The Absolute Sandman, Vol. 3

These absolute edition hardcover books are great! This comic is fantastic. I love the built in ribbon bookmark its like a reference book in the library. I should have read this comic back in 1996 when my friend Ryan recommended it. Randy seal of approval!

The book was in brand new condition. This was a gift for a collector and they were very happy.

again a beautiful work of art for the best graphic mythology ever done

Item packaged well in original packaging. Beautiful volume!

I love this series and the absolute format really does it justice. If you're a fan its a worthwhile purchase. However, I received damaged copies twice from amazon....After the second time they would only refund me. You buy these absolute books as a collectors item and having them show up all busted up etc is a bit underwhelming. Vol 1 and 2 I got were slightly damaged but I lived with it but both copies of this one were just stuffed. I live in Australia so perhaps the international shipping is at fault but while the first copy was obviously damaged in transit the second had damaged beyond that. Shipping within the US might be less prone to damage but it pretty much comes down to the fact they chucked it in a much bigger box with no packing material for it to bounce around. In short buy this book but think twice about getting it here. I must say that they did send me the second copy very quickly and customer service responded pretty well. If it does turn up damaged you wont be out of pocket I guess - just without your book.

I have the Sandman trade paperbacks 1-6. I decided I was willing to take a gamble with the Absolute edition. It was a great choice. The Absolute edition surpassed my expectations. It is significantly larger than the trade paperbacks, which makes it instantly more fun to read, and the text being larger means it is easier on your eyes. The colors look a lot more vibrant. The paper is thick and feels good to touch. The price is the only undesirable portion of this book, but even with that being what it is, I think it is worth it.And, just to make an attempt to justify the price, consider this:A hardcover graphic novel that is the size of a Sandman trade paperback usually costs around $20. Absolute Sandman Volume 3 includes about 2.5 trade paperbacks (Brief Lives, Worlds End, and part of Fables & Reflections). 20 times 2.5 equals $50. And then you factor in the extras, the larger size, the higher quality coloring and paper, the impressive cover, and the slipcase...which more than justifies the other $14. So, is this really expensive? Yes. Is it unreasonably expensive? No. Is it worthy purchasing? ABSOLUTELY!

Neil Gaiman's Sandman is a comic book + Literary genius + Great artwork + Stories from all over the world + much more. The absolute edition has new stories that were never before published. It's a visual and mental treat. If you are ever wondering whether to buy the TPB's or the absolute edition, I would suggest the Absolute edition - as all the original 75 stories from Sandman are collected in dust cover 4 volumes vs 12 TPB's. So price-wise it doesn't make a big difference. I have read this 3 times in the last 10 years and every time there is something new that I find. Like for example the library in the dream king's castle has books that famous authors thought but never wrote like in the sidelines if you you look for it. This book vol.3 introduces the "Inn at the world's end" a place where the currency is stories. The current series by Vertigo called "The house of Mystery" expounds on this concept. All in all a must buy.

A well known masterpiece of the graphic novel genre, in a big size format. A must have for any Sandman fan

I have owned The Sandman in almost every iteration, from the original monthly comic books to softbound 'graphic novel' collected works. With Absolute Sandman, I will never need another copy as they are simply beautiful. Each large leather bound tome is encased in a matching sleeve with artwork by the legendary Dave McKean. His distinctive stylings are further reproduced on each cover, with attractive stamped detail and silver lettering. Whether you are an old fan or a newcomer, I can't recommend this set of books highly enough. They are still as fresh and immersive today as the first time I found them, and stand up well as the pinnacle of the author's storytelling powers. I'll forever be appreciative of Neil Gaiman's other work but for me The Sandman is a true legacy.Volume Three begins with a foreword from the artist who illustrated "Brief Lives", Jill Thompson. Brief Lives is a standout story for me because we get to follow Delirium of the Endless in her search for her brother, Destruction, and learn more about this elusive character. It is in this set of stories that the true nature of the Sandman finally begins to reveal itself, and seeds are sown for the tragedies to come. There are also many one-shot stories at the end of this volume that are highly enjoyable, such as Cluracan's Tale and World's End. For myself, the jewel in this particular book comes in the form of a story called Ramadan, which was written by Neil Gaiman for the landmark issue number 50. Illustrated by P. Craig Russell, Ramadan tells the tale of Haroun Al Raschid, King of Baghdad, whose only wish is to preserve the beauty of his city. Of all the Sandman stories, I find Ramadan to be one of the most affecting, a powerful piece of visual art.

These are expensive volumes but they are quality throughout. Love the sleeve as well though it does mean the shelves groan under the weight of all the five volumes. The third volume is a joy to read as are all the other volumes. A great selection of bonus material and perfect pages. This is the best way to read the stories, though I was in half minds to go with the omni (the absolutes are bigger though sometimes the art suffers from that). Omnis are also fine but I had gone for the Absolute and then didn't want to buy some in different formats

These DC Absolute Editions, with slipcases and everything and over-sized, are just amazing.

More about the delivery than the product as thats just amazing. The Delivery was equally as good swift un damaged. 100% happy accross the board.

Neil Gaiman protests against the hollow lives which modern day human beings live through, as well as simultaneously deconstructing the idea of anthropormophic representation as a meaningful method of explaining the universe. Genius.