The Sandman Vol. 2: The Doll's House

What I particularly enjoy about Neil Gaiman is his ability to build a story from the foundation going forward. So many times, we have authors or illustrators that take the campy way out by using flashbacks, amateurish jumps, or just plain forgetfulness as they attempt to keep the reader's attention by quickly arriving to the climax or resolution (or better yet the gasp of a twist ending). Gaiman does no such thing with his "Sandman" stories. While this second collection of his graphic novels doesn't quite match to the standard of "Preludes & Nocturnes", it is because it is a building block for future stories. What I especially love about Gaiman's writing and choice of stories is that he is not afraid to take us away from our comfortable characters and begin planting the seed for more interesting events going forward. It is like the television series "Lost", events happen for a reason, and Gaiman is very willing to dedicate just as much time to those smaller stories as he does our overall story because he knows the value of amazing (and concise) storytelling. I love this series, but this collection "A Doll's House" is a sampling of smaller stories that will obviously be used as bigger events in the future.

Those that drooled over the first collection (as I surely did), may be in for a bit of a shock with this one because he isn't using pop culture techniques as he did with the opening, he is instead building his characters. Gaiman pulls you into this chapter with an opening that transcends time. He uses simple natives to tell an ageless story that builds the foundation for this story. He frames it well, and then pushes us deep into the constantly changing world of Rose Walker. We follow Rose through a majority of this story as she is re-introduced to her life. She has powers she is unaware of, and guardians that her in place to protect her. Gaiman is not afraid to get dirty and gritty with this story. He takes us to a "Cereal" convention, where all darkness confines itself to one hotel. He demonstrates the emotional level of his title character by giving him a lifelong friend Hob Gadling. He even gives us some sibling rivalry with a shocking ending that begins to set the stage for future family squabbles.

This is second collection is meaty, because if you are not reading it as future possibilities, then you may see this collection as nothing more than jumpy tangents. When I first read it, I was utterly disappointed because I had trouble following the path Gaiman was building. I walked into this one expecting the same from the first collection, but it was completely different. Again, at first I was not as rejoiced, but as I read it a second time, it clicked in my mind. I saw the full circle that Gaiman was headed; I saw his clues set early in the book, and I was able to see the path much clearer. This collection will push those that really want to be engulfed with the Sandman world deeper into the rabbit hole, or it will push those casual readers further away. I had to read this twice to see the brilliance behind Gaiman's words and world, but it was well worth it. I cannot wait to see where we are guided next.

Overall, I am giving this book one star less not because the quality was anything less, but merely because Gaiman did change direction on us rather quickly, but by my second reading it worked. I loved the ties into the first book and the hints of future conflicts. A question I have running through my mind is, "Is this book better or worse than the first collection?" After much thought, I have come to the conclusion that neither are better or worse, but both stand on their own. Gaiman doesn't pull as much from the DC world (like hints of the JLA or John Constantine), but I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much if it were just a rehash of the first book. I liked this book because it challenges you more than the first. The artwork is brilliant, the stories are far superior than anything I have read before, and it is one of those graphic novels that pulls both your emotions, or eyes, as well as your mind, and that is a difficult combination to find out there. I highly suggest this book to those that are eager to see where "the Sandman" is headed next, but beware, this is a foundation book, and what it builds for next will leave you chomping at the bits!

Grade: **** out of *****

Following a decent beginning Neil Gaiman truly shines in this second volume of his acclaimed series, The Sandman. Taking the second incarnation of the Sandman (who he completely reformed for the series), Gaiman spins a story seamlessly around his first volume and introduces elements that will affect the title the remainder of it's 75 issues. Even bringing in William Shakespeare in one issue, Gaiman uses elements of fact and fairy tale along with some of our worst fears to write an extraordinary story.

Sandman even after being written 10+ years ago is still as clever and dark as it was then. Showcasing Neil Gaiman's fantastic writing and complex plot threads, scary and wonderous at the same time Vol. 2 is the first time we actually start to see what Gaiman is truly capable of. I highly recommend to anyone who loves horror and fantasy.

In the second volume of the Sandman saga, Gaiman's work earns his first A+. Rich in plot, unexpected humor, and storylines that stretch back to Preludes & Nocturnes...The Doll's House demands immediate re-reading. Nothing is exactly what you expect, and you will experience horror, disgust, enlightenment, and even genuine laughs. On top of all that, more threads for future chapters are spun. This is a great read, and a must for Sandman fans.

The Sandman series altered my consciousness and perception of reality. This is book two, I read the first three books the night I got them. I only stopped because it was morning and time to get up.
The books can be read individually, but they are better viewed as chapters of a whole. I just gave the set to a friend of mine and he finished them in under a week - and he's a full-time student working full time.
Neil Gaiman has the amazing ability to create characters that are so real they become a part of you. His story lines flow and intertwine so naturally that you don't realize it's happening.
This book, specifically, introduces us to some of the people that will be revisited throughout the series. Of particular note is the serial killer convention. Mr. Gaiman definitely has an odd sense of humor - so do I.
Buy it, Read it, and then read it again.