Sandman #1

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DC (1989)
First Sandman Comic, First Appearance Morpheus

The Sandman #1 (1989) isn’t just a key issue—it’s the opening chapter of one of the most important, most celebrated comic series ever made. It marks the birth of Neil Gaiman’s masterpiece and the beginning of a radical shift in what comics could be.

 

1. First Appearance of Dream (Morpheus), One of DC's Most Iconic Modern Characters

This issue marks the first appearance of Dream / Morpheus and The modern version of The Endless mythology (Destiny, Death, etc., are referenced later)

Author Neil Gaiman reinvented the concept of anthropomorphic personifications and created a brand-new mythology that became hugely influential across comics and literature.

Dream’s first appearance alone makes this a major key.

 

2. The Beginning of Neil Gaiman’s Landmark Series

This issue launches the 75-issue Sandman saga, which is widely regarded as:

• One of the greatest comics ever written

• A literary classic

• A genre-defining fantasy/horror work

Gaiman’s blend of horror, folklore, mythology, and poetic storytelling starts right here.

 

3. A Foundational Work of the "Mature Readers" / Vertigo Era

Sandman #1 arrived just as DC was shifting toward more adult storytelling. It helped set the tone for what would later become the Vertigo imprint.  Without Sandman’s success, we may not have gotten:

• Hellblazer’s long life

• Preacher

• Transmetropolitan

• Fables

This book was part of the wave that proved comics could be sophisticated, literary, and aimed squarely at adults.

 

4. A Revolutionary Tone and Genre Shift

Issue #1 isn’t superhero action—it’s:

• Gothic

• Cerebral

• Mythic

• Philosophical

• Horror-driven

Nothing else on the stands looked or read like this.

It was a complete departure from mainstream comics in tone and ambition.
That uniqueness is obvious right from the very first issue.

 

5. First Appearance of Roderick Burgess & The Occult Ritual That Shapes the Whole Series

Issue #1 begins with:

• The occult imprisonment of Dream

• The century-long consequences across the waking world

• The setup that drives the first major arc (“Preludes and Nocturnes”)

It’s one of the most memorable opening chapters in modern comics.

 

6. Cultural and Literary Importance

Sandman #1 is the start of a series that:

• Won the World Fantasy Award

• Is taught in college literature courses

• Inspired endless academic essays

• Has remained in print continuously since 1991

• Spawned an Audible series, Netflix adaptation, and dozens of spin-offs

This issue is the spark that ignited a cultural phenomenon.

9.6 NM+
Pages: White
CGC 0195024026

Art: Neil Gaiman story Sam Kieth & Mike Dringenberg art Dave McKean cover


Key: 1st appearance of Morpheus. Wesley Dodds cameo.