Sandman: Overture #1

Writer Neil Gaiman Artist J.H. Williams

 

Introduction

 

What is the biggest thing that could possibly happen in the comic book industry? A sequel to Sandman, one of the most acclaimed titles of all time. Unfortunately that is not happening, so readers are primed to get the next best thing, a short prequel to the seminal series. Neil Gaiman is arguably one of the biggest, and most celebrated writers in the industry, thanks to his bustling online presence and large body of work. J.H. Williams may not be the most high profile artist in the history of the medium at large, but he is by far one of the best. The artist has been delivering some absolutely beautiful pencils on series like Batwoman over the last couple of years. Together this team has the talent to foster one of the best comic books mini-series over the last couple of decades.

 

Writing

 

Sandman Overture #1 barely even qualifies as a story. Instead, this serves as a wide open dreamscape filled with beautiful ideas and artwork that will leave readers dumbfounded. For many, in order to properly enjoy this series an incredibly open mind will be necessary. While the book has many of the same elements of Sandman, a different tone strikes simply because the art being is so much different than before. The signature qualities that the comic will always retain such as ethereal backgrounds, and morose foregrounds still bubble throughout the tale. Reading this mini-series before the main title, may not be the way to experience the entirety of the comic. Divulging the magnum opus that is the main work, then coming back to the Overture for some insight into the character and supporting cast will be the ideal manner for readers to experience the book.

 

Artist

 

J.H. Williams is one of the best talents in the industry. The artist has an incredible knack for melding different kinds of styles into one cohesive vision. With all of the different pieces meshed together, readers will be treated an ethereal visual feast that will destroy all expectations. With some extra time allotted to him, Williams more than proves why he is one of the best to ever grace the printed page. This book is shipping every other month, because when the full series is collected, it is going to stand the test of time. This comic book could be immortalized in an incredible manner, the same way Sandman is decades after it was originally published. Pages where the artist gears up to switch styles are particularly beautiful, because of the fact that he makes a completely organic switch. Batwoman showed off some story reasoning for coming from one to style to the next, this story takes the same liberties and gives readers the next evolution of the artist’s work.

 

Conclusion

Sandman: Overture will not disappoint those who are seeking a return to the universe that Gaiman has created so many moons ago. The art of J.H. Williams takes center stage in this first issue, functioning as comic book visual assault to the senses. This adds greater value, as re-reads to the chapters will be required.