The Sandman: The Wake (1997)

This volume completes the series. The first part of it is very interesting, with the ceremony for the dead Dream and all the little details of the rules that surround this ceremony. It's an awesome sort of farewell to the series. All the character arcs are wrapped up and given some sort of resolution, even if the stories have been cut short by death.

Not my favourite volume, but a nice conclusion, with some beautiful art. ( )

With some great writing in the last couple volumes, it is hard to have a good ending to such a great series. The series definitely ended with a whimper--sadly one of the weakest volumes of Sandman

My favorite book in the series. I'm so sad it's over. ( )

This was about all those who cared for Morpheus getting together to say their final goodbyes. I wouldn't have been surprised if characters had fallen to their knees, wailing and beating their chests to convey their grief, but actually, this was quite a subtle and quiet affair, with the new Sandman, Daniel, sitting in the background and waiting to take his place as the dream lord. He obviously has a broody disposition like his predecessor, but he's a bit of a blank slate, an innocent and there's a glimmer of vulnerability about him, which makes him likeable however brief his appearance.

I also enjoyed Matthew in this, with his angsting about his future without his master. I suppose what I liked most about this was Morpheus not being a right old sourpuss as usual, wot with being dead an' all. Not a surprise that I enjoyed this. It’s a good ending to an interesting and inventive series, which I'm glad to have read.

Wait - there's more? Wth??!
( )

[This review is of the 10 book Sandman Library] Overall I enjoyed The Sandman series. There were stories here and there that did nothing for me and didn't seem to advance the storyline, but the mythology/history of the Endless and others, along with Gaiman's ability to weave an engrossing tale, made for many enjoyable reading times. I liked the way actual historical figures (Shakespeare, Mark Twain, Marco Polo, etc.) popped up in some stories. Perhaps my biggest criticism of the series was the inconsistent artwork. I will admit that I am not a big comic reader (so that may play a part), but there were instances where the drawing changed so much that I was unsure of who was being depicted. With that said, the artwork was well done. Just be aware that if you plan to read these while on public transportation there are some graphic scenes (nudity and gore). ( )