Review - The Sandman, Vol.1: Preludes and Nocturnes

The Sandman, Vol. 1: Preludes and Nocturnes
by Neil Gaiman
Illustrated by Sam Kieth, Mike Dringenberg, Malcolm Jones III
240+ pages

Description via Goodreads

I walk by her side, and the darkness lifts from my soul. I walk with her, and I hear the gentle beating of mighty wings...(230)

The first of eight, The Sandman Volume One: Preludes and Nocturnes is an intriguing blend of dark, gruesome and playful elements. The illustrations alone are amazing and fitting of the mood of the story. In a nutshell, the reader follows the Sandman on his adventure from capture by occultists to regaining his reign over the realm of dreams and nightmares. The Sandman will encounter a number of zany and horrific characters along his journey.

My favorite part artistically and conceptually (overall really) is 'The Sound of Her Wings'. I love the idea that not only is the Sandman dark yet ambiguous in his intentions, but also that he is morose, brooding (goth, if you will) and searching for something more... And his sister is Death--I love that!

At times the situations presented in the volume seem a little out of focus...that is to say, the concept behind what's happening is good, but it's sort of all over the place. More specifically, I raised an eyebrow at '24 Hours' I really didn't care for Dr. John Dee's side story--seemed extra. However, there is no doubt direction can and will be found in the volumes that follow. I'd be lying if I said this is could be appealing to everyone--because it won't be. All I know is I can't wait to read the other volumes.

.

The Sandman, Vol. 1: Preludes and Nocturnes

Four Stars

Book Haul (+2)

Okay, calling this a 'haul' is a bit of an exaggeration...but I'd like to say, it started out as a haul--until I came to my senses and showed some restraint.

 The two books I got are (1) Things Fall Apart by and Chinua Achebe and (2) The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper. 

I've wanted to read the latter for a very long time and I finally got my hands on a copy...not exactly sure when they will be read, as I still haven't read half the books from my other book hauls. Oh well..

Poetry for thought - How to Look at Mexican Highways

How to Look at Mexican Highways
by Monica de la Torre

1. You are not going anywhere.
         1.1. No one is waiting for you.
         1.2. In case someone is waiting for you, you can always explain
                the delay later.
         1.3. Blame it on the traffic, no one else knows that you chose to walk.

2. Don’t look at the pavement, look at the things that you don’t see
    when you’re indoors.
         2.1. Water towers.
         2.2. Cables.
               2.2.1. Cables bringing other people’s voices and faces onto
                       TV monitors.
               2.2.2. Cables bringing electricity to light bulbs and
                       refrigerators.
         2.3. Laundry on clotheslines.
         2.4. Empty cans of food.
               2.4.1. With flowers growing out of them.
               2.4.2. With cactuses growing out of them.

3. Feel the waves surrounding you.
         3.1. Waves bringing other people’s voices to the speakers of your
                 sound system.
         3.2. Waves of street sounds.

4. Measure how fast you can run up and down staircases; compare that
to the speed of the cars driving by.

5. When you tire, stand in the middle of the overpass.
         5.1. Look down.
         5.2. Try to look ahead, attempt to delineate the city’s skyline.
               5.2.1. If there’s too much pollution, look down again.
               5.2.2. Hold on tighter to the rail.
               5.2.3. Stay there a bit longer; remember no one is waiting
                          for you.
               5.2.4. You’re not going anywhere.

6. Through the rails you will see stories unfolding on the street.
        6.1. Pay attention.
        6.2. You are not they.
        6.3. They are not they.
              6.3.1. They are one plus one plus one, indefinitely.

7. You’re surrounded by monads going somewhere.

8. There is a purpose to their movement.

9. Desire is a Federacy.

image: flickr-carlosfpardo

The Walking Dead - S3 Ep. 10

Episode 10 - Home

Begone Lori! 

I know why she's lingering in Rick's head/imagination, but that doesn't make it any less annoying. Rick needs to get it together--for the group!

Hold down the fort or abandon?

I don't see the point in staying in the prison where they can easily be found by the Governor. Rick and the group are outnumbered and outgunned...if they stay it's only a matter of time before they get wiped out. And yet there's always the risk of encountering a wave of walkers if they leave...I don't know. But I do think Glenn needs to chill out. He's been on edge because of his situation with Maggie, but I don't see the point in trying clear out the tombs again.

First move goes to the Governor

The Governor launches the first strike against Rick and the group in the prison. Fortunately, everyone has terrible, TERRIBLE aim, and there are only a few casualties. No one I liked died...but I get the feeling this is just one attack of many. Sending a van full of walkers into the prison's field was pretty smart. Now they no longer have a secure barrier against anything...this was easily the most interesting part of the episode (next to Daryl saving lives and slaying walkers on the bridge) Also, Daryl returns with Merle and basically saves Rick's life...I hate Merle but his persona adds something to the show. Not sure how his presence will tip the balance.

All in all...it wasn't a great episode. But as always I look forward to the next one.

My question: Will Michonne get to stay with the group now? or will Merle be allowed to stay? Both? 

I need more zombie melee!