The Absolute Sandman 4

When it arrived, it was missing the silver on the DC logo. So I sent it back, and they were quick to send a replacement. However the replacement I got has the same misprint as the first one. And now I don't see an option to get another replacement. Look over your copy carefully.

Despite Second Tier Art, Gaiman DeliversA review of Ultimate Sandman Volume FourBy Michael DeMerittThis is the penultimate of graphic art story telling, otherwise know as comic books. Neil Gaiman's Sandman stories are by the far the greatest fantastical setting tied to a modern world with real problems written in comic book form. Volumes 1, 2 and 3 are superior to volume 4 only because the art is significantly better. The last issues of Sandman decided to take an ugly, if not boring, turn artistically. The result separates the reader from the characters they have come to love and fear. It is unfortunate the overly cartoon style was incorporated in the final story run of an otherwise fantastic series, but the story to be told is just as powerful as those that came before it. So well written, in fact, you simply look at the so-so art for reference and allow yourself to get lost in the story. Despite the distracting drawings. Ironically, the latter effort becomes more short story than any of the prior works because the art has so little impact on the tale. Unlike most of the earlier Sandman efforts, it can simply be read aloud, with little descriptive moments, and have pretty much the same impact as if you never looked at the pages at all. A great read.

If you are going to purchase an Absolute series, these are the ones to get. All of these books are just incredible. They tell an amazing story, and contain some of the best comic art I've ever seen, which only looks more grandiose in this oversized edition. Each book has a table of contents, sewn binding, thick paper, vibrant ink, and some great extras.As for volume four, this is the ending of the series. Though there is a volume five, it only contains short stories or one-shots that don't directly pertain to the main story thread. As for the ending, Gaiman wraps everything up. All of the side stories and the main story arc come crashing together in such a way that will leave you wanting more, but excepting that there won't be.Though the omnibus is out, and is nice, I highly recommend you overlooking it and grabbing the Absolute set instead. This artwork should be seen in this format, and it is such a incredible product, you have no excuse for settling for anything less. Buy this!

Final Absolute of the main saga. What an amazing story and an amazing format. I personally love the new inking compared to the TPB color work. So much clearer. As you probably know by know, the slip cases are eye popping and the books are elegant, beautiful, and massive: this is the definitive format in my opinion. I definitely plan on getting the Preacher Absolutes next now that I know the quality level. After that, I'll slowly add the other 3 Absolutes related to Sandman: Volume 5, Sandman Overture, and Death.

2nd absolute from Amazon and another winner! No flaws at all. Incredible ending for this main story. Came ahead of schedule again.

Not quite as impressive as the previous three albums, both in story and graphics, except for some sections. Still a worthy conclusion to the saga

I got all of the Absolutes before having even read this story as I expected I would love it from what I'd heard. Fortunately, my investment was well worth it as not only did I love the Journey that dream goes on, but I also love how beautiful these books are.

i own the collection and find myself leafing through my favorite parts of each volume many a rainy day--or any other day i need an excuse to stay inside. in testimony to the pure beauty and poetry of the art and prose i will state quite honestly that, after the dog and cat, my beloved sandman collection--all 30+ lbs of it--is number 3 on my 'get it out of the burning house' list.

Ah, here, this set of books is amazing. There is a reason that they feature in the top tens of most graphic novel 'best of' lists. I have read them all before, but I now have the first four of the Absolute volumes. They are so worth it.I have had the first three for over a year now, and I have reread all of them many many times. Almost every time I find something new, some element of mythology that was not apparent on the other reads. I have no hesitation in recommending these. The only reason I have not yet purchased the fifth in the series is because I am so tight that diamonds would ensue if I sat on a bag of coal. I am going to. Just not yet.

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

Probably my favourite book in the collection of all 5 volumes. Although I do love the entire series, the art and storytelling in this tome resonated with me the most. The book is of nice quality, looks amazing on the shelf, and is a joy to read. I imagine I'll pull these heavy books out every few years and return to them. Highly recommended!

Eigentlich ist die Sache ein No Brainer. Wer die ersten 3 Bände noch nicht hat, sollte auf keinen Fall dieses Buch als erstes kaufen. Teure Geldverschwendung. Umgekehrt gilt, wer die ersten 3 Bände hat (und sie gut fand) braucht hier nicht zu zögern. Wer das Geld dafür hat und es ausgeben will, ein bibliophiles Prachtstück mit Schuber, hochwertigem Papier, Klasse Farben und gutem Druck. Vorwort und diverse Goodies gibt es auch noch.

Nice HC oversized collection