Review - Fables & Reflections (The Sandman)

Fables & Reflections is another volume that instead of having a story running through it, collects nine different stories. I didn't like this as much as I do the ones that have a whole story running through the whole volume -- which doesn't mean it's bad, that's just my preference.

The stories are interesting, in themselves. I particularly liked the one about Orpheus -- Calliope! -- and the last one in the volume, Ramadan. I really liked the art in both of those, as well, although the art in general in this volume is quite nice (where it isn't all gory).

Review - Brief Lives (The Sandman)

If you think you can get through these easily because they're "just" comic books, you're probably wrong. It's taking me a surprisingly long time to get through a single volume now I'm thoroughly embroiled in the series.

This volume stars Delirium and Dream, mostly. The other Endless all make their appearances, including the so far missing brother, Destruction, but it's mostly Dream and Delirium. Delirium is a really interesting character, and the implication that she might change again is interesting. Dream is growing up a bit, no matter what he thinks. The idea of one of the Endless abandoning their realm because they don't want their responsibilities is interesting: I assume it's going somewhere further than this.

The conclusion to Orpheus' little character-arc is quite sad, really, but also fitting. And it was good to see more of Desire and Despair and to see them with complex feelings you wouldn't expect -- like missing their brother, and being scared of what's to come.