The Sandman

By: Neil Gaiman, Dirk Maggs

Narrated by: Riz Ahmed, Kat Dennings, Taron Egerton, Neil Gaiman, James McAvoy, Samantha Morton, Bebe Neuwirth, Andy Serkis, Michael Sheen

Length: 11 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

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

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)

absolutely Epic!

The Sandman is a fantastic, immersive and unparalleled audio production. From award-winning author Neil Gaiman and adapted for Audible by the great Dirk Maggs, you'll be swapped away in an Epic adventure you could have never imagined.

Expertly combining, fantasy and fiction, horror and humor, comedy and tragedy, The Sandman is a fast paced, visceral narrative experience that will stay with you for a long time!

Put on your headphones or even better, stream it on your favorite smart speaker in the house and you'll be in for a treat. I listened to The Sandman on my Apple Homepod Stereo setup and the experience was absolutely incredible. I closed my eyes and vividly lived all the events portrayed in this adaptation of the first three Sandman novels.

With a formidable cast of characters, brought to life by some of the best actors in the audiobooks and movies industries, the listener's experience is enriched and elevated by a a moving soundtrack and high quality sound effects.

I didn't know anything about the Sandman comics, but I was immediately blown away by this adaptation! I can't wait for the next one! This is the best Audible Original that I listened to so far!

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Thank you & stay safe,
Victor

More that an audiobook

Just perfect. Close your eyes, headphones on and allow yourself to be pulled into this amazing creation (easily done with this talented selection of cast).

But be weary and don’t you ever fall asleep.

Perfect adaptation

The story is faithful to the comic and has been transferred the audio medium perfectly. The music and sound effects are some of the most impressive I've heard on an audio drama to date, I have to say my anticipation was rewarded greatly. Can't wait to finish the rest of it. But if you're a fan of the comic there's no question you're gonna love this version of it too.

Excellent

Almost 2 hours in and I'm really impressed, the characters the and narration are top notch this audio was well produced

Awe Inspiring

It's so good to hear the tale I read as a teen performed in such a way. I sincerely hope that this is a prelude to something bigger; a show perhaps.

A very good idea, but ....

At first I thought that, in its kind, kit was fantastic. After the first chapters the story becomes somehow predictable and best suited to a comic
magazine . Interpreters are superb

Well Done, but Just Not My Thing

Great production and performance values, but at the end of the day, just not for me. Downloaded this on a whim as one of Audible's free offerings. I liked some of the episodes, despised others. Ultimately, the anthology-type nature of it was a barrier for me. In addition, I somehow failed to realize the connection to the DC Comics universe and its variety of characters. That's totally on me, as I realized afterward that it literally says "DC" on the cover. I feel you definitely need a bit of background with that universe in order to get a lot of the stories presented here. I often felt there were backstories that I was missing that impacted my understanding and therefore my enjoyment. This will work well for fans of this genre, but for me, this was a venture outside my comfort zone that I'll be unlikely to repeat.

Amazing

Unbelievable, amazing production and performance of every single actor...is very impressive the production...just enjoy. I really hope they can make more productions like this....

Amazing

Neil is the best, and this audiobook did this masterpiece justice. Enjoy it Treasure it

Absolutely perfect!

If you already a fan of the graphic novels you will love this. Some characters were exactly as I had imagined them, and some took on new life under narration. There is not a boring moment, it is gripping, emotional, and laced with fictional lore from so many literary universes. The only bad thing about this saga is that it is over.