As I’m sure is true for almost any comic book fan of any
longevity, I responded to news of a new Sandman series, with unfettered
delight. No “Before Watchmen” this, no ghoulish exhumation of a completed story
best left to rest (although that turned out better than anyone could have hoped
for, I think). Nor did we need to expect comparisons to an aging rocker, hoarsely
belting out classic hits to middle aged moms and dads reliving their youths.
For this Sandman series would be penned by its original creator, Neil Gaiman,
who by all appearances is at the height of his powers, having continued to
produce quality work consistently since the tale of Dream of the Endless first
ensured Gaiman's place among the Pantheon of Comic Book Gods such as Moore and Miller twenty-five years ago. We have
every reason to expect that this new Sandman series will be everything we could
have hoped for.
Having just read issue number one of The Sandman: Overture,
I feel confident in saying no one will be disappointed. The story picks up just
where the original series left off… and just where it began, in true Endless
fashion. All our favorites seem to be in play, including Death, the Corinthian,
and of course, Morpheus himself.
No spoilers here, I’ll only say the story opens with a
reminder that there are truly infinite worlds and infinite stories to tell, and
the first chapter closes by reinforcing that fact in what may be described as a
fairly staggering way. Although I didn't do this myself, too eager to get to
the new story, I suspect an evening or two dedicated to re-reading the original
series in its entirety before digging into this fresh tale will be quite
rewarding. In any event, if you are a fan of comic books, Gaiman, or
literature, there’s no question this series is not to be missed.
While picking up Sandman, I also stumbled upon the latest
offering by Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn, entitled simply, as is the Luna
wont, “Alex + Ada.” Luna, of Luna
Brothers fame, has been co-creator of such unforgettable works as Girls and The
Sword, and his artistic style has a kind of haunting realism that is perfect
for the type of stories he chooses to tell. “Alex + Ada” is no exception in
this regard. The premise is hardly original; it’s probably one of the most
classic science fiction tales: In a world where technology has advanced to the
level where Artificial Intelligence and robotics are the order of the day, a
lonely soul is presented with a robot clearly designed for companionship
purposes and all that implies.
Although the scenario is familiar, there is something about
Luna and Vaughn’s approach to the story that makes it feel entirely new. There’s
that artwork of course, and hauntingly lifelike is naturally perfect for a
story about android love. There’s the fact that Alex, although pining away
for his lost girlfriend Claire and seemingly despondent, is an unwilling
participant in the experiment, his robot having been a gift from a wealthy and
well-meaning grandmother. There’s also a foreboding sense of doom foreshadowed
by a news report of Artificial Intelligence run amok with disastrous consequences
a year before. Little is revealed in the first issue, but it’s more than enough
to have you wanting to learn more about Alex, his strong connections to the
technology that no longer seems that far beyond our own, and what his relationship
with his new potential robot paramour will be.
In my estimation, if you’re looking to get into comics, back
into comics, or just add two new quality books to your lineup, these two are a
great place to start.
