‘The Dreaming #5’ (review)

Written by Simon Spurrier
Illustrated by Bilquis Evely,
Abigail Larson
Published by DC Comics

I give Simon Spurrier a lot of credit. A lot of these books in the Sandman Universe never even come close to matching the Gaiman run. Spurrier didn’t even try. Instead, he just went off in his own direction and created something amazing in its own right. That’s more than anyone ever thought was possible.

A lot of that had to do with the Dreaming’s newest sheriff in town named Judge Gallows. And he’s one scary villain.

At the beginning of the issue, the Dreaming seems to be in disarray. The Major Arcana are coming for the Judge.

The thing is, he isn’t scared. In fact, he seems the opposite of scared!

Spurrier writes all of the characters perfectly and gives us suspense right off the bat. “Let then come.” That’s all that Judge Gallows confidentially says.

And then the rest of the story just springboards right off of that!

The Dreaming itself seems to be falling apart from all sides. All of the characters start to see the effects. And that’s when Judge Gallows puts his plans into motion.

This leads into the surprising ending that seems to lead us into a new place.

Daniel, at the end, quits. He just turns his back from the Dreaming. What effects will this have? What is the ultimate plan of Judge Gallows? Where will all of the displaced denizens of the Dreaming go? And what is going to happen from this point on from here?

Spurrier writes an intriguing tale that isn’t bogged down by the past and is gets  us to a unique place. I’m enjoying that. The art by Bilquis Evely and Abigail Larson is just wonderful. They give this book a look all of it’s own. I didn’t think I was going to like this as much as I have. I am glad to see that I have been proven wrong.

RATING: A-