13 Jan / The Sandman by Neil Gaiman [in Booklist]
SIXTY-EIGHT narrators get credited with creating the aural spectacle of Neil Gaiman’s legendary graphic epic. Debuting officially in 1989, the original comic series concluded in 1996, although reprints, compilations, adaptations, and spin-offs have as never ceased. Among the vast cast – quite possibly the largest ensemble in audiobook history! – creator Gaiman and James McAvoy are (thankfully!) consistent throughout as narrative guide and the eponymous Sandman (aka Death, Morpheus, Lord of Dreams, etc.), respectively. The supporting dozens happen to be some of the biggest names in performance history, including Bebe Neuwirth, Anton Lesser, Samantha Morton, and Michael Sheen.
Newbies to the series might require a few episodes to settle into the unrelenting adventures; groupies, however, will swoon over the no-holds-barred full production, complete with original soundtrack and sound effects, as immortal Morpheus sleeps, suffers, escapes, avenges, and manipulates his way through the centuries.
With such enhancements, the violence becomes especially, indelibly explicit – this is absolutely not for younger or more sensitive listeners. The 20 episodes here are just a start, an initial installment in an as-yet-unannounced number of future audio adaptations.
Review: “Media,” Booklist Online, January 8, 2021
Readers: Adult
Published: 2020