The Sandman, Vol. 7: Brief Lives

The Sandman, Vol. 7: Brief Lives

1993 • 168 pages

Ratings90

Average rating4.4

15

Call me crazy but I'm just not overly fond of the family dynamic of the Endless, and this series, which surrounds Delirium's quest to find their estranged brother Destruction, solidified that feeling in a way. That said, the last two chapters do bring the rest of the story together quite well, and redeemed the previous chapters for me.
There's just certain inconsistencies that don't make sense for me, like why do all the Endless have a realm. When people dream they enter that realm, and that also makes sense with death and maybe delirium, but people do not enter the realm of destruction when they destroy, for example. Basically the role of these characters and their realms seems inconsistent, and it kind of bugs me. This volume addresses aspects of that towards the end, as Destruction points out that there is no need for him to direct or interfere in the destructive changes of the universe, but it still seems like these characters are created more for the lyricism and alliteration than for any deep purpose of the aspects' role in life.
This was a classic journey tale, well told and full of wisdom with meditations on change and the role of reason in our lives. It is beautifully drawn. It is a vital work of literature, but considering this series' legendary status, I felt this volume a little trying.

January 9, 2019