Absolute Sandman Overview | Color Comparison | Neil Gaiman | One of the Greatest Comics Ever!

Today Astonishing Melanie and Uncanny Omar join forces to talk about the Absolute Sandman Collection. They show off the books while talking about the stories and why they love Sandman so much. They also do a color comparison to older releases.
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[@balkthor]

Absolute Sandman volume 1, along with Absolute Green Arrow by Kevin Smith, were my first two collected editions ever. My wife gave them to me for Christmas back around 2016. So this will always hold a special series in my heart.

[@embearasedbear3694]

Kevin Smith is trash

[@purplerain225]

A beautiful review. I have Omar and Melanie to thank mainly for talking about this series. I just knew it would work and went the Absolute route. I remember Omar said finish the first volume before deciding its not for you. It took some time but was just blown away and I remember having a hard time getting the last few volumes but was so glad that I did. Thank you guys for opening up the love of reading and engaging stories with care and honest opinions.

[@rivwilson9330]

Just wanted to say my favourite content on KZbin is couples collaboration. Just so wholesome and heartwarming. And hearing Melanie talk about the binding and the eye was like yessss!!!! Keep it up friends ☺️

[@Jackfromshack]

Thank you very much for colour comparisons. This is important for me, but no one except you talks and about and shows it

[@jaggernaut4424]

I remember reading the singles long ago, starting near the half way point of the run. Recently got the 1st 4 absolutes and will definitely have to pick up the others. What a gorgeous presentation! Thx Omar and Melanie!!

[@TaylorTalksComics]

Great overview! I loved this video! And I’d welcome any sort of color comparison video, Sandman or other comic examples. I geek out over stuff like that!

[@hydra66]

I haven't watched one of your videos in a while. Melanie adds a lot to them. The absolute sandman volumes are one of the most attractive parts of my bookshelf. I don't regret spending the extra on these a those years ago

[@drumkit96]

This is a great overview of the Absolute volumes, thank you.

[@rahulnarayan1983]

I'd love a color difference video for new printings. But not just for sandman, but a general overview video which covers other comics like swamp thing as well

[@doovstoover9703]

Great review! I was thinking to get the annotated editions but now I'm tempted by these instead. Would you mind going into what it was about the annotations that you didn't like?

[@kevclark6159]

This randomly came up in my feed and I wracked my brain as to where I recognised Omar and Melanie from until it hit me- I used to listen to the About Heroes podcast years ago, I really liked it. Awesome to see them still doing this.

[@NearMintCondition]

Oh my gosh! I loved reading this! Literally made me smile. How have you been?

[@kevclark6159]

@@NearMintCondition Pleased to hear it! You guys were always great to listen to. Looking forward to seeing more from your KZbin channel. I’m very well, thanks. Still living that geek life : )

[@davidbio1]

I have them for some years and they are amazing. Very beautiful and it's a pleasure to read this story on them, although they are heavy.

[@javierquiroz3322]

I have the 7 absolutes and they are awesome, but my death copy has the black label, someday I will track down a copy with the old Vertigo to match. Great video, as always.

[@jarod9135]

I'm just now getting into Sandman and it's so magnificent

[@Grimlor]

@Melanie: I just received Absolute Death new edition today and they kept the velvet black on the cover instead of full faux leather. 👍😁

[@NerdPsycho]

I just started reading/collecting comics, and this is one of the most anticipated sets I can't wait to get into!! Looks way better than the 3 maroon omnibuses.

[@turtleanton6539]

Yes they do

[@littlered4099]

i have started my collecting after 15 or so years not bothering,but i have rediscovered my passion for this art form i have all my original issues because sandman was,is the best highest point comics ever reached ,these over size books have me wanting to buy, again thanks for your vids they are very well done i love the little tune about walts comics store such fun,but alas because of brexit am no longer in the EU anyhow thanks and bye bye

[@martynsimcox5177]

Excellent review of a stunning HC collection. I’m lucky enough to have the original comics, some of the trades and earlier this year purchased the deluxe set. Would be interested to know how the Absolute collection differs from the deluxe set. Very tempted to get the Absolute set as the complete story is so beautifully presented. 😎👍

[@collectingmemoriesyt]

Not a comic but the The Sandman Companion by Hy Bender is an excellent look behind the scenes of the making of the series and what Gaiman intended for each story arc and so on. If Melanie was disappointed by the Annotated edition this may be more in line with what she wanted.

[@The1Amazing1MSA]

I recently bought the first 3 absolute editions Volumes and will most definitely complete the set after reading them.

[@tbarker_6.7]

Literally the day after I put these in my organic priced books cart this video comes out. Must be a sign to pull the trigger😳

[@rickray1202]

I went with the omnibus route, but I can never not envy seeing the Absolutes on people shelves. Those Absolutes and the Preacher Absolutes are the most gorgeous books as part of that line.

[@andreagabban6613]

I've bought the HC Deluxe edition volumes, but Sandman is so good I can't help but being mesmerised by these Absolutes, too.

[@mannyc19]

My wife and I own Absolute 1 to 4 and Overture ,as well as the Expanded Slipcase set. Please do a longer color comparison.

[@Sehlat]

I have the omnis and the Annotated Sandman. One question though: Is the order of issues - Omar calls it the "mapping", I think - in the Absolutes identical to the Annotated ones? Because I compared them once, and I liked the order in the omnis better than in the Annotated. If I remember correctly, it had something to do with the storyline about Orpheus.

[@TheLookinGlasSelf]

Quite jelly that you got a full "Vertigo" spined collection. Sadly i ended up with a DC/Vertigo and DC spined book in my set. Gawd it drives me nutters.

[@OrangeGeemer]

I ended up tracking the rainbow edition of the tpb. I wanted to read it in the original colors first, but I still would want to get the absolutes at some point.

[@TheComicBookReport]

That Oversized Art 😱😍😱

[@mrjwthompson2831]

I’m curious if either of you have checked out Audible’s The Sandman Acts 1 & 2, and what your thoughts are about them compared to the comics?

[@jasonhicks5339]

I finally completed the full set this Christmas with a copy of Absolute Sandman Overture and managed to get a first printing too!! No black label for me... Vertigo all the way :)

[@whssy]

Aesthetically, I prefer the colour of the originals (I have the hardbacks from vol 4 and first edition paperbacks of vols 1-3 in the slipcase that came with vol 1) but my bad eyesight means I prefer the larger Absolute edition.

[@NostalgiaNetwork]

I’ve been wanting to read this series but wasn’t sure if to get the Absolute Editions or the Omnibus

[@ashleysmith640]

Great video 😊😊

[@adrianus1016]

Which version is better, absolute edition or the omnibus?

[@grither]

my first ever absolute!

[@YJ2010]

Mine too!

[@xASSASSINCE5x]

Thinking of selling my Absolute additions I have all 4 in perfect condition idk how to go by it. I know I can go to Ebay but is there another secure and efficient way to sell comics online?

[@jonathongibson7895]

Just got the whole set today looking forward to digging in

[@balkthor]

RIP Jonathan's social and family life for the next month

[@jonathongibson7895]

Worth it

[@tiananesbitt7156]

Soon as I saw Tim Hunter I brought home Vol.1!🤪🌪🍓🧘‍♀️🔮📚

[@seanvassar1117]

I have hard a time finding this set. I have vol 3 4 5. Most the absolute sets I found are larger (15" tall) instead of 12.5") and have DC on the spine instead of the vertigo.

[@fishin4bass2002]

I’m happy with the new Deluxe OHCs, you can get them for about $20 each.

[@frasert8779]

What a monumental moment, my Omni’s made it into a Near Mint Video! Lol

[@NearMintCondition]

My man! Thank you!

[@dreamEater99]

Tracing paper. So tempted to get the absolutes.

[@lucaboscolopalo7613]

Hello there, is the story "eternal nights" inside one of the seven absolute volumes? thank you

[@NearMintCondition]

Endless Nights? That one is in volume 5.

[@newspooiechannel]

We need more videos of Omar and Melanie comparing different colored editions for books. That 'Top 10 "THEY CHANGED THE COLORS FOR MY BOOKS?!?!!"' video, coming soon...!

[@ronswanson278]

Was wondering if you would do sandman universe reading order??

[@NearMintCondition]

I can for sure.

[@JamesDeMarcoForReal]

Endpages are trying to look like vellum, but feel like maybe they are cotton blend. Probably not real vellum.

[@eraserboy12345]

I can't decide, should I get Omnibus or the Absolute version? Or the 30th anniversary box set?

[@turtleanton6539]

Absolute

[@stephentheshywarrior2759]

Cannot believe still haven't picked up or read Sandman in my life😅

[@beastlaz]

I've got the 7 Deluxe volumes, and I'm happy with them. The Absolutes are out of my budget range.

[@fishin4bass2002]

7? I thought there was only 5 and overtures deluxe unless you are counting death

[@beastlaz]

@@fishin4bass2002 Of course, there are 7 absolutes, and 7 OHC's, which are using the Absolute colour layouts etc

[@IAmTheOneWhoKnocksBB]

do you think dc will soon reprint the sandman omnibuses with the dc black label logo?

[@NearMintCondition]

They should be. With the Black label line

[@aladdinsalih7617]

I have the omnibus, but I'd like to to have this beaut too

[@turtleanton6539]

Y not😊

[@kingmob1972]

I’m looking forward to watching the new show!! Hope it’s good!! I bought those issues when they came out month to month back in the day!! Cheers!!

[@stormtrooper253]

For those new to the comics, is it worth collecting the paperback box set of Sandman?

[@NearMintCondition]

Absolutely a cheaper way.

[@turtleanton6539]

Nice

[@kiyankurji67]

Reminds of the the reformatting George Lucas did with Star Wars. Overall the old colouring is better. I mean yes the problem is that you will have some good new things come about in the new colouring but at the risk of damaging the old. I think death of the author makes sense here as once something is published it should stay just the way it is for better or for worse.

[@senacht]

That paper is probably vellum.

[@magnuslord]

Parchment paper?

[@kainsenpai7172]

OK. After watching The Sandman and watching this, I will get the Absolute Sandman collection.

[@NearMintCondition]

I hope you enjoy them:

[@kainsenpai7172]

@@NearMintCondition (Sorry, it's been 6 months!) Oh yes, I definitely will. The other part for replying to your comment, B&N has new covers for the Sandman comics (vol. 1 looks BEAUTIFUL). It looks like the interior colors are the same from the Absolute Edition...? I can't tell from the small images on B&N's website. Would you happen to have the new vol. 1 to compare?

[@babylonshadows1877]

I want to watch the Sandman series on Netflix but honestly I'm terrified because Netflix has a horrible track record and Sandman is literally the series that got me into comics. Netflix tends to make questionable choices about casting (obviously because they want to be inclusive) but then they sometimes completely misunderstand the source material. A perfect example is Locke and Key...read the first chapter of the comic and watch the first episode and tell me if the tone is anywhere near the same. The show is a teen comedy/drama I could not get passed ep 1

[@babylonshadows1877]

@TheWokenado that's very good to hear. I hope you are right!

[@NearMintCondition]

We watched one episode so far. Some things were changed and nothing will be Sandman to me outside of the comics. But for a series that shouldn’t work, it was a phenomenal first episode. Can’t wait to see the rest.

[@babylonshadows1877]

@@NearMintCondition I'm okay with changes as long as they make sense. The issue is that usually the changes are made in order to either fit a political view or to generate controversy. And it just ruins the show. Look at the new LOTR show. But I fully agree with you, making a faithful Sandman would be near impossible. I just hope it's not offensively bad lol

[@NearMintCondition]

I honestly didn’t notice any of that one episode in. Can’t wait to see episode 2

[@babylonshadows1877]

@@NearMintCondition good to hear!

[@Ilikeboobies4real]

What’s more worth the price? The absolute or the 3 omnibus?

[@NearMintCondition]

Depends on how much you love the story. The absolute for me.

[@alexisvaughn5056]

These are so expensive now. @.@ What's the next best edition?

[@NearMintCondition]

Omnibus. There are only three of those.

[@portland-182]

The Egyptian ankh is the symbol for life...

[@privatechannel8462]

I remember them being good, just watched the tv show, which was terrible, going to go back and re read them, just incase...

[@ashleysmith640]

To be honest absolutes are my favourite 🤩

[@turtleanton6539]

Indeed😊

[@ashleysmith640]

Got them all just need vol 2 😊😊

[@eddiethealbatross5734]

Oh the absolutes, such pretty books, but so big. I sold my set so I can later re buy them in omnibus again along with the rest of the sandman universe run :)

[@mdb9920]

I don't mean to offend you but I get so annoyee with comments about how big Absolutes are. Omnibus are 3 times thicker and are heavier. You traded in the Absolutes for the Omnis.. interesting

[@chrisakright4105]

The see-thru paper is prolly vellum…

[@NearMintCondition]

Thank you!

[@joeywalden9640]

Onion Paper =)

[@slop101]

Only one I don't have the Absolute Death - horrible "bang for the buck". Reprints asides, it's only 3 issues they could've easily inserted into one of the other Absolute Sandman volumes.

[@NearMintCondition]

Well six, since there were 2 minis. But I agree.. it hurt to get that one.

[@reginaldforthright805]

Sam Keith is by far the best sandman artist

[@inkedjao9488]

I'm willing to trade my colossal conan by dark horse for this set if anyone reading this is up for the trade, lets talk hahah

[@NearMintCondition]

I think people would take you up on that offer :)

[@inkedjao9488]

@@NearMintCondition man I like this book a lot I'm just a sucker for monstruous books, how big and beautiful the edition is but although conan is my favorite character I've almost finished the read and... didn't enjoy it thaaat much, seen so many people dying to have this in their collection for the past few months that I almost feel I shouldn't hold it anymore, my thing is really in the marvelous marvel years hahahah

[@bradenhogan2]

Are the original colors still in print? I’d like to read the series how it was presented at release I hate when DC pulls this crap with letting artists go back 20+ years later to recolor comics, and then making the original colors become commercially unavailable. I don’t care if it was done by the original artist or under a writer’s supervision, I still find it disrespectful not only to the original colorist but also to the history. If there’s going to be a recolored version, it needs to be an ADDITIONAL option to the original, not the ONLY option

[@NearMintCondition]

They aren’t sadly. Only way to get them is those HCs we showed. We call them the rainbow collection as each volume has a different cover.

[@bradenhogan2]

@@NearMintCondition thanks!

[@lucylu59]

I am glad I got these books. Love the oversized editions. It is really too bad the Netflix series is sooooo bad.

[@williamoutlaw28]

You are the first person I’ve heard this from

[@lucylu59]

@@williamoutlaw28 I was disappointed with the first 5 episodes, but it did improve. I made the mistake of reading book 1 right before watching the show.

[@dmetzgarful]

I’m going to bring the haters out…. Loved sandman for the first 3 trades, then couldn’t stand it. Kind of overrated in my opinion.

[@barrypanaretou9124]

The show starts off promising but as you watch along the political correctness bullshit kicks in and everything is changed for the wrong reasons! I stopped watching. I have all the omnibuses and they rock!