The Sandman Is The BEST Thing On Audible

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A look at the 2020 Audible audiobook adaptation of The Sandman by Neil Gaiman and Dirk Maggs.
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[@anymouse8221]

Gaiman said that the reason he made the audiobook as word-for-word as possible was because he specifically wanted people who couldn't read the comics (like blind people) could share the same experience as those who read the originals.

[@elliemorgan8670]

As a blind person I really appreciate this there’s so many comics I want to read but I can’t.

[@radikalskippy]

This was the comment I was looking for. Gaiman intended for the audio version to be as close to 1:1 as possible, fully acknowledging that the original version had issues that would be addressed in another adaptation.

[@otakuofmine]

still a lame excuse for him though

[@anymouse8221]

@@otakuofmine I don't think that it was intended as an excuse for anything, just an explanation of why the choice was made to make minimal changes for adaptation. He's mentioned that there are things he would do differently now than he did as a young man in the 80s but that he made a choice not to turn this into an edit. If you're talking about the "bury your gays" trope Dominic mentioned, I'm going to push back on this on. If I'm remembering where the audiobook ends correctly then we have one lesbian who dies (her ex-girlfiend later is a character in a troubled but healthy lesbian relationship). One of the endless is non-binary. There is a drag queen who is fine. There is a couple of women whose relationship is not defined but live together and sleep naked together. They're fine. Ummm..there's a bunch of serial killers and iirc one targets intersex victims ans one or two others are men who have sex with male victims, but I don't think that's the same thing. The big one Sandman gets flack for is the character of Wanda in a later section. She is trans and does die. Readers are pretty divided about her. Gaiman had talked about how some of the language and depictions in that book haven't aged well but at the time were written with love for some close friends who were transwomen.

[@amandapike2477]

@@otakuofmine Giving a damn about the visually impaired is a "lame excuse"? In a seven word comment you managed to be an ableist ass twice over.

[@Piti_Pingu]

Your health is much more important to us than having a twilight marathon! (this goes to everyone that reads this) Please take care of yourself your health, physical and mental is important!

[@gumgumdookuin7963]

This is the first time I fully agree with every sentence, word, paragraph, and phrasing in this comment.

[@Piti_Pingu]

@@gumgumdookuin7963 Thank you very much.

[@taekwongurl]

Yup, but just in case he needs to hear it from the back of the room: your health and well being is important!!!

[@gumgumdookuin7963]

@@Piti_Pingu Anytime. And it is true. His health is more important in this context.

[@Midorikonokami]

We will also still have it later when all the videos come out and we can binge them forever.

[@miriams.4341]

You take care of yourself too. Don’t risk your mental health and well-being. We‘ll still be here when you get around to the rest of Twilight, The Mister and other shenanigans. Also - have a comment, oh mighty algorithm!

[@Artemisa97]

Dom, I think everyone agrees that your health and wellbeing are the most important thing to us. Taking a tiny break from a marathon to post a shorter video is more than okay! Take care of yourself

[@Frey12]

Agreed, we can live without videos for X time, so that creators don't suffer from creative burn out or lose the enjoyment of their work.

[@theoretic7856]

huh-uh.. you know we was all secretly wanting to see some twilight induced psychosis. Don't Lie. 😝

[@Lazarus1095]

Having a breakdown after reading Twilight isn't exhaustion. It is recovery.

[@negimaaddict742]

Me just now realizing the Lucifer pronunciation from Crisis was a insanely clever comic joke.

[@Lazarus1095]

@@negimaaddict742 Can you elaborate?

[@Ironlantern723]

@@Lazarus1095 In the comics Constantine was pronounced "Con Stan Tyne" not "Con Stan Teen". However every media that had Constantine pronounced with the latter.

[@negimaaddict742]

@@Lazarus1095 In the Arrowverse version of Crisis on Infinite Earths, Lucifer calls him "John Constan-tyne" and Constantine says "It's Constan-teen." Don't read the comics but from what I gleaned on your comment was that the pronunciation mattered to him.

[@Linklex7]

If you have a breakdown after reading Twilight it means you’re still human. Hold on to that

[@Zarvanis]

Death is such a popular character that back in the 90s when DC was running a poll for which DC-universe side-characters should get a spin-off comic, one of the editors called Neil Gaiman to ask if he wanted to write a Death spin-off because they knew she was going to win before they even put the poll up. He said yes, and she did indeed win. If you're wondering, this comes from a book called "The Art of Neil Gaiman" which is excerpts from Gaiman and others about his many works, including an entire section dedicated just to Death.

[@orelalaith]

omg; Death the price of living was SOOOOOO GOOOD!!!

[@TK949]

@@orelalaith It's "The High Cost of Living". Other than that, I agree. ;)

[@asmith8692]

I loved High Cost of Living. The sequel was sort of meh for me. The PSA featuring Death and John Constantine was funny.

[@Snow-pw6vw]

The art of Neil Gaiman is actually what got me interested in him in the first place, I impulsively bought it for like fifty cents from the library and now I have, I think, all of his traditional books, and im intending to start getting his comics soon

[@gateauxq4604]

Can confirm, at the height of Sandman fame everything Death was always sold out almost immediately-before the internet!

[@woodgatejack]

I too was surprised how closely this adaptation followed the original comic, including the bits that may come across as, for want of a better word, insensitive when viewed through 21st Century eyes. However, I think it may be allowed a pass. I read an interview with Gaiman and he mentioned meeting a fan who was blind, who regretted not being able to appreciate Gaiman's comic work. This was one of the motivating factors in Gaiman being behind an audio adaptation. Think of it like an "audio descriptive for the visually impaired" track, such as one might find on some DVDs and one may forgive it for being so "warts and all"

[@richardfarrer5616]

As I've commented elsewhere, there was at least one change I noticed. A particular character now preys on genetic eunuchs when previously his victims were pre-op transsexuals.

[@jang7675]

I remember reading an article when the audiobook came out where Gaiman stated that he kept the audiobook as faithful as possible because they were going to make changes to the Netflix show. Particuarly changes in the areas of the story that he now realizes are problematic. Sort of like having the audiobook as a timecapsule of what was I guess.

[@catebrooks6779]

I love this!

[@RavensRift]

@@jang7675 I noticed that he did use they/them for Desire. Which was cool. Honestly Neil Gaiman has always striked me as a good ally

[@DoctorXander]

@@richardfarrer5616 There's a couple of characters in the first issue who were explicitly identified to be lovers in the audiobook, whereas the comic only implied it

[@szymonjutkiewicz2320]

mr sandman, man me a sand, make him the cutest man car door hook hand

[@StartOfTheYear]

I had a stroke reading this.

[@FreakBellSeven]

I think about this post so often

[@Inoorne]

So happy reading this again

[@scarylion1roar]

Yeeeeesssssss

[@casperchristiansen2458]

Sandses and handses. ; )

[@sigyn3976]

"Smiling hurts my face..." - I don't think I've ever heard a more relatable statement than that bit in my life.

[@reunt6427]

I love how your prediction of David Tennant being in Sandman in the future was only there as a gag but is now coming half true since he was announced to voice Loki.

[@Darkstar5577]

Now he's in the Netflix show, and he killed it!

[@ezelfrancisco1349]

He’s in the bonus episode!

[@TheBatmarcus]

Death is as you said the stand out secondary character in this. Her chapter: The Sound of Her Wings is my favorite of the whole book.

[@sefalimahanti9848]

Kat Dennings does fantastic bringing the amazing character to life

[@LordFang1217]

I hope they adapt Death's Graphic novel as well

[@richardfarrer5616]

You can see why he and Terry Pratchett were friends. Death is both utterly professional and a sympathetic figure for both of them. Apart from that their depictions are so totally different that I wonder if Gaiman deliberately wrote her that way for contrast. Whichever it was, she is utterly superb in the novels and perfectly played in the audio book.

[@moxxibekk]

Also, her two spinoff comics are great!

[@aceofpentacles2k]

Omfg yesss I keep listening to it over and over again its just so goodddd

[@No1fan15]

I once asked Neil on Tumblr what it was like writing a transgender character back when Sandman first released. (She's in one of the later stories) His first words in reply were "I'm sure I could have done better". I feel this speaks very strongly to his own character as a writer and gives me high hopes for the Netflix version so long as he's involved

[@WritingGeekNL]

Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite authors. Also because I wrote a Coraline-like story when I was 5 years old before I ever read it. (I do have proof, since I still have it)

[@amandapike2477]

I hope you're not that annoying person who mistakenly thought the Game of you Story said the magick wouldn't work for trans people when that was just Thessaly being a TERF. Anyway, Neil said he wants actual trans people to write for that storyline when it's adapted by Netflix.

[@No1fan15]

@@amandapike2477 I am aware yes

[@RavensRift]

@@amandapike2477 lol yeah... at least Death saw her for who she was!

[@Ironlantern723]

The Thing about Gaiman is while DC can use his characters, they cannot do anything without his permission. It's why for the most part they haven't bothered to do anything with them until a few years ago. So he has final say on everything related to his Sandman series. They couldn't move forward with the series or a move without his say so.

[@TSDTalks22]

As someone whos listened to entirely of the sandman in two days, it’s hard to argue with his assessment

[@captainufo4587]

As a comic book artist I'm actually really curious (and a bit frustrated I'll admit): how on Earth does a comic work on audiobook? What about the images?

[@TSDTalks22]

Captain Ufo Neil Gaiman narrates and there are voice actors and six that give you a picture in your mind. It’s less an audiobook and more like a radio show based on a comic

[@antonellamR2D2]

The author is also a skilled screenwriter, with huge experience in transferring books into audio for the BBC.

[@captainufo4587]

@@TSDTalks22 Oh, so it's more like a companion thingie rather than an alternative to actually reading the book. Good to know.

[@TSDTalks22]

Captain Ufo no it’s More like an adaptation. I’ve never read the comics but I still fully enjoyed and understood the audiobook

[@TheCoelura]

“You're Hell's Angels, then? What chapter are you from?' 'REVELATIONS. CHAPTER SIX.” - Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett, Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch

[@Mr2squids]

I was in middle school when I saw a promo poster for Neil Gaiman's Sandman and bought an issue in a whim--and was instantly hooked. "Show me your Dreams, and I shall show you horror in a handful of sand..." I'll always remember the tagline on that poster.

[@amandapike2477]

There is no "Show me your dreams." And the tagline is "I will show you terror in a handful of dust" a direct T. S. Elliot quote. I have the ad...

[@bretsheeley4034]

I can wait for Twilight. ... Jesus Christ, I can't believe I just said that.

[@thomasraines1396]

What has the world come to?

[@bretsheeley4034]

@@thomasraines1396 The punchline.

[@thomasraines1396]

Bret Sheeley the punchline?

[@TheNahnny]

The audible is very faithful for one reason. Neil said, i dont remember now where i read it sorry, that he wanted ppl to experience the original Sandman as it is. He is changing and adapting the script for Netflix tho.

[@trishapellis]

Blind people, specifically, which really goes to show how good of a person he is, knowing beforehand the critiques he was going to get about it.

[@KaiahAurora]

Whenever I hear/read the word "Sandman," my deeply-ingrained response is always, without fail, "Man me a sand"

[@GriffinPilgrim]

I have loved the Sandman since I was too young to understand most of it. I am exactly the kind of person who should have been impossible to please with an adaption. I am pleased. I am VERY pleased.

[@carsonsmith7314]

Hands down, One of the Greatest comics (and Audio dramas) of ALL TIME!

[@KomodoMagic]

Nice profile picture

[@carsonsmith7314]

@@KomodoMagic Thanks!

[@KomodoMagic]

Carson Smith No Problem

[@annsalvatore996]

Me: *has a breakdown, goes to watch this video* Dom: I had a breakdown- Me: same

[@funnykitsune]

Hope you are better now! Treat yourself, you're doing amazing already and deserve it!

[@live_and_lol]

I know the feeling

[@cjskindaboring]

I also recommend the Neverwhere audio drama if you're a fan of Gaiman's work! To be fair, it's probably my fave book of his as well, but quite a few members of the Sandman cast are also in it, and it's significantly lighter in tone than Sandman. Overall it's just a super fun listen😊

[@richardfarrer5616]

First saw the TV show when it came out in 1997 (I remember since the hero is a 29 year old called Richard and so was I at the time). I think it was the first Neil Gaiman work I'd been exposed to except for Good Omens. I own video, DVD, book, CD, and Audible versions of it.

[@cjskindaboring]

@@richardfarrer5616 I absolutely adore the TV show! I'd read a few of Gaiman's books when I was younger, but only started reading more of them a couple of years ago, and that's how I found Neverwhere and all its adaptations.

[@PeanutButterZombie00]

I think I have that somewhere, from when I had an Audible account and downloaded so many audiobooks that I forgot to listen to some of them. I need to find it; Neverwhere is my favorite, too! The Marquis de Carabas is one of my all-time favorite fictional characters.

[@Piti_Pingu]

Thank you for putting the faces of all the actors because I'm really bad with learning the faces that go with names XD

[@euansmith3699]

"It's not easy, having a good time. Even smiling makes my face ache."

[@richardfarrer5616]

Are you comparing the Dom with a man who carries a whip and dresses in fishnet tights and leather corsets?

[@euansmith3699]

@@richardfarrer5616 I see you tremble with an... tis... i...

[@leighcollett66]

@@euansmith3699 pay-shun!

[@MsKathleenb]

@@euansmith3699 Say it! Say it!!!!!!!!!!!

[@richardfarrer5616]

@@euansmith3699 ....................pation.

[@andreapadilla6962]

So... Here comes my fangirl again: Maybe because I'm overloaded with these "Super Inclusive" characters where they all do well and are okay because nothing bad should happen to inclusive characters .... Gaiman's non-focused approach to LGBT characters is super enjoyable for me as a member of the community. Let's be honest, practically every human character in this story ends up BAD. Horrible deaths, deception, betrayal, trapped in their own minds, etc. So for me it is not a "direct attack" the fact that LGBT characters end badly, because everyone besides them end up the same. And... To be honest, I became very fond of the relationship between Alexander and Paul ... they weren't good people by any means, but they still cared about each other. It would have been so easy to make their entire relationship a total lie and both of them just wanted to take advantage of each other. But he didn't, he only went as far as it took to create a story and nothing more. At all times the characters, regardless of their race or sexuality, were only characters showing a part of the story. Not a futile political statement with no real content and, for me, that's what really matters. I know, I know, fanaticism blinds me when it comes to Gaiman and it is very difficult for me to give an unbiased opinion. But I still think if it was really wrong, even if it's his, it would have bothered me rather than excited me for see a good handling of LGBT characters as nothing more than characters for a story.

[@clogs4956]

Frankly, I didn't even blink at the sexual orientation of the characters, because the story is that good and it doesn't matter, for many, in the end (although...Wanda...). I pre-ordered this audio drama, but have held back from listening in case it spoiled my appreciation of the original - and because The Corinthian is downright scary. Besides, no audio adaptation, no matter how faithful, can make you go ! or ? and quickly recheck an earlier event for some little hint missed or how plot ramifications were prefigured/realised.

[@xstarsystemsx]

@@clogs4956 what her parents did to Wanda made me so angry when i first read the comics, and back then i only had a vague knowledge of what transgender meant, so i guess that's my takeaway? that it's clear whose side the story is on, despite what happens in the end? (idk, i'm also a complete Gaiman fangirl and ymmv, obviously.)

[@BrokensoulRider]

This needs to be brought up more. Most people of said community actually don't mind the handling this way, because it was done respectfully and... like any other person. Not given special treatment.

[@marpj6138]

This. There is so much emphase in having inclusive characters and strong females these days that they forgot to make these characters interesting. In the end we all are just people, with good and bad parts, so why a subset of characters are stripped of their humanity in order to not be offensive, let them be human and commit mistakes as well as deal with the consequence and try to improve themselves, dont let sex/orientation be their only defining characteristic, dont shove them into a story just to say you are being inclusive. Make good and interesting characters, characters that people will care about because their are involved, and let their sex/orientation be just a part of them (sorry for the rant, but there is so many projects with potential being wasted for no reason lately that I got some disgust for some descriptors that should pull me in instead if not for so many bad results)

[@amandapike2477]

Don't forget Hazel and Donna had a happy ending.

[@mst3khaleesi943]

One of the many things I love about this channel is the incredibly supportive and lovely fanbase. Dominic, being the beautiful soul that he is, has attracted probably the kindest, most fun, least toxic people I've ever seen in KZbin comments, and I'm honored to be a part of such a fantastic group. Dominic, keep your health your priority, we're all behind you! And to my fellow "beautiful watchers:" keep being beautiful and awesome!

[@jameshughes7946]

Tyne..... John Constan-tyne And Constantine is bi and survives his appearance

[@Popcultureguy3000]

Yeah, but his Bi nature barely came up in the original Vertigo comics has only become a huge part of his character recently on Legends of Tomorrow, the most gloriously fun and fan-servicey superhero show on the CW.

[@jameshughes7946]

@@Popcultureguy3000 Just because it wasn't brought up doesn't make him any less bi

[@Popcultureguy3000]

James Hughes Yes it does! Until Legends of Tomorrow let his Bi representation flag fly, it was just something you’d read about in his DC Encyclopedia page, and nothing more. It’s actually kind of shameful an imprint like Vertigo never tried to have any sort of story where this aspect of John’s life was explored, they could have done *ANYTHING* with this aspect of Constantine’s character, they could have used it to explore the lingering stigma of gay people thanks to HIV in the early nineties, or even treated it like John’s myriad other romances and have it fall to pieces thanks to “the Constantine family curse” (really it’s because he’s always been a manipulative arsehole that no one can truly trust, but I digress). But instead they did *nothing* either because editors were afraid it would alienate fans or because various Hellblazer writers just forgot about it after Jamie Delano left the book.

[@jameshughes7946]

@@Popcultureguy3000 Nice to know your idea of representation is someone who's character revolves around their sexuality.

[@DeaconTaylor]

i remember the pronunciation because he's an older gentleman, not a 'teen'.

[@InnesTahtinen]

I think that 24 Hour Diner or whatever it's called is one of the best written and horrifying things I've ever read. Gaiman makes you care about these smallpart characters through the perspective of whatshername the waitress and character interactions and letting you see their wants, flaws and all that. It's just really good. Not a fan of the later hours as much, but that's the point, isn't it?

[@SailorYue]

When will you do Good Omens? It's been a year and there's dozens of clip vids and amvs now. I'd love to hear your lost in adaptation for it

[@RobinWood1292]

I want this so badly!

[@lesliemills3153]

Neil Gaiman also wrote a series of short stories compiled "Smoke and Mirrors," which I read. I find Mr. Gaiman either brilliant or horribly cringey, but he was never dull.

[@phastinemoon]

Closest he gets to dull is Stardust - and even then, more because that book is the closest he got to writing a super conventional high fantasy fairy tale, but it’s still damn GOOD.

[@StergiosMekras]

Death of the Endless is the only death personification across the omniverse to outshine Discworld's DEATH.

[@phastinemoon]

Ooh, what if they met and got drinks together?

[@isabelpires927]

When I read the 1st book it nearly put me off the whole thing because of the horror aspect. I am so glad I persevered and got to 'The Sound of Her Wings' chapter, which is just wonderful. It is a glorious series, and it rekindled my love of graphic novels. Thank you for covering it!

[@orionm-s7377]

I read these comics when I was like 12 and really want to reread them now. Also - Delirium/Delight was always a favorite of mine. Her story was always so sad to me.

[@WillTheGreatest]

Ugh I've been listening to it almost episodically like a show. Love sandman. The 24 hour diner was a wild ride.

[@rocknroll20024]

I just listen to that part today and holy shit it was fantastic

[@bubblegum1366]

This series was my first introduction to Neil Gaiman. I first read it in middle school and still love it to this day. My favorite volume is Season of Mists.

[@orionaugustwatson]

Darn right! It's the best audiodrama made in my lifetime. Considering, I'm someone who listens to original Twilight zone and other radio dramas on loop. And admittedly I never thought I'd listen to such an outstanding audiodrama in my lifetime. Gaiman doesn't get much credit regarding his voice and how apt it is for narration.

[@ryuj7693]

Gaiman is one of three narrators I've never had trouble with. The others being Philip Pullman and James Masters. Hopefully this will pull up the quality of audiobooks... or if I'm really lucky a new version of American Gods where Gaiman is the narrator.

[@Rashagar]

@@ryuj7693 As in Spike from Buffy?

[@ryuj7693]

@@Rashagar yes, he reads the Dresden Files

[@Rashagar]

@@ryuj7693 dear god I need that in my life

[@amandapike2477]

@@Rashagar Yes, he reads the entire Dresden Files Series. He wasn't available for Ghost Story (book 13 in the series) so John Glover read that one but about a year later James Marsters redid it. Everyone prefers James' version. He's an excellent reader.

[@avivagodfrey]

TheDom: Describes snack-time eyeballs. Me: Starts regretting the similarly-shaped and sized Brussel sprouts I'm eating at that exact moment.

[@adrianvelante8014]

The original comic was one of the best things I've ever read. Absolute masterpiece.

[@ashlingteirney7543]

Glad that you are focusing on your health and taking breaks where you need them. We are all here to support you and would much prefer you be healthy and happy over longer videos or an uninterrupted marathon.

[@summercucumber4964]

Hope you're getting some much needed rest my dude! You're one of my absolute favorite content creators here and I'm always genuinely super excited when I see you've uploaded.

[@lymdrenntelvanni8054]

Good that you look after yourself! You already torture yourself enough with Twilight/50Shades etc.

[@Ben-vf5gk]

4:42 The sound of Dominic taking in the "works" of EL James

[@nicodiangelo9810]

I always watch the ads for my favorite KZbinrs, and you are one of them. Keep on being great and look out for your help, Dom!

[@rowanquinn9978]

I hope that you’re feeling better and have fun settling into your new place. Thank you for the videos. 💐

[@celsintuition779]

Thank you so much for this amazing video 😍😍😍 please take care of yourself and stay safe in these difficult times Can't wait to see your next video 😊

[@Ben-vf5gk]

Well if Matt Ryan isn't Constantine that's a dealbreaker... (Finds out its Taron Egerton) Nevermind

[@MelchVagquest]

I love Matt Ryan as Constantine!

[@xstarsystemsx]

​@@MelchVagquest i'm kinda bitter the tv show wasn't better, i really like him as Constantine but i have zero interest in watching Legends of Tomorrow. (i tried, but... no.)

[@MelchVagquest]

@@xstarsystemsx The Constantine show was good, not great, but I feel like they were testing the waters and season 2 would have been insane. Also, I love Legends of Tomorrow! Granted, I'm behind on all of the CW Arrowverse shows, but I enjoyed the chemistry between all of the characters. Also, I heard that Constantine gets to resolve some of the unanswered plot threads from his series.

[@jlev1028]

@@MelchVagquest I love Legends of Tomorrow too, but I'm already having bad feelings about the next season. Season 5 ended on a perfect note. Why ruin that with Sarah being abducted by a UFO. Stop milking the series, CW!

[@MelchVagquest]

@@jlev1028 I understand your hesitation, then. Sometimes, good stuff can come from a series being extended, though.

[@moonjellymusic]

Death is such a memorable character, and one of the most gentle in the series. I often think about one of the scenes when she is on the job. The infant in her arms asks why he has to go now and complains that there is so much he did not get to do yet. She responds "You get what everyone gets: a lifetime." It's been close to 15 years since I read Sandman, and that line keeps coming back to me.

[@broadwaysweetie]

Another great video as always! I’ll definitely be checking this out after your recommendation. Your shirt makes me think of my senior year English teacher who we lost a few years ago. She would have LOVED your channel (she even had quote “don’t judge a book by it’s movie” above her blackboard). 💖💖💖

[@PencilSticks]

The chapter in which Death is introduced has her escort a baby to the afterlife after it dies in its crib from what I assume is SIDS. You also get to hear the mother's reaction. Yeah, this shit gets dark.

[@amandapike2477]

There's a really good "motion comic" version of Sound of Her wings here on youtube that predates the official audio drama.

[@maxmustardman298]

@@amandapike2477 its really good

[@maxmustardman298]

That was y gut punch moment

[@MsArtivisual]

"I would describe myself on the fainter end of the Faint-of-Heart-scale..." My good Sir, thank you for this very useful and visually intriguing explanation of (that part of) your character. I hope you see it as the compliment it is meant to be, when I say I will be saving this and possibly employing it in future conversation, as I, too, am on the fainter end. That said, take good care of yourself, your health is important. Thank you for gracing us with this review through all your many activities. Glad to see your face

[@gigamantisman]

God, I loved this! This series was the reason I finally subscribed with audible. Perfect cast, Gaimen's narration and just an amazing story to begin with are work every penny.

[@little_ghosty1854]

It's so great to see you gush about something you like. I hope you can continue to happily gush about things. Please be safe and happy in the future. 😊

[@violetstarhaze]

Now it’s been a hot minute since I read the whole series. These first few volumes have the most horror elements. So if you do wanna listen to it, this is the darkest it gets, if I am remembering correctly. Also, more DC references: Dr. D is a DC justice league villain. And the Lucifer here is the same one from the comic the show was based of.

[@ajiththomas2465]

It'll be a crime against humanity if they don't get Tom Ellis to voice Lucifer.

[@Everyyoueverymiau]

I love how active Neil Gaiman is on tumblr. Also, for any Gaiman fans in the comments: Can you recommend a Gaiman book for somebody who didn’t like American Gods but liked Good Omens and loves Terry Pratchett?

[@anymouse8221]

Most of his stuff isn't as... delignfully whimsical as Pratchett's work (except for his children's stuff which is still fun ). - Anansi Boys ties in with American Gods, but has a very different vibe. - Neverwhere is like American Gods in that it assumes a secret reality that we co-exist with, but it's lighter than American Gods. - Stardust is just sort of a sweet fantasy with that Gaiman surrealism.

[@richardfarrer5616]

I second AnyMouse's comment. Strongly recommend Neverwhere, though I may be biased.

[@LifeCrier1]

The Graveyard book. It's like a Spooky version of Rudyard Kipling. Growing up in a cemetery and Life among the Dead. Some whimsy and mystery and Halloween is coming up.

[@NafNav32]

Stardust and The Graveyard Book--both very clever, funny, and sweet.

[@amandapike2477]

Try "Fortunately The milk..."

[@br1mst0ne54]

I bought it hours ago. I’m currently halfway through. I haven’t stopped, or slept, and I haven’t read the comic before. 11/10 would recommend.

[@JacquiPoetryDesigns]

So glad you talked about this audible book. I have been interested in this book for sometime. Sounds better than I thought.

[@GallowglassVT]

Honestly, Neil Gaiman is an actual legend. I really hope we get an adaptation of The Graveyard Book next, preferably stop motion (you listening, Laika?)

[@snorpenbass4196]

LGBTQ+ characters who survive their introductions? Hazel and Foxglove, who are also seen in Death: The High Cost Of Living (and survive that one too!). Sadly I can't think of any others.

[@amandapike2477]

Paul and Alex. Alexander Burgess wakes up during The Kindly Ones and he and Paul are reunited.

[@N7P2R2]

Thanks for this rec. I have been aware of this comic for sometime and have been meaning to look into it. BTW you make awesome content, thanks for all you do :)

[@radhiaAndromida]

I’ve been slowly listening to it this week I’m trying to savour the book cause it’s so gooooood. Glad you are feeling better please take care moving is beyond stressful

[@evo_is_confused]

Holy sh!t WHAT A CAST!!!

[@TheLuckySpades]

The "burry your Gays" does happen a tad later on, but there are okes who make it out alive and well, hell in the sequel/spinoff "Death, the high cost of living" has Foxglove (the gf one of the girls in the diner was talking to on the phone) and her partner plan to come out publically, knowing the possible backlash Also, while they still die, the one transgender character is very much treated with respect and magic itself portrayed as in the wrong, it even has a character vandalizing their grave after the parents use their deadname on it

[@TheLuckySpades]

If you need a source that the intent was to show that magic and the lunar god was wrong, Neil said as much in the corresponding part of the Sandman Companion book, O could dig theough mine if there is interest

[@MsLJK85]

I think a lot of the problems people had with Gaiman's portray of the trans character Wanda who died is when they show her spirit and she's a cis woman, with her friend commenting "there was nothing camp about her, nothing artificial" implying as a trans woman she was.

[@pallas9113]

@@MsLJK85 That's a very fair point. Although personally I didn't view it that way... It felt like that she looked exactly like how she wanted to be like, that - of course this is who she was. There's a reason why people take hormone therapy. Or like, wear makeup, have diets for "figure" instead of health, which goes for everyone. The "perfect" version that one wants to be like just doesn't usually line up with how one looks. As I'm in the "gender is a social construct which should be abolished" camp, I do have concerns regarding how much the societal gender-stereotyping plays into the extent some trans people are uncomfortable in their own skin. But as things are right now, "your soul shows the real you" is not too bad a message imo.

[@MsLJK85]

@@pallas9113 it was the words campy and artificial that were a bit more judgemental than they had to be.

[@pallas9113]

@@MsLJK85 Right - I'm not a native speaker and admittedly totally missed that (had to google what camp means in this context tbh). Yeah... that's not good.

[@gordondell8691]

I've been a HUGE fan of the comic since its original run. I am looking forward to this - especially with your glowing review!

[@buckinghamalice]

Your content is worth waiting for! And this video is wonderful... really made me want to check out this version of Sandman. Great work as usual, Dom ☺️

[@jacquelinej4819]

Horror is not my thing. But I really enjoyed the Graveyard book by Neil Gaiman on Audible.

[@troyimlach1453]

a Netflix adaptation yippy! Can't wait to see what they do with it. PS: "It hurts to smile..." It's state of the world thing. 30 was many, many moons ago for me. And the hurts to smile thing has only been this year.

[@katiemerriman3303]

I love every video you make! You're so thoughtful and articulate, everytime you upload it adds a little joy to my day! Thank you for your hard work! I hope all was well with moving house!

[@Lundarigirl]

Thank you so much for this video. Because of it I got this audiodrama and I have listened to it twice. I love it.

[@swannbenziane7880]

Later in the series there is a trans woman who lasts many chapters, she dies at the end of the story arc though, leading to one of the most beautiful and sad scenes in the series (at least for a trans person like me)

[@asmith8692]

I loved the acceptance that she got from the homeless woman. The family sucked, but she was at least accepted by her surviving friends and the homeless woman who had a trans girl in her own family.

[@swannbenziane7880]

@@asmith8692 yeah it was really heartwarming

[@duzellzanuff3771]

I've always thought that Death from the Sandman and the Disc World were the best version of well Death. Followed up by Death from Bill and Ted lol

[@rmsgrey]

One of Sir Terry Pratchett's anecdotes was about the time Hollywood wanted to make a movie out of Mort (a story about Death taking an apprentice) but thought it would be better to drop the Death character because American audiences weren't ready for the idea of Death as a sympathetic character. Within a year, Bogus Journey came out (a movie featuring Death as a sympathetic character)...

[@vikthya1711]

You might like the show Dead Like Me. Aired forever ago for just a couple of seasons and followed a bunch of grim reapers, where taking souls of the dying was just sort of their often-annoying job with no pay or benefits. (Honestly if they remade it today it would 100% be modeled after the gig economy.)

[@leighcollett66]

and whats your thoughts on Death in the tv series supernatural? him,the one from bill and tedd and the one in the hogfather are the only physical ones iv seen in popular (recent-ish) culture.

[@duzellzanuff3771]

@@leighcollett66 not much as I've not seen Supernatural lol. Just never got a chance to watch it from the beginning.

[@moirasoma2863]

@@leighcollett66 The original Death from Supernatural is my favorite Death ever. He is the reason I started watching the series.

[@DarlingMissDarling]

I am so glad to hear that you are doing well and I thank you for covering this one! I listen to an absolutely obscene amount of audiobooks, the majority being horror fiction and although I hadn't had the pleasure of catching up on this particular set of source comics/graphic novels, I absolutely ADORED this recording. It was so fabulously fleshed out! Sometimes I find full-on audio dramas a bit melodramatic, but Sandman was perfectly suited for the medium. It was just SO refreshingly well done! I cannot wait for the netflix adaptation!

[@aaronbourque5494]

The Sandman comics become less overtly horror and more general mystical/fantasy as the series progressed. It still would have elements of horror pop in here and there (Calliope, Thermidor, and The Kindly Ones for example), but it was more interested in dealing with the consequences of the actions of its unbelievably powerful and possibly immortal characters as the series went on, especially as it slowly revealed to the reader the full breadth of what the Endless have done, especially to each other, over the eons. And even Gaiman has admitted that 24 Hours, the story set in the diner, is the most twisted and disturbing single story in the series. While it gets extreme again afterwards, it never gets THAT extreme again. Sandman is one of the few comic books that inspired an entire imprint of its own. While originally just a DC Comics series, they soon realized there was room for a semi-indy creator-owned (mostly) horror imprint called Vertigo, where they eventually shuffled off their "For Mature Readers" books, like Hellblazer (where John Constantine lived for over 300 issues), Swamp Thing, and Sandman could exist without any real interference with their "main" universe, even though they were technically still a part of it. Aside from them, Lucifer and Preacher were also Vertigo books, although I don't think either of their adaptations are as good as this sounds like.

[@funnyminecraftcyclist5715]

This is really interesting. I don't usually consume horror (I'm a bit squeamish), and when I was reading Sandman (I read all the volumes my library had back to back) I didn't really realize I was reading horror, even with the diner scene. Also, and I don't mean to criticize, the Books of Magic were also published by Vertigo. I can't let my man Sir. Timothy be left out.

[@FirstnameLastname-he1ov]

Back when I was a younger teen I tried to read the Sandman comic, and while *I* absolutely loved it, my mom, when she found my volumes, was uh, not so big a fan lol. I haven't read them in years despite always wanting to finish, so maybe I'll have to take a look!

[@greenhowie]

There's a few sites around that have it for free, just be internet savvy and keep your antivirus up - comics are stupidly expensive.

[@rmsgrey]

@@greenhowie Some comics are worth it. My prestige 3-volume hardcover Sandman omnibus set me back over £200 (RRP £120 each), and my only related regret is that they're large and heavy enough to be unwieldy, making rereading a touch awkward.

[@greenhowie]

@@rmsgrey I appreciate that everyone has a different semblance of value and understand that a well-made physical copy is something that can be very desirable for a fan. However £200 would feed me for four months and currently not many people have that kind of disposable income, needs must during "uncertain times"

[@rmsgrey]

@@greenhowie That sounds about right for my food budget too. The purchase was not a spur of the moment decision, and represented a non-trivial amount of time spent saving. If it helps with the value calculation, in terms of the more standard trade paperback collected editions of the comic, the price works out around £15 per volume. Alternatively, that version has been circulating in the various public library systems I've been exposed to for at least the last decade, where reading them costs the grand total of £0.00p

[@greenhowie]

@@rmsgrey Fair enough, physical media always feels better. If my country wasn't going into Lockdown 2 I'd say that's a better option as well.

[@evo_is_confused]

Wait is this Dom not dying from anger and sadness over books that make him question his every moral value??? _Impossible_

[@brandywittbrod8483]

After your rundown of The Sandman I used your code to join audible and got the book. I'm halfway through and I LOVE IT. The cameos of DC characters is pretty cool how they weave those in. Thanks for reviewing this book!

[@opheliacparadox]

This is my first comment in this channel, and also the very first time I clicked the link in the description to get the recommended item du jour. Kudos on a great sales pitch!

[@Sicod79]

Lost in Adaptation: TV series, STAT

[@ezelfrancisco1349]

Can’t wait for him to do the Netflix adaptation Edit: HE’S DOING IT

[@NioFiota]

WHERE DID YOU GET THE NEWS HE'LL DO IT

[@sorayaalcyone2726]

This is my favorite series of anything ever. Thanks!!

[@erinsbooks]

So sorry that everything is so stressful for you right now. I feel that way, too. Hope your taking care of yourself as well. Good video.

[@l.tc.5032]

If you're going to be taking a break with Gaiman may I suggest Stardust?

[@mirjanbouma]

I really want a LiA video on that one!

[@Awakeandalive1]

Only the Vess-illustrated version!

[@marksotnikov5587]

Hey, I was wondering if you had ever read the new Percy Jackson books if you have what do you think of them. IDK use this question in a Q&A

[@anymouse8221]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/houyeHxrrtFqgNk

[@marksotnikov5587]

@@anymouse8221 I meant the trails of appolo or the heroes of olympus

[@marksotnikov5587]

@@tamagothchic Hey if they make the adaptations animated then they might adapt the later series too.

[@craftyklingon4697]

I was just looking for a new audiobook! Thanks

[@MJ-98]

Alright I'm back. Over a year later. Because I watched the Netflix adaptation. I know, I know. But I'm here now!

[@akashijamoka]

I'm so early, the sun isn't even up yet

[@KomodoMagic]

Go back to bed

[@euansmith3699]

Is it still... Twilight?

[@bjarne3521]

where do you live? its evening!

[@megantregler]

Whenever I've heard him narrating, Gaiman sounds like the British granddad I've always wanted reading me a story. Don't believe me? Hunt down Gaiman's reading of A Christmas Carol. Serious granddad vibes. It's more than a little unsettling to hear him talk about murder in the dark before immediately going into globby, sticky, splashy violence.

[@MorriganReads]

I’m listening to his Norse Mythology audiobook at the moment, and he has such a soothing voice. Reminds me of when my parents read to me as a small child.

[@TheDunnDusted]

Well, thanks to you I downloaded the app and this audiobook, and now I have to read the entire series. It is that good!

[@sonorasgirl]

I appreciate the well thought out content warnings - thank you. Fun as always! Take care of yourself:)

[@KainGerc]

Personally, I don't think that the stories in the book particularly favor, one way or another, bad stuff happening to gay or straight people. Most of them get pretty messed up (if not straight up killed) from dealing with supernatural beings.

[@nonspiderweb]

The Bury Your Gays thing has always rubbed me the wrong way. I'm not going to be an asshole and say it isn't a problem and as a straight man I admit I'm not an expert on the subject. But I feel it gets brought up EVERY time a LGBTQ character dies and I think in some extent that's unfair to the author and the characters. obviously homophobia or trans-phobia should be brought up and called out if the author is a proven bigot. but I feel in plenty of these cases the characters aren't dieing because of their sexuality. that is completely unrelated to their deaths. for example one of the first lgbtq characters to die in the comic dies in a horrific massacre. her sexuality had no impact on her fate. And I feel that reducing her death to a bad trope is a disservice to her and the other victims in the incident. It's saying how they died doesn't matter, nor does who they were when they were alive. It's saying the only thing that matters is she alone died. But that is just my feelings on the trope and again I admit I am not an expert. Just wanted to get my thoughts across.

[@FranNyan]

It's not that their sexuality affects the story in an in-universe way, it's just the problem when straight characters live, but all the LGBTQ characters don't. It's a leftover problem from ye olden days of media censorship (aka, Hays Code) where it was basically mandated. It's taken media a long while to realize that what once was a mandate had just become an internalized trend and start to reverse it. The reason it gets brought up every time a LGBTQ character is offed is because it is/was so pervasive that people want to make sure that it was just a roll of the RNG that chose that character to be killed, not an unconscious echoing of the Hays code. It's not a moral judgement, it's not condemnation, it's just "Hey, are you aware that...?"

[@nonspiderweb]

@@FranNyan OK I suppose that makes sense. It's just whenever I see it being brought up it's usually from the authors themselves issuing apologies and sometimes I feel the apology wasn't really needed but angry people made the author feel guilty.

[@amandapike2477]

@@FranNyan Two gay couples live. Alex and Paul. And Hazel and Donna. Most of the straight characters actually die...

[@FranNyan]

@@amandapike2477 Then it sounds like it doesn't really apply in this case. (my knowledge of the series is mostly 2nd hand as my friends are big into it but I never really got started on it m'self.) The general response to the trope being invoked as a whole still stands, however, since the trope itself was what nonspiderweb's comment was talking about. Thanks for the clarification, however!

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

I got a Masterclass advert with Neil Gaiman! Good synchronicity. Thank you for doing this. I'd like to point out there's an excellent adaptation of Gaiman's Neverwhere on Audible, too. James McAvoy again, but there's also the late Christopher Lee and some other lovely surprises.

[@Vampireprice]

What perfect timing! I started listening yesterday and was concerned about the level of accuracy. Thanks for the heads up!

[@BlueMerStudios]

I am so glad you reviewed this audiobook! "The Sandman" series was one of the first graphic novel series I got into when I was in highschool over 10 years ago. They had such a huge impact on me regarding the art, the writing, the narration, and the way you can tell a story through graphic novels. As someone who studied graphic novel writing and illustrating, it had one of the biggest influences on me. When the audiobook came out, I was hesitant that so many things could go wrong with adapting a graphic novel. I quickly realized that I underestimated Neil Gaiman's storytelling (not for the first time) when I was entirely blown away by the production. The cast, the music, the sound effects, THE NARRATION, everything was incredible! It's been many years since I read the graphic novels, but it was still very easy for me to recall the scenes in them. It was fascinating to experience in a different format and I'm waiting anxiously for the next one!

[@whymihere86]

I think some of my favorite additions are when Dream and Death are talking in Washington Square and she comments about the flowers, taking the bread and he says surprised, "You...threw the bread at me."

[@catqueenesme]

Loved the video! Glad you’re giving yourself a break when you need it ✨💖✨

[@chazk7530]

Completely agree. Anyone doubting how a graphic novel translates to audiobook, do not worry. Gaiman wrote thousands and thousands of words of extra material to replace the images and did so with just as much imagination as his prose always has. It is a stunning adaptation of an already stunning piece of imaginative fiction. Also I am definitely not receiving any money from Audible, Gaiman or our beloved Mr Noble for saying this, I am just a huge fan of this adaptation.

[@ashoat2388]

Hooray! Glad to hear you like it - I hadn’t decided to purchase it yet. I’ve had a wide range of experiences with audio dramas. And, sidebar, I have found that with the increase in... everything.... via screen, smiling has become more of an effort to seem positive.

[@johnbigboote8900]

While I do prefer longer videoes, this one has clearly found its natural length in terms of thoroughness vs. no spoilers, coupled with your signature blend of sincerity, enthusiasm (if not always for the subject, then at least for the process) and showmanship.

[@barbarabenoit3667]

Dear Dom, you are a beautiful and wonderful entertainer. I hope to keep watching you narrating, analysing, explaining and relate to literature and film for us for a long time. Thank you for doing this and taking care of your health!

[@michael.471]

I got it day one and listened to it in one sitting. I absolutely adore it. And my complete sandman is shipping tomorrow!! Can’t wait