In 1916, an occultist seeking immortality mistakenly captures Morpheus, the personification of dreams, instead of Death. After seventy years of imprisonment in a glass basement, the Dream King escapes into a modern world where his absence has caused global sleeping sickness and mental atrophy. To rebuild his crumbling realm, he must track down three stolen objects of power: a pouch of shifting sand, a helm crafted from a god's skull, and a ruby that warps reality. His quest leads him from the nightmares of a London suburb to the gates of Hell and eventually into a confrontation with a serial killer utilizing his hijacked artifacts.
This graphic novel serves readers interested in a synthesis of dark fantasy, historical folklore, and urban horror. It attracts those who prefer non-traditional superhero narratives where the protagonist functions as a detached cosmic force rather than a moral crusader. Readers finish the volume with an understanding of how personified archetypes interact with human history and the specific mechanics of Gaiman's metaphysical hierarchy. It provides a foundational look at a universe where mythic entities manage human subconsciousness through strict laws and ancient obligations.
Deep and open-ended; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Story Seeker. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1988
- Language
- EN
