Sandman, The: The Dream Hunters

Even in “acceptable” condition, this book is a beautiful shelf piece for my collection. And the illustrations by Amano are amazing!

I found this book while searching for Yoshitaka Amano's illustrations. One of the most notable of living Japanese illustrators, he is still much under-represented in American publications. This is truly a shame, for many are completely unaware of the flowing grace and color of his images. He has a great breadth of style, subject and media, including theater design and stained glass work among his many credits. He is equally at home doing echoes of old Japanese and Chinese prints as he is with bright colors and Impressionism. This is part of what makes 'The Dream Hunters' a treasure.Neil Gaiman, of course, is much better known here, and in Europe. His 'Sandman' series, of which this technically a part, has achieved a certain legendary status among graphic novels, and such novels as 'Nevermore' and 'American Gods' have proven that he was a writer worthy of respect. The story here is a derivative of a little-known Japanese legend called "The Fox, The Monk, and the Mikado of All Night's Dreaming." This Gaiman retells, placing his own creation, Morpheus, as The King of Dreams.The tale is about a young Monk living in an isolated temple, who makes a great impression on a fox who lives nearby. She gradually comes to love the monk, but always maintains her distance. One night, she overhears a group of creatures discussing the plans of their master to kill the monk in his dreams. Determined that the monk should live, she sets out to save him. The ensuing story is both touching and unique. And Amano's illustrations rest gemlike within it.The volume is sumptuously printed, and really deserves a slipcase. Suffice it to say, it will occupy a treasured place on my shelves. Both a love story and a teaching fable, it stays in the mind for some time. In the end, you will agree with the King of All Night's Dreaming: "Lessons were learned. Events occurred as it was proper for them to do. I do not perceive that my attention was wasted."

I really can't say enough good words about this book. It's written extremely well, and sticks very true to the Japanese style setting. Just so everyone knows...it's not exactly a comic book, but it is illustrated wonderfully. Amano has been my favorite artist since Final Fantasy 3.The art in this book ranges from abstract expressionism to beautiful pictures of the main characters. This just proves Amano is a master of all styles... This book is a MUST have for anyone with taste. (= ]

After being disappointed by STARDUST (Gaiman's story, not Vess' beautiful illustrations), I hesitantly bought this new illustrated book. When I first received it, I quickly flipped through Amano's illustrations, and my trepidation increased since on their own, the pictures were somewhat abstract. However, once I started the book, all my fears vanished. Gaiman has outdone himself with his lyrical retelling of the Japanese folk tale of the fox and the monk. The story retains the serene bittersweetness that often characterizes Asian stories, and Amano's mysterious illustrations lend a depth and elegance that is simply breathtaking. THE DREAM HUNTERS, though a rather short piece, is an outstanding addition to the Sandman oeuvre that is not to be missed.

If you loved the way Gaiman told "Tales in the Sand," "The Hunters," and "Ramadan," this book is a must for Sandman collectors. Gaiman and Amano, an absolutely stellar partnership, each lend an astonishingly poignant perspective to this Japanese folktale. Rich with subtlety and evocativeness, with laudably appropriate references to the Sandman series. The artwork shows an exotically elegant side to Dream. Please read this and begin to see what is exquisite, in beauty and in pain, about utter devotion and unconditional love.

Personally, I was dissapointed that this book was not told in traditional comic fashion (a technique he has not utilized since the Sandman series itself ended several years ago). However, DREAM HUNTERS is an excellent addition to the Sandman mythology; though it is not quite substantial enough to constitute an "Eleveth Volume" of the story (it is more approximate to one comic-sized issue). This is a moving story, which works on several levels; it is complex, with many details all the more exciting when caught, yet is simple, as a folk tale should be. This story reminds of previous Sandman tales, especially "Dream Of A Thousand Cats," "Ramadan," and "The Kindly Ones," sharing several dramatic parallels with each. After reading this story, I found myself immediately turning back the book to page one to begin again. Vintage Gaiman, DREAM HUNTERS should not be missed.