7 Comics to Read for Fans of The Sandman

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The Sandman is a truly classic comic book series. While the recent Netflix show has introduced it to a new audience, it’s been captivating readers for decades. The Sandman was groundbreaking in the 1990s, attracting a diverse readership with its blend of mythology and real-world themes – something the Netflix adaptation brilliantly portrays. Some consider The Sandman to be unique, a one-of-a-kind work, but that’s not quite true. Over the years, many other excellent comics have explored similar territory, creating mature, compelling stories that are, in some ways, even stronger than The Sandman.

Many people don’t take comics seriously, even those who enjoy movies and shows based on them. *The Sandman* has always been an exception, but there are lots of other fantastic comics just as good. If you liked the Netflix series of *The Sandman* and are looking for more great stories, these seven comics are a perfect place to start – they’re truly brilliant and will satisfy that same craving.

7) The Invisibles

While *The Sandman* perfectly captures the spirit of 1990s comics, it wasn’t the only standout title from that era. DC’s Vertigo line boasted many excellent books, and *The Invisibles* stands out as one of the very best – even a comic for the ages. Written by the incredibly talented Grant Morrison, *The Invisibles* embodies everything that made the ’90s unique. The story centers on a covert group of rebels – anarchists, soldiers, and those skilled in magic – as they fight against the Outer Church, a hidden, Lovecraftian force controlling the world’s governments.

Grant Morrison’s *The Invisibles* is a wild ride from the 1990s, packed with sex, drugs, electronic music, and intense violence. It’s a mind-bending story that was ahead of its time. While some of the language used regarding the LGBTQ+ community feels dated now, the book ultimately offers a positive and diverse portrayal. Featuring incredible art from some of the greatest comic book artists – including Jill Thompson (known for her work on *The Sandman*), Chris Weston, Phil Jimenez, Steve Yeowell, Frank Quitely, and others – *The Invisibles* is a bit grittier than *The Sandman*, but undeniably brilliant.

6) The Unwritten

Published in the later years of Vertigo – DC Comics’ mature readers imprint known for groundbreaking titles like *The Sandman*, *Swamp Thing*, *Animal Man*, and *Doom Patrol* – *The Unwritten*, by Mike Carey and Peter Gross, is considered a modern classic. What makes *The Unwritten* stand out is its exploration of the downsides of fame and how closely fiction can mirror reality. The story centers on Tom Taylor, a young man who served as the real-life inspiration for a hugely popular book series similar to *Harry Potter*.

Tom Taylor’s life is completely disrupted when people begin to suspect he possesses magical abilities, and a secretive group starts pursuing him. The book is inspired by the real life of Christopher Milne, the son of A.A. Milne, who created the character of Christopher Robin in *Winnie the Pooh*. Like *The Sandman*, *The Unwritten* explores similar ideas and will likely be enjoyed by fans of both the comic and the television show.

5) Rare Flavours

Ram V and Filipe Andrade are a fantastic creative team in the comic book world, and they have two titles featured here. Their second acclaimed work, *Rare Flavours*, is a journey through India, explored through the lens of food. The story centers on Rubin Baksh, an Indian demon, who decides he wants to become the next Anthony Bourdain. He teams up with a young filmmaker named Mo, and together they embark on a culinary tour of India. Rubin hopes to show Mo the joys of mortal life through incredible food. However, they’re being pursued by a pair of demon hunters, and Rubin’s dangerous habits sometimes prove fatal to those they encounter. While the premise – a demon and a mortal traveling together – might sound familiar, *Rare Flavours* is surprisingly unique and avoids typical tropes.

This book is a captivating journey through India, centered around food. It cleverly weaves recipes into the narrative, allowing you to recreate the dishes Rubin and Mo enjoy while learning about Indian history and culture. It’s a truly wonderful story that you’ll want to experience again immediately. The author, V, is a fantastic comic book writer, and this book perfectly showcases their talent – taking a potentially predictable story and elevating it to something beautiful. The artwork by Andrade is equally impressive, with a distinctive style that perfectly suits this unique tale. *Rare Flavours* is a truly satisfying read, like a delicious meal that leaves you wanting more.

4) Preacher

Following the success of *The Sandman*, *Preacher* became another hugely popular comic from Vertigo. Created by Garth Ennis, who later co-created *The Boys*, and illustrated by the incredibly talented Steve Dillon, *Preacher* centers on Jesse Custer, a man who reluctantly becomes a preacher and despises his new life. While preaching, Jesse is inhabited by Genesis, a powerful being—a mix of demon and angel—that even God fears. After a disastrous sermon leads to the accidental death of his entire congregation, Jesse seeks out his ex-girlfriend, Tulip, and a centuries-old Irish vampire named Cassidy. Genesis grants Jesse the ability to command anyone—even God—simply by speaking. Together, the three discover that God has abandoned Heaven due to Genesis, and they embark on a quest to find him. The resulting story is a wild ride—brutally violent, shockingly funny, deeply moving, and unlike anything you’ve ever read.

Garth Ennis consistently delivers extreme content, and this book is no exception, but it also has a surprising emotional core that lingers with you. *Preacher* is packed with memorable characters – ones you’ll genuinely love and despise. It was remarkably insightful for its time in how it depicted the damaging effects of harmful masculinity. As a teenager in the 90s, I found *Preacher* unlike anything I’d ever read, and it remains a favorite. Like *The Invisibles*, some of the language feels dated and might be offensive to some, but the book never glorifies those behaviors. Overall, *Preacher* is a fantastic read, and if you enjoy *The Sandman*, you’ll likely love this too.

3) DIE

DIE is a captivating story centered around the immersive world of roleplaying games. In 1991, a group of friends – Ash, Sol, Angela, Isabelle, Matt, and Chuck – began playing a unique game created by Sol, using a mysterious set of dice. This game transported them to another world, where they spent years before returning, leaving Sol behind. Years later, they receive the dice again, prompting a return to the world they abandoned, this time to rescue their friend. The story follows their journey of rediscovery as they navigate a world changed by decades, and confront the challenges and changes life has brought them personally.

Written by Kieron Gillen and illustrated by Stephanie Han, *DIE* is a captivating comic that explores how roleplaying games can help us understand ourselves. The comic features a beautifully realized fantasy world – so immersive that the creators even developed actual RPG sourcebooks based on it! The story centers on a group of characters in their 40s, each grappling with personal challenges. Han’s artwork is a perfect match for the fantastical setting, creating a truly stunning visual experience. *DIE* is a casually brilliant book that will grab you from the very beginning, and with a sequel, *DIE Loaded*, on the way, now is the perfect time to dive in. It’s a truly unique comic, ideal for anyone looking to escape into a richly imagined world.

2) The Many Deaths of Laila Starr

Ram V and Filipe Andrade’s comic, *The Many Deaths of Laila Starr*, is truly exceptional – easily one of the best I’ve read in decades. It reimagines the Hindu goddess of death, Laila Starr, who is fired when humanity discovers immortality. Transformed into a human herself, she sets out to eliminate the scientist responsible. The story beautifully explores the meaning of life when faced with the inevitability of death, and what makes our fleeting existence so precious. It evokes a similar atmosphere to works like *The Sandman* and those by Alan Moore, but with a distinct and original voice.

“The Many Deaths of Laila Starr” is a truly special comic book – the kind that doesn’t come around very often. It’s a unique story that explores big ideas about life and meaning through a divine lens. The author, V, skillfully weaves in elements of Indian culture, much like he did in his excellent “Detective Comics” run – particularly the standout story, “Gotham Nocturne.” It’s refreshing to see an Indian perspective in Western comics, which often focus on Japanese or Chinese culture. V and Andrade work incredibly well together, and “The Many Deaths of Laila Starr” delivers everything you could hope for in a comic and more.

1) The Wicked + The Divine

Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie’s *The Wicked + The Divine* is considered one of the best comics published by Image. The story centers around twelve teenagers who gain the powers of gods every ninety years. They experience intense fame and notoriety, but their lives are tragically cut short after just two years. The story begins during a new cycle, called a Recurrence, with the newly powered group – known as the Pantheon – reveling in their abilities. A devoted fan named Laura becomes entangled in their world, and she teams up with Cassandra, a filmmaker investigating the Pantheon. Together, they uncover the secrets surrounding this extraordinary group, forever altering their lives.

The Wicked + The Divine explores big themes like life, death, creativity, and the price of celebrity. Writer Kieron Gillen crafts incredibly engaging characters whose lives and relationships feel authentic. The story jumps between the present day and the distant past, told in a truly captivating way. Jamie McKelvie’s artwork is stunning – it redefines beauty. Each one-shot story focusing on previous generations of gods features different artists, and their individual styles enhance each tale. Overall, The Wicked + The Divine is a remarkable and deeply moving series that will resonate with you long after you finish reading.

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2025-10-12 14:13