True modern literature...

Background: I recently got back into Neil Gaiman's excellent comic book series, the Sandman by buying the Sandman: Book of Dreams at my local Media Play for $0.99. Don't ask me what they were thinking, it was even in hardcover. But that is neither here nor there. Gaiman's Sandman universe is a wonder of modern writing, and has gone places and done things that no comic before or since has. Including winning the World Fantasy Award, who's comittee was so upset that a graphic novel (read: Comic book) won, have since changed the rules so that it can never happen again.

Overview: This is a story seperate to the Sandman tales, it's focus is on Death, obviously. Once every century, Death is allowed to enter the realm of mortals as a human, and spend 24 hours there. It's purpose is to give her a better understanding of the souls she takes. In London, we meet a suicidal 16-year-old boy who is writing a suicide note on his computer. His mother starts spring cleaning, so he leaves to wander the streets. After foolishly climbing up a large heap of garbage, he falls and gets trapped under a refridgerator. And who should come to his rescue, but Death herself. Not as Death, however, but an ordinary teenage girl named Didi. The two retreat to her place, where she explains to the boy (who's name is Sexton) who she is. He dosen't believe her, obviously, and leaves after having his wounds bandaged, etc. Fate wasn't done with him yet, and the two are sent on a search for the heart of a 250 year old hobo. That is not a misprint. Over the course of the night, Death and Sexton get into an underground club, are taken prisoner by an insane person who seems to want Didi's (Read: Deaths) power. They escape with the help of the old woman (Mad Hettie), however, and soon afterward Death realises her time is up. She says goodbye and plunges into a water fountain.

Analysis: Gaiman's use of Death as a -protagonist- is something not often seen in itself, but the way he has built her character in the Sandman comics is even more out of the ordinary. Death is happy, upbeat, and always looking on the bright side of things. Her attempts to cheer up the suicidal Sexton are effortless... she really is happy. The contrast of Death and Dream (who dosen't not appear in this book) is a wonderful switch. Dream is the gaunt, tall stern-faced spoilsport, and Death the fun-loving free spirit. The few end pages are the best of the book, and that is a sign of a truely good read. I especially enjoy the "two pennies" and where they found Hettie's heart.

The introduction by Tori Amos is also a very cool bonus to this graphic novel.