What would be the nerd equivalent of Tim Allen’s quizzical grunting? Because that’s what I wanted to do when I read the news that Vertigo is publishing a prelude to Neil Gaiman’s iconic Sandman series, aptly titled “Overture.” As Mr. Gaiman told the New York Times:
This is the one story that we never got to tell. In SANDMAN #1 Morpheus is captured somehow. Later on in the series, you learn he was returning from somewhere far, far away – but we never got to the story of what he was doing and what had happened. This is our chance to tell that story, and J.H. Williams III is drawing it. It’s the most beautiful thing in the world.
The first issue is set to be released on October 30 of this year, and will have a digital release on the same day. The mini-series will be staggered with “special edition” books on the off weeks, and Dave McKean will return for some, if not all, covers. This time around, the stories will be drawn by J.H. Williams III of “Promethea” fame (which is gooooooooooregous), and Vertigo has already released the premiere cover.
Some reporting sites are already questioning whether or not this signifies that Vertigo is in danger, and while I certainly hope that isn’t the case all I can focus on right now is the thought of more lush, decadent, ethereal tales from Gaiman and Company.