The Sandman is one of the most famous graphic novel series to ever hit shelves, and a screen adaptation has been long overdue since the 90s. Now that Netflix is releasing the series on August 5th, thousands of readers are itching to see scenes from the panels and pages brought to life in glorious Technicolor, and even the teaser has given viewers scenes pulled right from the source material.
In a brief sequence, the series is already shaping up to be what fans have been craving for years. True, there are certainly some differences in art direction and casting, but the core elements of Neil Gaiman's genius masterpiece are all there.
The Rituals
Magic plays a key role in nearly all of Sandman's plot lines, and the rituals Rodrick Burgess performs with his cult of sorcerers are what pulls Dream of the Endless into the mortal plane. Right from the teaser, the sequence of the mystics attempting to capture death from the ether is a realized recreation of the summoning seen in the comics, including its final result.
The image of Dream collapsed in a summoning circle surrounded by a group of powerful wizards is taken right from the opening issues of Preludes and Nocturnes, and it's one of the first pieces of imagery fans will notice off the bat. That being said, it's certainly one of the easiest ones to adapt to the screen.
The Look
There are some that would argue that the Sandman himself looks a little bit too human compared to the mysterious master of dreams seen in the pages of the original comics. However, the look he gives his captors is the exact same look and expression he gives the camera as he waits to be released from his glass prison.
Dream rarely takes a life, but if looks could kill the viewers would be six feet under. It's a look that says he knows he's going to escape, he knows he's going to take his revenge, and he knows the occultists are going to suffer for it.
Dream Captured By The Occultists
Capturing one of the powerful Endless is no easy task, but neither is containing them for generations. In the comics, Dream is mistakenly captured instead of his sister, Death. In order to study him properly, Burgess and his team must keep him under surveillance while keeping themselves safe from his wrath.
In the comics, most wizardry paraphernalia is often complex and elaborate, yet the filmmakers seem to have re-created it beautifully for the screen. Especially the large glass cell where a naked Dream sits plotting his escape.
Dream Escaping The Circle
The explosive escape sequence scene in the trailer as Dream departs from the mortal plane in a swirling, glowing vortex of light is one that is immediately pulled from Preludes and Nocturnes. In fact, it's one of the biggest and most recognizable images from the early issues of the entire series.
This isn't just done to show off the artistry and visuals, but the show just how powerful the character is without the aid of his artifacts. If Dream is able to subdue the guards, escape the enchantments, and open a portal between plains of existence all without his sources of power, imagine what he could do at full capacity.
Dream Blowing The Sand
In the trailer, Dream is able to subdue the security guards by blowing a handful of magic sand in their direction, something he has done before in the comics. While not as saturated in the heavily inked colors seen in the graphic novels, Tom Sturridge is able to recreate Dream's expression and appearance with impressive ease.
While some might call it a bit of artsy overkill, those who are well versed in Neil Gaiman's work will recognize it as one of the Sandman's most memorable poses. It might be an excuse for the series to show off their effects budget, but it's more than likely going to be one of the highlights of the opening episodes.
Mad Hettie Talking To Constantine
Although the series has been begged for and desired for years, not everything is going to be 100% by the book. Case in point, is the gender swap of Hellblazer's Constantine. Jenna Coleman's portrayal aside, the exchange between Constantine and Mad Hettie shown at the beginning of the trailer might be shot slightly differently, but the exchange does happen nearly word-for-word in the comics.
After the Sandman escapes the clutches of Burgess, one of the first things he has to do is find his bag of magic sand. Fortunately for him, he has an ally who specializes in the forms and functions of the supernatural.
Lucifer Morningstar
One of the biggest controversies surrounding the casting choices of the series was Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer Morningstar. This is more than likely due to the fact that most viewers are used to seeing Tom Ellis as the suave and debonair demon in the Lucifer TV show. However, compared to the comic version of the exact same character, Christie is unarguably more qualified.
In the comics, Lucifer is a blonde, androgynous being depicted as a corrupted fallen angel rather than a smooth-talking charmer seen in the TV series. Christie's adaptation is much more in line with the version Neil Gaiman presented in his works rather than what some might be expecting. However, the softer exterior does nothing to hinder the malice and truly evil nature of the beast beneath.
Dream Clutching His Helmet
One of the most common images in all of Sandman Lore is that of Dream clutching his gas-mask-like helmet in triumph or contemplation. Fans of the series know that there are three things that the Sandman can never be without, his pouch of magic sand, his ruby, and his helmet. These are the symbols of his power and authority, and they are the artifacts that grant him such mighty abilities.
Dozens of superheroes wear masks, but Dream's is a special case. Crafted from the spine and skull of an ancient god, the helmet acts as a sigil, source of power, and protection. While he's certainly a formidable force of nature without it, it does up his intimidation factor by miles.