Neil Gaiman's The Sandman comic series is a monumental work, having garnered 26 Eisner Awards and frequently hailed as the “Shakespeare of comics." Fans have long clamored for an adaptation that could do it justice and, while the Netflix series has recently successfully brought the world of the Dreaming to the small screen, Audible took a different approach, transforming the iconic comic series into an immersive, full-cast audio drama over the course of a couple of years. As a long-time fan, I was intrigued to see how a graphic novel would translate to an audio-only format. Having now listened to all the available installments, I can confidently say that this adaptation is a magnificent achievement that captures the essence of Gaiman's epic tale.
Gaiman himself is the narrator and, along with an all-star cast, the production elevates the text with lush soundscapes, cinematic music, and a meticulously crafted sound design. The dialogue remains almost verbatim from the comics, with a few descriptive additions to help listeners navigate the visual-heavy world of the Dreaming. This faithful approach, combined with the late 1980s setting, gives the adaptation a timeless quality that feels both classic and groundbreaking.
The first Act of the audiobook adapts the initial three volumes of the graphic novels: Preludes & Nocturnes, The Doll's House and Dream Country. It introduces us to Dream of the Endless, also known as Morpheus, who is captured and imprisoned for decades by a cult on Earth. After his escape, he embarks on a quest to reclaim his lost tools of power and restore his kingdom, the Dreaming. This first act establishes the world and lore with a wonderful mix of foreshadowing and compelling storytelling. The voice performances are largely excellent. James McAvoy is a standout as the brooding and enigmatic Morpheus, while Michael Sheen's Lucifer and Taron Egerton's John Constantine are pitch-perfect. However, a word of caution: the audio version of the ‘24 Hours’ storyline is particularly intense and more disturbing than the TV series, staying true to the often graphic nature of the original comic.
The second Act weaves together pivotal arcs including Season of Mists, A Game of You and Distant Mirrors. Morpheus's search for a new ruler of Hell after Lucifer abdicates their responsibilities and Barbie's heroic quest to save the Dreaming are highlights, brought to life by a host of new and returning talent. The episode Thermidor, which adapts issue 29, is a rare instance where the audio version might even surpass the comic. This is down to the performance of Orpheus by Regé-Jean Page, which, when combined with director Dirk Maggs' vision and James Hannigan's score, makes his song a truly must-experience moment. The rest of the new cast is equally impressive, with John Lithgow and Brian Cox as Emperor Norton and Augustus, and Bill Nighy and David Tennant as Odin and Loki, delivering dynamic and entertaining performances. Kristen Schaal is also a fantastic fit for Delirium, capturing the character's erratic charm perfectly. When I heard she was cast I knew she would blow it out of the water as her vocal work in Bob's Burgers and, my favourite, Gravity Falls has been outstanding. But while the casting has been largely brilliant, one performance stands out as a personal disappointment and that is Kat Dennings' Death. Although Dennings is a good actress, her portrayal feels flat and devoid of the warmth and compassion that Kirby Howell-Baptiste brought to the role in the television series (and it's not just because I've had a crush of her ever since I saw her wearing a cheese hat in The Good Place). In the audio version, Death often sounds bored or annoyed. Iconic and heartbreaking scenes, like the death of an old violinist or a baby with Sudden Death Syndrome, lack the emotional weight they carry in the comics and TV show. In these moments, her performance falls short, leaving a noticeable void where empathy should be. Maybe that's me but that was how I felt when I first heard the audiobook and after I have seen the TV adaptation.
The Good Place is amazing and was the first time I came across Kirby Howell-Baptiste.
The third and final installment (so far) covers the graphic novels Brief Lives and The World's End. It begins with the masterful prelude, The Song of Orpheus, which serves as a powerful setup for this Act's themes of love, loss, and consequence. This season delves into the tragic relationship between Morpheus and his son, Orpheus, as Dream embarks on a journey of redemption. It's a compelling and fitting prelude which foreshadows the finale. This season ends with Morpheus accepting his coming fate at the hands of the Kindly Ones after spilling family blood for the greater good. It is a powerful and tragic tale of toxic family structures and how they affect life going forward but also, in the case of Morpheus, it is possible to break the cycle of abuse- but it often comes at a great personal cost.
Overall, the Audible adaptation of The Sandman is a remarkable achievement as it honors the source material with its faithful dialogue and rich production, offering a compelling experience for both long-time fans and newcomers who are prepared for the darker elements. The overall production quality and the strength of most of the performances make this an essential listen for anyone captivated by Gaiman's extraordinary universe. Despite a few minor quibbles, the casting is spot on, and the series offers a phenomenal new way to experience this classic saga. We can only hope that we get the final act that this incredible series deserves, as The Sandman truly deserves the sleep of the just.
However, with the allegations against Neil Gaiman ongoing, I think it unlikely that we will get the closure we would like as he is the narrator of the audiobook and that is problematic to say the least.
Oh well- that is right and just do we'll have to wait and see but, in the meantime, we have the excellent TV series, phenomenal comics and most of the excellent audio books versions to appreciate.