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The Sandman (comic)

The Sandman is a dark fantasy comic book series written by Neil Gaiman and published by DC Comics from 1988 to 1996.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Sandman is a dark fantasy comic book series written by Neil Gaiman and published by DC Comics from 1988 to 1996. It follows Dream, also known as Morpheus, one of the Endless, and explores mythology, folklore, and the human condition through a large ensemble of characters.

Publication history

The Sandman was published by DC Comics in its original 75-issue run from late 1988 to early 1996. It was written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by multiple artists across the series.

Premise

The story centers on Dream, or Morpheus, who is imprisoned and later follows a long arc of restoration, responsibility, and change. The series blends horror, fantasy, mythology, and historical fiction.

Adaptations

The comic was adapted into a Netflix series titled The Sandman, which premiered in 2022. The television version draws directly from Gaiman’s comic and introduced the property to a wider mainstream audience.

Legacy

The Sandman is regarded as a major work in modern comics and fantasy. Sources describe it as influential on the comics medium and on the fantasy genre more broadly.

Key facts

  • The series was written by Neil Gaiman and published by DC Comics.
  • Its central character is Dream, also called Morpheus, an immortal being known as one of the Endless.
  • The original run comprised 75 issues published from 1988 to 1996.
  • The series is widely credited with influencing both comics and fantasy fiction.
  • A Netflix television adaptation based on the comic premiered in 2022.
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Canadian context

The Sandman has been widely read in Canada through DC Comics publishing and became more familiar to Canadian audiences through the Netflix adaptation.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Sandman?
The Sandman is a DC Comics dark fantasy comic series written by Neil Gaiman, centered on Dream, also known as Morpheus.
Who created The Sandman?
Neil Gaiman created and wrote The Sandman, with artwork by a rotating group of illustrators.
What is the Sandman Netflix series?
The Netflix series is a television adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s comic The Sandman, focusing on Dream and related characters from the source material.
What is the reading order for The Sandman comic?
The original story is usually read in issue order, beginning with The Sandman #1. Collected editions later grouped the 75 issues into volume sets.
Who is Dream in The Sandman?
Dream is the main character of the series, also called Morpheus, and is one of the Endless who governs dreams.
Who are the main characters in The Sandman?
Major characters include Dream/Morpheus and his siblings Death, Desire, Despair, Destiny, Delirium, and Destruction, known as the Endless.

References

  1. Den of Geek — https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/the-sandman-explained/
    Supports: Identifies The Sandman as a Neil Gaiman comic series, names Dream/Morpheus, lists the Endless, and notes the Netflix adaptation.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Sandman-comic
    Supports: Gives publication dates, credits Neil Gaiman, describes the original 75-issue run, and summarizes the premise.
  3. EBSCO — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/literature-and-writing/sandman
    Supports: Summarizes the series as a DC comic by Neil Gaiman, identifies Dream and the Endless, and discusses themes and influence.
  4. Goodreads — https://www.goodreads.com/series/40372-the-sandman
    Supports: States the series was collected from The Sandman #1-75 and The Sandman: Overture #1-6.