Neil Gaiman has spent 30 years closing the doors to any attempt to adapt “The Sandman,” his cult comic series starring Morpheus, the cosmic entity responsible for dreams. Eventually he ended up trusting Netflix, Allan Heinberg (showrunner) and David S. Goyer (screenwriter) to turn his work into a series led by Tom Sturridge as Sueño. Gaiman not only gave his approval, but was involved in the creation process and was very enthusiastic about the press tour. But Netflix has also made a name for itself when it comes to adaptations, let them tell the “Death Note” fans. Could they do justice to a graphic novel saga that was once considered impossible to adapt?
With the ten chapters already available on the platform, the first professional reviews have begun to emerge, and we are happy to say that if we listen to them, we are faced with a miracle. Digital Spy goes so far as to say that “The Sandman” series is “much, much better than it has a right to be”. They point out that the comics have been faithfully adapted, they say that Neil Gaiman’s footprint is evident, but taking advantage of the format change to expand, and that those additions or changes “they feel they should always have been there”. They add that only “Stranger Things” could overshadow “The Sandman” size and budget they seem to have spent on special effects. They ensure that the cast “from everything”, starting with a Tom Sturridge who “exceeds all expectations”. As a bit of a negative point, they point out that the last few episodes are weaker than the first six, which feel like a full story arc. But conclude that ‘The Sandman’ “He achieved the impossible by creating something fans have been waiting for for a long time, but never dared to dream.”.
Comic Book Movie describes the series as “a beautifully crafted fantasy drama that is as faithful to Gaiman’s work as it is”, even if this loyalty sometimes goes against the series. I also agree that the last few episodes are not up to par with the first and that the season finale is somewhat underwhelming. Variety ensures that “the series manages to find a way to introduce new fans to a very complex mythology without completely confusing them”. Regarding the visual section, they regret to say that “the Netflix version rarely captures the same visual spirit “ from comics and say that the CGI in settings is hard to ignore. They compare the visual quality with other series on the platform such as “Locke & Key” or “Shadow and bone”. But they ensure that the first season “justifies its existence, and the potential for many more stories to come, again and again”. At the time of writing, the first season of “The Sandman” has a 100% positive review on Rotten Tomatoes.although it only has six reviews, averaging 8.4 out of 10.
There is no admission exam
As we have already mentioned, the first season of ‘The Sandman’ is now available on Netflix. Hours before its premiere, Neil Gaiman assured on Twitter that he made a totally fun series even though we haven’t read the comics. “We did it both for you and for those who have read ‘Sandman'” to promise. And while you imagine the reaction of the comic purists, answer cut: “Nobody will take over the Sandman. Neither as a comic, nor as an audio adaptation, nor obviously on television. There is no entrance exam, nor should there be. Everyone is welcome”.
The doors to the world of dreams have already opened on Netflix. Have you started ‘The Sandman’ yet? What do you think?
Source: E Cartelera
