Comic book icon Neil Gaiman is returning to the world of The Sandman once more with a new story that will come exclusively with a brand-new collected edition. However, the price tag for the updated collection may be higher than fans are expecting.
If there’s one series DC Comics has released collection after collection of, it’s The Sandman, and a new edition is on the way. Polygon revealed that the publisher would be releasing the well-received series once more with The Sandman: Morpheus Helm Masterpiece Edition. The collection will bring together the original series, plus other stories from The Sandman’s universe, such as The Dream Hunters, Endless Nights, and Overture. The stories will come in six leather-bound volumes, each one emblazoned with a foil-embossed sigil of the Endless on the spines. In addition to the comics, the edition comes with a 15-inch replica of Dream’s iconic helm to help display the collection. But the thing that may excite fans most about the Morpheus Helm Masterpiece Edition is a new story from The Sandman writer and creator Neil Gaiman. The story comes in the form of a letter, though its details are being kept secret for now.
Neil Gaiman Adds a New Chapter to the Sandman Saga
The Sandman is considered to be Neil Gaiman’s magnum opus and is one of DC Comics’ most critically lauded series. The story largely centers around Dream, aka Morpheus, the Lord of the Dreaming, a realm connected to the dreams of all living things. The series ran for 75 issues, and had several prequels, side-stories and supplemental material either written or overseen by Gaiman. DC even has a Sandman imprint for new stories curated by Gaiman to add to his universe, such as The Dreaming or Nightmare County.
But while much of The Sandman Universe has been written by other creators, this will be the first new Sandman story written by Neil Gaiman in some time. Sure, it comes in the unconventional form of a letter, but a new tale written by the series’ mastermind is sure to drive fans to get their hands on the new collection. The only thing that may stop them is The Sandman: Morpheus Helm Masterpiece Edition’s hefty price tag, which comes out to $500. But it may be a price some fans are willing to pay to get their hands on one more Gaiman-penned Sandman story.
The Price is Right for Die-Hard Fans of The Sandman
It can be a frustrating experience for comic book fans who want to buy collected editions of stories like The Sandman, only to see a price tag that high. But The Sandman: Morpheus Helm Masterpiece Edition clearly wants to give its buyers as much bang for their buck as possible. If the new leather-bound editions and replica helm weren’t enough, some may see the new Gaiman-written story as the nudge they need to make the purchase. Will it completely change the story of The Sandman? Probably not. But it will be a unique memento that die-hard fans can certainly appreciate. Neil Gaiman’s new story can be found in The Sandman: Morpheus Helm Masterpiece Edition when it releases November 14th, 2023.
