Written by Simon Spurrier
Illustrated by Bilquis Evely
Published by DC Comics / Vertigo
This book is the best of all of the recent new Vertigo launches.
Simon Spurrier does a nice job writing this and he is able to keep the flavor of Neil Gaiman’s writing while giving us enough of his own style to make it feel fresh.
It’s a high wire act that he is doing ,but he is pulling it off.
Spurrier has introduced a new character who is absolutely terrifying.
His name is Judge Gallows. He was released from the Sandman’s (Morpheus) black chest after being there for over a century and he is a brutal entity.
He is always right, as well.
We see all of this in the opening few pages and it’s beautifully drawn by Bilquis Evely, who is just an incredible artist. Her images make Spurrier’s writing soar.
Judge Gallows then spends the next few pages implementing and talking about his plans. You see, the Dreaming is in a bit of chaos and it needs strong leadership. Gallows is looking like he’s going to be the guy who brings it all together.
That is, of course, until somebody tries to kill the guy. He survives of course, but then he tells Merv Pumpkinhead to bring him something called “The Black Chest.” It’s something that puts a stop to redundancy in the Dreaming. We find out quickly then how Gallows may have some truly dark ideas of how to run the Dreaming. It leads to a very dark and powerful ending.
Spurrier is being smart about the writing. He knows he can never do what Gaiman did so he’s setting up own story and running away with it. It’s really good. Combine that with the art and we have a very interesting book. It may even make its own mark if the quality keeps up.
And that would be something indeed.
RATING: B+
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