Sandman: Overture is the story of the journey that was alluded to in the pages of Sandman #1 back in 1988 (or, for those reading the collected volumes, Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes), before Dream was captured by an evil magician. Simple enough, really. However, If Sandman: Overture #1 has a flaw (may as well get it out of the way now before the praise begins), it’s simply that despite this taking place before that “first” Sandman adventure, Overture may come off as impenetrable for someone completely new to the Sandman mythology. But for fans? Well…you’re in luck. Sandman: Overture #1 really does feel like you’re seeing old friends who you’ve only vaguely kept up with for the first time in years. There’s not enough to be said for JH Williams’ art on Sandman: Overture #1. Devotees of Mr. Williams have come to expect the swirling, innovative layouts, psychedelic colors, handsome character designs…none of this is a surprise. But seeing him work within the world of The Endless is a treat. From the “pages within pages” motif deployed at several points to the full-color all the way to the edge of the page and beyond dream and spacescapes, this could be the finest hour of one of comics’ finest visual storytellers. At a mere 20 pages (ah, but what beautiful pages!), one can’t help but feel that Sandman: Overture might have been better served released as one volume rather than in bi-monthly installments. But the novelty of seeing Neil Gaiman play in his most famous and beloved sandbox again is just too delicious to complain about. Mr. Gaiman defined this world, and he knows these voices well. It’s strangely comforting to “hear” them again. Welcome back.
