The Sandman Vol. 06: Fables & Reflections (1993)

Volume 6 of 10 in the Sandman series, this volume ties together all of the books. I didn't realize it when I read it the first time, but it is perfectly placed in the middle, recalling themes and stories from the first 5 volumes, and foreshadowing what is to come.

It is a set of 8 individual stories, all tied together by dreams and Morpheus and the larger story of the series. Some are great and completely self-contained (Ramadan and Soft Places), and others serve the purpose of unifying the big story (Orpheus and Thermidor). They are all good, and while it might seem like an interlude in the greater story, it is essential reading for the Sandman series. ( )

I enjoyed the retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.

Also, li'l Death and li'l Morpheus? dawwwwwwwwww. ( )

I think I like The Sandman series best when it's a series of vignettes, as opposed to one continuous story. Here, the variety of stories give me a better perception of Dream/Morpheus, and I appreciate the many facets of his character. I really liked the story of Orpheus. I feel that Gaiman looks at mythology and retells it in such a way that it feels new and fresh. The story of Ramadan is JUST fantastic. I might even teach that piece in my class this fall... ( )

I like the shorts in this one. Short stories are my favourite.
Three Septembers and a January was nice because we got to see some of the other Endless. And, I learned about the actual emperor of the United States, Emperor Norton.

The Hunt I liked because I liked fairy tales. The relationship between grandpa storyteller and grandaughter was adorable, and Baba Yaga showed up - I liked her creepy chicken leg house!

I was very happy to see Fiddler's Green again in Soft Places, and his being so disgruntled about the explorers disappearing the soft places with their discovering.

Cain and Abel always make me sad because Abel hates dying all the time. They tell some lovely stories to baby Daniel in The Parliament of Rooks, along with Eve and Matthew (the raven). I especially liked the "L'il Endless" because they were SO CUTE.

Ramadan was gorgeously illustrated. The story was adorable as well...I loved the last couple panels where Dream is holding the city in a bottle. ( )

Not my favorite in terms of storylines, but I felt like there was a big improvement in the art at this point. It’s looking a lot more consistent. ( )