As in much of literature, the character of Lucifer is among the most interesting and Gaiman takes this in some unique directions. Many of the other beings tend to be snarky, coarse, crude or silly. The most interesting character in all this is Dream, not in the sense of a character you like but one who is complex–intelligent, cruel and tender by turn, and capable of surprising both his rivals and the reader. (I won’t spoil this for those not in the know.) The remainder of this volume deals with the consequences of turning loose the inhabitants of Hell on the earth, rival gods and other supernatural beings only too glad to liberate Dream of the Key to Hell, the final resolution, and what happens to Nada.

The surprise revenge is that Lucifer empties Hell, permits Dream to cut off his wings, and gives him the Key to Hell. And Dream concludes that he is in the wrong and prepares to attempt to liberate her, risking going up against Lucifer, who is seeking revenge for a previous raid on Hell. The story in brief is that the family of Dream, or Lord Morpheus, convenes a council at which Dream is called out for sentencing his lover, Nada to Hell. I think I’m going to stick to print, perhaps for the reason that the story I imagine in my head is always more interesting than the one someone can draw. But don’t look for a number of reviews of graphic novels. I have to say after reading this that I’m not sold, but at least I’ve had a taste, and I might be willing to have another taste. I’d read American Gods earlier this year and liked it so he thought this would be good for me to try.

My son thought this among the best of graphic novels. “Why do you read all those comic books?” “They are not comics, dad, they are graphic novels, and maybe you should try one before knocking them.” “OK, so where should I start?” It was a dialogue more or less like this that led to reading Seasons of Mist, Volume 4 of the Sandman series by Neil Gaiman.

The sandman vol 4 season of mists