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The Sandman

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About this listen

Please note: This content is not for kids. It is for mature audiences only. Just like the original graphic novels, this audio adaptation contains explicit language and graphic violence, as well as strong sexual content and themes. Discretion is advised.

Hailed by the Los Angeles Times Magazine as “the greatest epic in the history of comic books”, The Sandman changed the game with its dark, literary world of fantasy and horror - creating a global, cultural phenomenon in the process. At long last, Audible and DC present the first-ever audio production of the New York Times best-selling series written by acclaimed storyteller Neil Gaiman (who also serves as co-executive producer). Adapted and directed by multi-award-winner (and frequent Gaiman collaborator) Dirk Maggs, and performed by an ensemble cast with James McAvoy (It, Parts One and Two, X-Men: First Class, Split) in the title role, this first installment of a multi-part original audio series will transport you to a world that re-writes the rules of audio entertainment the way that The Sandman originally re-defined the graphic novel.

When The Sandman, also known as Lord Morpheus - the immortal king of dreams, stories and the imagination - is pulled from his realm and imprisoned on Earth by a nefarious cult, he languishes for decades before finally escaping. Once free, he must retrieve the three “tools” that will restore his power and help him to rebuild his dominion, which has deteriorated in his absence. As the multi-threaded story unspools, The Sandman descends into Hell to confront Lucifer (Michael Sheen), chases rogue nightmares who have escaped his realm, and crosses paths with an array of characters from DC comic books, ancient myths, and real-world history, including: Inmates of Gotham City's Arkham Asylum, Doctor Destiny, the muse Calliope, the three Fates, William Shakespeare (Arthur Darvill), and many more.

A powerhouse supporting cast helps translate this masterwork into a sonic experience worthy of its legacy, including Riz Ahmed, Kat Dennings, Taron Egerton, Samantha Morton, Bebe Neuwirth, Andy Serkis, and more. Setting the stage for their performance is an unprecedented cinematic soundscape featuring an original musical score by British Academy Award winner James Hannigan. Fans will especially revel in a new twist for the audio adaptation: Neil Gaiman himself serves as the narrator. Follow him as he leads listeners along a winding path of myths, imagination and, often, terror. Even in your wildest dreams, you’ve never heard anything like this.

©2020 DC. All Rights Reserved. The Sandman and all related elements are trademarks of DC Comics. (P)2020 DC Comics and Audible
Dark Fantasy Epic Fantasy Scary Thought-Provoking Funny Feel-Good

Just close your eyes and listen...

Occultists perform a ritual to capture Death
Dream readies himself for a visit to Hell
The Corinthian makes a phone call
Death isn’t happy with Dream
Dream identifies the demon he seeks
  • The Sandman
  • Occultists perform a ritual to capture Death
  • The Sandman
  • Dream readies himself for a visit to Hell
  • The Sandman
  • The Corinthian makes a phone call
  • The Sandman
  • Death isn’t happy with Dream
  • The Sandman
  • Dream identifies the demon he seeks

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They wanted the power of Death but got the nightmare of Dream

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Critic reviews

"James McAvoy leads an all-star cast in narrating this magnificent audio adaptation of Neil Gaiman's iconic graphic novel series, The Sandman.... As listeners are swept up in a saga in which cats talk and nightmares walk, McAvoy's steady characterization reminds them that it’s all in a day's work for him. While the cast members are exquisite, special mention goes to the production staff. The sound effects are immersive, and there is a wonderful cinematic score. This audio drama is compelling. Listeners won’t be able to pause once they hit play." (AudioFile magazine)

Most relevant
Long before I had finished this audiobook I had only one question. When is the next installment coming out? I was hoping that there might be an answer to this question in the blurb for this one or someone might mention it in a review so I came here. Only to discover that there are people who didn't like it.

Leaving aside idiots who complained its not a straight reading of a book (Try reading the description before you purchase) or from people unfamiliar with the material (do you really by stuff without a clue of what it's about?) I really cannot see what there is to dislike about this audio adaptation.

It is totally faithful to the source material and what changes there are to the text are just there because it is no longer in a visual format. The cast all sound like they understand their parts rather than just reading lines and the production is atmospheric without being intrusive.

As for Neil Gaiman, who else do you think could narrate this, personally I thought he was perfect for the role.

So In sort, Ignore the fools who cannot see how good this is AND FOR GOD's SAKE AUDIBLE TELLS US WHEN WE CAN GET MORE !!!

Can't understand the negative reviews

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Loved it, loved it, loved it! I sincerely hope that there will be more Sandman audio coming. Both me and my gf listened to it together and she is totally smitten with Dream.

Please do more!

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This is an amazing cast assembled to tell a fantastic story, but unfortunately that sort of shines a light on the fact that Gaiman isn't quite up to their level. He does a great job, for a non-actor, but then you toll out the talented actors and his narration seems stayed and laboured in comparrison. Still more unfortunately, the first episode is largely narration, to the extent I almost stopped listening because he was droning a bit. Fortunately the story proper picks up in EP 2 and onwards.

It would be better without Gaiman's narration

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loved this audio so much. some of the stories are so touching i cried. some are so genius i had to stop what i was doing just to take it in. the cast is phenomenal. Neil Gaimans voice with James Mcavoy is wow. by far my favourite.

brilliance. pure genius

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I know many find this "fragmented". And I would agree in the way it jumps between episodes. But they do all tie into each other. It's really well produced and I would absolutely recommend giving it a listen.

Great voice acting, and great story.

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I really really recommend this audiobook (drama). Actors and Neil as a Narrator make an excellent audio experience. Background music gives me goosebumps, too.
I am Neil Gaiman's fan to be honest, but this production has everything you expect from his books and you won't be dissapointed.

First time reading (listening) The Sandman

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I wasn't sure about getting this at first. But I decided to get it and it provided great listening. I finished it all within a day. Neil Gaiman is a terrific narrator and all the other actors perform their roles to an excellent standard.

Well Worth Getting

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just an amazing listen both this and the sequel, definitely a must have for any fan of Neil Gaiman's Sandman comics or even if you aren't and are interested in the premise this is an amazing way to start!

Amazing listen

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Read/listened to this with the graphic novel. Interesting how the script was modified from the graphic story. Episodes sometimes in a different order presumably because you are less likely to look back, and because an audio narrative has a much firmer linear structure. I found the music intrusively loud and grandiose, but presumably this is to body forth in audio the grandiose visuals of the comic.
I like Neil Gaiman's voice: and most of his dialogue was descriptive, bringing out details found on the visuals and specifying an interpretation, like stage directions in a play. I shall go for Act 2, on the hope that it will encourage me to re-read more of this great graphic novel.

Very interesting to follow the graphic novel

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first time listening to an Audio book like this and I'm just blown away by how fantastic it was. can not recommend enough

Breathtaking

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