4 Years Ago, This Modern Classic Gave Readers the Perfect Replacement for The Sandman

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The Sandman is widely considered one of the most important and influential comics ever created. The story of Dream, an immortal being, and his family—who embody powerful universal forces—captivated readers from beginning to end. The original run included 75 issues, plus several additional collections with new stories and a prequel series. This comic was groundbreaking, significantly boosting the popularity of collected editions and paving the way for more sophisticated, adult-oriented mainstream comics. However, recent accusations against writer Neil Gaiman have complicated many fans’ relationship with the series and its characters, leaving a sense of loss within the comics community.

Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman was a groundbreaking comic that broadened the appeal of the medium, often winning over even those who disliked comics. Now that The Sandman is so well-known, it’s harder to recommend it as an entry point for new readers. Fortunately, BOOM! Studios published a fantastic comic four years ago that fills that niche: The Many Deaths of Laila Starr, created by writer Ram V and artist Filipe Andrade. It’s perfect for both people who’ve never read comics and fans looking for something similar to The Sandman.

The Many Deaths of Laila Starr Tread Similar Ground to The Sandman

I was completely captivated by The Sandman – it felt like being transported to incredible realms, filled with gods, monsters, and everything in between. What really struck me was how deeply it explored what it means to be human, and I think that’s why it connected with so many people. Then I read The Many Deaths of Laila Starr, and it gave me a similar feeling, but in a really unique way. While The Sandman drew on Western mythology, this story beautifully wove its tale of life and death through the rich tapestry of Indian culture.

The Many Deaths of Laila Starr starts with a twist: the Hindu goddess of death learns humans are about to discover immortality, effectively making her obsolete. She’s given a chance to live as a human named Laila Starr on Earth, and she uses this opportunity to find and stop the scientist who will make immortality possible, hoping to save her job. The story unfolds as Laila repeatedly encounters the scientist at different points in his life. Each time, she chooses not to kill him, only to meet an accidental death herself. Fortunately, one of her divine lovers always resurrects her, allowing her to begin the cycle again.

I was completely captivated by The Many Deaths of Laila Starr. Like The Sandman, it really makes you think about what it means to be human, but from the perspective of something… beyond us. It explores death in a way that’s surprisingly hopeful and really resonated with me. It’s a gorgeous comic, and honestly, I feel good about supporting it – something I’m already looking forward to doing again when The Sandman returns in 2025!

Ram V is a truly exceptional comic book writer – his work on Detective Comics is a standout example – and he consistently delivers something fresh and original. He skillfully incorporates Indian culture into his stories, which is especially evident in The Many Deaths of Laila Starr. The artwork by Felipe Andrade is a perfect match for this book’s tone. His distinct style creates a dreamlike atmosphere and beautifully conveys the raw emotion within each panel. V and Andrade work together seamlessly, and The Many Deaths of Laila Starr is a real treat for readers. It won’t necessarily ease your fears about death, but it will powerfully remind you to appreciate the beauty and value of life – and sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.

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2025-12-30 21:12