Writer Neil Gaiman is the author of “The Sandman,” a fantasy-based comic book series for mature readers that was published from 1989 to 1996. The story revolves around the titular character — Morpheus, the King of Dreams — and his otherworldly family, known as The Endless.

Although the series leaned heavily on horror, the supernatural, and mythology, Gaiman often dealt with social issues, just like Charles Dickens. In this video from Bloomsbury Publishing, Gaiman discusses some of the books that first inspired him to be a writer and the comic book series that showed him what serialized comics were capable of.

The books Gaiman mentions are:

  • The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis
  • Stormbringer by Michael Moorcock
  • Swamp Thing by Alan Moore

The Sandman Series by Neil Gaiman

The Sandman, Book 1

As the story begins, an occultist attempting to capture Death to bargain for eternal life traps her younger brother Dream instead. After his 70-year imprisonment and eventual escape, Dream, also known as Morpheus, goes on a quest for his lost objects of power. On his arduous journey, Morpheus encounters Lucifer, John Constantine, and an all-powerful madman. Book One collects The Sandman #1-20.

The Sandman, Book 2

Ten thousand years ago, Morpheus condemned a woman who loved him to Hell. Now the other members of his immortal family, the Endless, have convinced the Dream King that this was an injustice. To make it right, Morpheus must return to Hell to rescue his banished love-and Hell’s ruler, the fallen angel Lucifer, has already sworn to destroy him. Neil Gaiman’s epic continues in The Sandman Book Two, collecting issues #21-37, The Sandman Special #1, and stories from Vertigo: Winter’s Edge #1-3.

The Sandman, Book 3

Centuries ago, one of the Endless gave up his duties and left his realm, never to be seen again. Now on a mission to find their missing sibling, Delirium and Dream encounter immortal humans and various deities as they try to locate the prodigal Destruction. But as their adventure draws Dream into a final, tragic confrontation with his son Orpheus, the eternal being learns the true meaning of fate and consequences. Neil Gaiman’s epic continues in The Sandman Book Three, collecting issues #38-56 and a story from Vertigo Preview #1.

The Sandman, Book 4

In the climactic final volume, Dream becomes the target of The Furies-unstoppable agents of vengeance. Dark forces are at work, and what they set in motion will demand a sacrifice greater than any the Dreaming has yet known. The thrilling conclusion of the Sandman weaves together threads and pieces building since the beginning of the series, collecting issues #57-75 and stories from Vertigo Jam and Dust Covers.