On Half-finished Sandman and Half-Baked Conclusions

I have never been a graphic novel fan because I find the mishmash of drawings, bubbles and words too confusing and annoying. I didn't want to miss anything else I go back from where I began and trace the events that transpired. I was a purist and I believed that novels should only comprise of words on pages and a wee bit of illustration to break the monotony. So yeah, I was not a fan of such novels.

Take note of the verb WAS.

You see, I was introduced to the world of graphic novels when my then-friend-now-boyfriend suggested that I read Neil Gaiman's Sandman series. I am a Gaiman fanatic and I already read most of his novels and short stories alike. I came across Sandman a few times whenever Gaiman was mentioned but hearing the word "graphic" alongside novel kinda reminded me of Palahniuk and his writing style and well, it sort of ticked me off. But since it was highly recommended by THE friend (of course I didn't want to say something profane else his geek side kicks in and decides to silence me. bleh!), I decided to give Sandman a shot.

I am half-way through the series and I must say, it is one helluva good read (half-way! half-way!). I have been struggling to finish the whole series but you see, it is not that easy because of the numerous characters and references to famous myths and legends that span religions and beliefs. It was a crash course on Heaven and Hell and the never-ending battle of Good and Evil, of Reality and Illusion. Of course, these are just my observations and I have yet to delve deeper among the pages, illustrations and words to make a well-founded conclusion/realization/book report.

*Credits to lawrenceyong.wordpress.com for the pic*

You might have differing opinions as to mine, and please, do share your thoughts on Sandman and Gaiman. Since I am biased, I would say (and declare! Oh hail!) that Gaiman is one of the best writers around and that Sandman is one lip-smacking masterpiece.

*Oh hail Gaiman - geekazoids*