This adaptation had a lot going against it as a high-concept fantasy with decades of development hell, yet somehow Netflix stuck the landing. Brilliantly cast and faithfully realized for the screen, The Sandman captures the imagination and morbid wonder of its source material, and makes it a reality through impressive VFX, pitch perfect casting, and faithful dedication to the original works.

I am not familiar with the source material for this, but that being said, I was so enveloped in this that I nearly binged the whole thing in one sitting. The worlds and characters were so intricate and fantastical that it really did feel like I was watching something made with pure magic. I was taken on a roller coaster of emotions throughout this show, particularly when Death was introduced, and I just wanted more of it.

I love the gothic dark fantasy tone and aesthetic throughout The Sandman. The story feels fresh, despite coming from a comic series. The series made me laugh, cry, and empathize with the characters. The casting was spot on. It's clear that the creative team had a deep love for the source material.

An adaptation 30 years in the making that actually lives up to the hype and expectations fans have had for it. Tom Sturridge is a perfect Dream, and I can't imagine anyone else holding the role. A story about stories can easily fall apart, feeling too slow or fast, but the show was made beautifully, and paced perfectly.

The first half of season one is a five-star experience, nearly perfect in every way. Definitely falters quite a bit in the second half but ends in a way that I need season two to get here as soon as possible. The bonus episode released a bit later that didn't tie into any of the storylines was great too.