is left with the mess to clean up and a huge responsibility - who gets Hell? Everyone wants a piece of Hell: angels; demons; various gods and deities. It's amazing to see how Gaiman weaves in the different mythologies and folklore with his Sandman creation. As for the ending? Mind-blowingly awesome, in my opinion. It's really thought-provoking - if horrific things are done in the name of good (Guantanomo Bay comes to mind), does that make them right? Just my own interpretation anyway. "Happily ever after. In Hell." Indeed.

Neil Gaiman - The Sandman Vol. 3: Dream Country

Well, I've moved from one series to another; although I will not experience the same kind of Twilight mania with the Sandman series. Dream Country is a collection of four standalone stories featuring Dream and Death, two of my favourite Endless characters. I particularly enjoyed "Calliope" - a creepy and slightly disturbing story that provided a glimpse into Dream's past - and "Facade" - a wickedly dark superhero tale about Element Girl. I thought "A Dream of a Thousand Cats" was quite original and rather amusing - although I wouldn't be looking at cats and think that they're trying to take over the world anytime soon. Much has been said about "A Midsummer Night's Dream"; in fact, it has won heaps of awards. However, this was my least favourite story in Dream Country. I think this is partly due to the fact that I'm not really familiar with the Shakespeare classic (I know, the horror!) so I couldn't really fully appreciate the tale. Overall, this was a great volume and I look forward to more Gaiman magic in the rest of the series.

Jodi Picoult - Wonder Woman: Love and Murder

I picked this up from the library as I thought this was a standalone graphic novel by Jodi Picoult featuring Wonder Woman. What I didn't expect was that this was actually part of a series, picking up from a previous storyline and the comic book itself ended on a cliffhanger. Nothing about it particularly stood out for me, and it was actually a frustrating story because I had no idea about prior events and a story without a resolution was certainly not what I was looking for. I definitely won't be chasing down the next issue to find out what happens next -- I guess I will just stick to Picoult's regular novels.