There are 75 issues collected in ten volumes of THE SANDMAN to read before the launch of Neil Gaiman’s new bimonthly miniseries THE SANDMAN: OVERTURE arriving on October 30^th. Are you overwhelmed by the thought? Don’t worry! This single installment of our 25 Days of Sandman will serve as a walk down memory lane or as a primer for those unfamiliar with the series.

Our friends over at THE ONION A.V. CLUB recently tackled all ten volumes of THE SANDMAN in their feature “Back Issues.” Each post contains a brief description of the volume and the story is discussed in a book club format. So, brush up on your favorite volumes, or ones you might have missed, and remember the magic that Gaiman infused into his critically acclaimed Vertigo fantasy series.

Enjoy, and we’ll see you back here tomorrow!

Preludes and Nocturnes – Vol. 1 collects issues #1-8. Dream escapes his imprisonment and commences to retrieve his objects of power including his cloak, mask and jewel. Contains the first appearance of Lucifer and Death, and cameos by Batman, Green Lantern, John Constantine and the Golden Age Sandman.

The Doll’s House – Vol. 2 collects issues #9-16. After hunting down a group of rogue dreams, the Dream King visits a serial killer convention and saves The Dreaming from a “dream vortex.”

Dream Country – Vol. 3 collects issues #17-20. Dream makes cameo appearances in four standalone stories, including the World Fantasy Award-winning story “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” illustrated by Charles Vess.

Season of Mists – Vol. 4 collects issues #21-28. While freeing an old friend from damnation, Dream unknowingly inherits the dominion of Hell when he discovers that Lucifer has abandoned his post.

A Game of You – Vol. 5 collects issues #32-37. This volume follows Barbie, a young girl who is trapped in a magical world from her imagination.

Fables and Reflections – Vol. 6 collects issues #29-31, #38-40, #50, Sandman Special #1 and Vertigo Preview #1. Contains four “Dark Mirrors” short stories that deal with various kings and rulers. The standalone Sandman Special establishes the mythical Orpheus as Dream’s son.

Brief Lives – Vol. 7 collects issues #41-49. Dream and Delirium’s quest to find their brother Destruction ends in death and misfortune.

Worlds’ End – Vol. 8 collects issues #51-56. Wayward travelers are stranded at the Worlds' End Inn and exchange stories in the style of Canterbury Tales.

The Kindly Ones –Vol. 9 collects issues #57-69. A trio of vengeful Furies is released upon Morhpeus in his darkest hour.

The Wake – Vol. 10 collects issues #70-75. An epilogue that wraps up all loose ends, featuring cameos by Batman, Clark Kent, Martian Mahunter and John Constantine, among others.