This volume is the first in the series written by Neil Gaiman who won his spurs with her extraordinary writer (he had just realized before Violent Cases and Black Orchid). It takes the name of Sandman (having a heavy burden with several incarnations more or less obscure) and reinvents everything, while remaining consistent with other incarnations. Morpheus is held prisoner by an occultist named Roderick Burgess 70 years. He finally has the opportunity to break free and will embark on a quest to recover the objects of power.
This volume is already out your original poetic enough, even if it is a pride to the horror (the restaurant scene is quite challenging) and also in the DC Universe with more lesser known characters appearances (John Constantine Scott Free, Martian Manhunter, Scarecrow, Etrigan the Demon, the first Sandman and Doctor Destiny). From that first book, Neil Gaiman plays in a separate category. Illustrations are already quite far from traditional designs of comics, even if they sometimes seem a little unfulfilled or the draftsman and inker seem to have enough time. Note also that this volume includes the first appearance of Lucifer and the big sister Death. The story continues, develops, grows and depth in The Sandman: Doll's House.