The Dreaming #1

Writer: Simon Spurrier Artist: Bilquis Evely Publisher: Vertigo Release Date: September 5, 2018 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 26 User Reviews: 17
8.2Critic Rating
8.9User Rating

From the upheaval of THE SANDMAN UNIVERSE #1 rises THE DREAMING-a kingdom in chaos. There is a place where stories are born. Today its walls lie slashed and bleeding. Dream has abandoned his realm, and until he is found, its residents must protect its broken borders alone. But the most senior storysmiths are tormented by invasive secrets, the warden Lucien is doubting his own mind-and beyond the gates something horrific waits with tooth and talon. Only Dora, the monstress, finds opportunity in madness, stealing dreams for the highest bidder. But she has no idea how deep the danger lies. Meanwhile, in Dream's gallery, something new is growing. more

  • 10
    Newsarama - Justin Partridge Sep 5, 2018

    Respectful of the previous Sandman entries, but never too reliant on them, writer Simon Spurrier, along with the wickedly talented Bliquis Evely and Mat Lopes, pay loving tribute to the realm of stories, breathing brand new life into Neil Gaiman's characters for a whole new generation of readers and dreamers anxious for the Dream King's return. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Crusaders - Andy Hall Sep 5, 2018

    I was concerned that these new books would go off the rails in the way that some of the later Lucifer series did. But so far these teams have managed to find a balance between Gaiman's version and their own vision of what these people and places are like. Sometimes it takes two or three issues for a book to find their way. Spurrier and Evely know what story they are telling right out of the gate. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comicosity - Allen Thomas Sep 5, 2018

    The Dreaming is off to a great start. With a strange world full of beautiful art and a creative narrative, we are getting a story that is engaging on multiple levels. To say this issue is well-done is an understatement, as it is a coalescence of skill and talent. I look forward to what comes next. Read Full Review

  • 9.8
    Comicsverse - AJ Zender Sep 5, 2018

    THE DREAMING #1 is a nearly perfect start to a new series in the SANDMAN universe. The way Simon Spurrier tells this tale is an absolute treat from the first page, and Bilquis Evely's pencils create a wondrous and beautiful world of fantasy. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Comic Watch - Christina Hamlet Sep 17, 2018

    Overall a well-written and drawn issue with a slight drawback in its accessibility to new readers. The Dreaming is off to a great start and with a little love to newcomers, it has the potential to embrace a whole new crowd of fans. Read Full Review

  • 9.1
    The Brazen Bull - Charlie Chipman Sep 5, 2018

    Despite not being entirely accessible for those new to the Sandman Universe, The Dreaming (2018-) #1 is a captivating first chapter in a tale that promises to entertain and excite for issues to come. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    That's Entertainment - Capt. Nostalgia Sep 7, 2018

    Overall, The Dreaming #1, is a wonderful companion piece to the previously released The Sandman Universe #1. Whether or not, it has enough to stand on its' own is yet to be seen. Writing by Simon Spurrier and art by Bilquis Evely, the series is off to a great start. The two work great together and I'm excited to see where this series will go. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Horror DNA - James Ferguson Sep 17, 2018

    It's clear that writer Simon Spurrier is on to an epic tale with The Dreaming. This should come as no surprise as Sandman is epic in its very nature. What stands out in this story is just how dire the situation is. These side characters are thrown into the spotlight and are creating a compelling narrative without the central figure in this world. That speaks volumes for the strength of the storytelling. It helps that there is a literal hole in the sky looming over them too. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Weird Science - Reggie Hemingway Sep 5, 2018

    A perfect companion and continuation of the original Sandman series, this issue establishes some new characters and concepts that blend seamlessly with the Dreaming that we already know. The rendering and storytelling is great, but it's the coloring that strikes the exact mood for such a strange book. I would call that mood "strange." Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Sep 5, 2018

    This is a fascinating, experimental book that has the Sandman Universe line off to a great start. Can't wait to see how future books in the line build on these ideas. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    AIPT - David Brooke Sep 5, 2018

    This is a first issue that is entirely weird and imaginative in the best of ways. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally Sep 5, 2018

    Spurrier crafts a great story with this first issue. I found myself engrossed in the characters and thinking often about the world that is being crafted and how this story will connect with the others that are being created. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Forces Of Geek - Lenny Schwartz Sep 5, 2018

    Spurrier's story keeps you interested however. He does a great job keeping the feel from Gaiman's book alive. The art is very good as well. I'm interested to see what they do with it. Let's see where it goes. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge Sep 11, 2018

    It's a quieter start for a series but one that feels very much in the Sandman vein in the way I had hoped for. It's a very dialogue-driven book in a world where most things that I've seen the last few years tend to be lighter on it and filled with quips. But the mood is well-staged by the opener as Spurrier gets a handle on the characters voices and their motivations. It skims over most of them with Lucien getting a good bit of time alongside Dora while Merv and his problems with the Blanks provides for some additional fun. Bilquis Evely is a perfect presence on this series in capturing the look of this world and I can't wait to see what creativity is in store here through it all. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck Sep 6, 2018

    I'm not sure this isaccessible to those not familiar with Sandman, and I'm not even sure the supporting characters are up to the task of carrying a series - but it's all off to a very interesting start. Read Full Review

  • 8.3
    Sequential Planet - Matt Herman Sep 7, 2018

    The Dreaming #1 is a welcome return to some of the greatest characters in all of comics. This issue is great for new readers and Sandman fans alike. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicBook.com - Chase Magnett Sep 5, 2018

    There is already a rich setting and enthralling cast of characters ready to explore new terrain, and it's exactly the sort of comic far beyond the norms of the industry that could capture the imagination and undying interest of even the most unlikely readers. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Kabooooom - Matt Morrison Sep 6, 2018

    For those who have read The Sandman, this first chapter of The Dreaming will prove a satisfying homecoming. New readers may have a bit more trouble adapting, but this text is far from unfriendly and the artwork encourages close examination. Should this series continue to build and improve from here, a new golden age of Vertigo Comics may be upon us. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    GWW - Thomas Polito Sep 6, 2018

    The Dreaming #1 is a fun read that sets up tons of interesting stories to come but isn't very friendly to new readers, although Evely's art makes that almost completely irrelevant due to how transfixing it can be. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    DC Comics News - Derek McNeil Sep 5, 2018

    This is a strong start for this title, and hopefully the level of quality established here will continue as it progresses. It is great to once again read new adventures set in the world of Neil Gaiman's Sandman Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    The Beat - Alexander Lu Sep 5, 2018

    Ultimately, The Dreaming #1 is a strong debut for the Sandman Universe's regular lineup of titles. I just wish it had a stronger hook to leave me on the edge of my seat, eagerly begging for more. Read Full Review

  • 6.8
    On Comics Ground - Nick Campan Sep 9, 2018

    If you're a die hard fan of the SANDMAN, you'll love this. And if you enjoyed the original run, it's a fun read. But if this is your first time with the SANDMAN UNIVERSE, you might have a hard time following along. It's not a thrilling first issue. But it's still just the first issue and we should wait until this run finds it's voice. Read Full Review

  • 6.4
    Multiversity Comics - Jacob Hill Sep 7, 2018

    The Dreaming #1 sports some lush landscapes, but lacks direction. Read Full Review

  • 5.5
    Bleeding Cool - Joshua Davison Sep 3, 2018

    The Dreaming #1 did not hook me at all. I want to get into the Sandman Universe, but this first issue meanders and focuses on characters constantly lamenting their own impotence without trying much to change that until the very end. Again, Dora is a great character, and the art team does some excellent work. Despite that, I find myself unable to give this one a recommendation. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Pop Culture Uncovered - Eric Mitchell Sep 5, 2018

    This book isn't perfect. As I stated earlier my biggest issue was the overall writing and story. I just found myself mostly confused by what was going on that I felt taken out of the story. The art is the best thing about this book, and I just feel that if you aren't a fan of the world that Gaiman set up, The Dreamingwill be hard to enjoy. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Bounding Into Comics - Dan Traeger Oct 19, 2018

    The Dreaming #1 may improve over time. It's possible that Spurrier may get a handle on these characters. It's only issue #1 so the plot might pick up. He may just be spooling things out slowly with nothing terribly interesting for anybody but Dora to do in the meantime. This is definitely not a recommendation for the story, but if you're a fan of the artist, you can at least enjoy the pretty pictures. Give this a pass for now. It may be a lot better in the collected edition. Read Full Review

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