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The Sandman
Neil Gaiman

The Sandman

Quick Answer

Start with "The Sandman" to begin the The Sandman. It is the essential series starter and provides the necessary foundation for the rest of the books.

Quick Verdict

✅ Safe to read now (Series Entry Point)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: This is the essential series starter that introduces the Neil Gaiman's core world and character arcs. It is required reading for all new fans.

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2018217 ppSeries Starter
Neil Gaiman's seminal series, THE SANDMAN, celebrates its 30th anniversary with an all-new edition of THE SANDMAN VOL. 1: PRELUDES & NOCTURNES! New York Times best-selling author Neil Gaiman's transcendent series THE SANDMAN is often hailed as the definitive Vertigo title and one of the finest achievements in graphic storytelling. Gaiman created an unforgettable tale of the forces that exist beyond life and death by weaving ancient mythology, folklore and fairy tales with his own distinct narrative vision. In PRELUDES & NOCTURNES, an occultist attempting to capture Death to bargain for eternal life traps her younger brother Dream instead. After his 70 year imprisonment and eventual escape, Dream, also known as Morpheus, goes on a quest for his lost objects of power. On his arduous journey Morpheus encounters Lucifer, John Constantine, and an all-powerful madman. This book also includes the story "The Sound of Her Wings," which introduces us to the pragmatic and perky goth girl Death. Collects THE SANDMAN #1-8.
Next Recommended Book

Dream Country

Book #3 of 7 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

This is the core narrative of Morpheus’s life and death. The storyline follows a tragic course, culminating in Morpheus's death in issue No. 69, followed by his funeral and resolution of outstanding plotlines.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for The Sandman conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading The Sandman?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read The Sandman before other books in the series?

Yes, The Sandman is the first book in the series and is the ideal starting point for new readers.

Is The Sandman required reading for the The Sandman?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after The Sandman in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The Sandman is Dream Country (Book #3).