Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes was not as spectacular as I had hoped, but with all the positive feedback from those who have read further through the series than the first one, I have requested the second volume from the library. It will be a little wait though before I get a turn sometime at the end of October probably.
In the meantime, the nice coworker who lent me Sandman included Death: The High Cost of Living along with it. Now, since in Sandman my favorite story was the final one that had Death, Sandman’s sister in it, I had high hopes for the graphic novel that was all her own. And I wasn’t disappointed. I loved it!
The story takes place in a 24-hour time frame. It begins with a teenage boy with the unfortunate name of Sexton, writing a suicide note. His mother comes home in the midst of his note and kicks him out of the house because she feels like a having a manic day-long housecleaning binge. What better place to go when having an existential crisis than a garbage dump? Standing atop a hill of trash, it gives way and Sexton finds himself buried in the garbage and pinned down by a refrigerator. He calls out for help and is rescued by Death. Or rather, he is rescued by Didi, Death incarnate.
Every 100 years Death must spend 24-hours in human form so she knows what life feels like and can have a glimmer of understanding and compassion. Of course Didi doesn’t tell Sexton who she really is, she has no powers or anything anyway, she is completely human. And since she only gets 24-hours she wants to make the most of it. Perpetually chirpy, everyone she meets gives her what she asks for, a hot dog with all the fixings, passes to a live musical performance, a free cab ride. Sexton tags along the whole time and can’t believe what’s happening.
Into all of this comes a guy under orders to capture Death and take her ankh necklace away. The man who wants it thinks it holds all of Death’s powers and it will make him immortal. Death, who by now is wearing a big yellow smiley face pin on he black rocker chick jacket, falls for the trap.
I won’t say anything else about the story, you’ll have to read it yourself. But when I was done with it, I liked the character of Death even more than I did when I started. The story was good, the characters varied and interesting, and the art was good too. And maybe most interestingly, it puts the concept of death in a different light and provides some food for thought.
Chalk up another one for the RIP Challenge. I have one more Neil Gaiman book to tell you about, probably tomorrow.
I really have to get some Sandman! I checked my library and no sign of vol 1, so I might have to try requesting it. I think i will add this one to the request. Thanks for the review, Stefanie!
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What an odd and quirky story. Sounds entertaining at the least. The title also grabbed my attention because I often refer to death as a consequence of living: it’s just part of the bargain and we all have to accept it.
Thanks again for the review. I haven’t been reading much since we killed my computer and the schools believe computers should be too secure to function for any valuable purpose.
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You make the story sound so intriguing I really must track it down.
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Sounds fun!
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Susan, I hope you can get ahold of Sandman and this one too!
Bikkuri, hi! I’ve missed seeing you around! Odd and quirky is exactly right and definitely entertaining.
Grad, yes, somehow I think you would like this one.
Carrie, oh yes, who knew Death cold be so cheery?
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I think perhaps I should read some graphic novels. I haven’t read nearly enough (I’ve read Maus and Maus II and that’s it — not a bad start, but still!).
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Hmmm, perhaps I should look out for these graphic novels and try to tempt my son with them? It’ s worth a try. This sounds suitably quirky and unusual for his tastes.
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Huh. I only read “The High Cost of Living” after I’d finished the whole series and while the duo is great (I’m blanking on the name of its sequel…), it really bases itself on the whole Sandman series. I’d really recommend not reading the sequel until after finishing all the books and to those who haven’t started the series yet, not to pick up the extras until reading the whole series through. There’s nothing blatantly spoiled but it does reveal a few plot points, references recurring characters and takes a way a bit from the overall fun of seeing how everything fits together… I suppose this is a bit late coming but I do feel it’s best to read the Sandman straight through…
That ramble aside, Death’s moments are always so cheerfully fun. And yes, this book is quite interesting. I’m looking forward to seeing how you find the rest of the Sandman.
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I don’t think I’d ever read a review of this one so I had no idea. Sounds wonderful!
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I really enjoyed this graphic novel. It has been a looong time since I’ve read it, but a collectible version of both graphic novels is coming out soon and I’ve already ordered a copy, so I certainly see myself re-reading it at that time.
And definitely DO NOT read the sequel to this until after you’ve finished the entire Sandman series. You will find it partly confusing and spoiler-ish if you do so.
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Okay, you convinced me…
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Dorothy, I’ve not read the Maus books but keep meaning to one of these days. If you liked them though I think you will enjoy trying others. It amazes me how creative they can be.
Litlove, your son might enjoy graphic novels. It’s worth a try!
Bibliobio, the person who lent me Sandman gave me this one at the same time so I just read it. Thanks for the info about the other ones.
Iliana, oh, it was lots of fun.
Carl, thanks for the warning, noted and heeded 🙂 I will not read anymore Death novels until I am done with Sandman.
Emily, ah yes, you will like these I think, but apparently it’s best to read all of Sandman first which isn’t a bad thing.
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