The Dreaming: Waking Hours #8: Not in Kansas Anymore

The Dreaming: Waking Hours #8 takes the reader off to see the wonderful land of Faerie, but it is apparent right away that things aren’t so wonderful. This issue gives off major Wizard of Oz vibes, but not the 1939 film, I’m talking about the creepy sequel, Land of Oz. I’m all about it. “The Faerie King” is already looking like it will be a memorable arc. Heather, Ruin, and Jophiel have amazing chemistry and Jophiel trying to pull his companions away from lustful faerie folk was extremely enjoyable to see.

Willow Wilson has the knack for making dialogue feel natural even when dealing with the supernatural. “The Faerie King” arc contains characters that would feel right at home in the original run of Sandman, but at the same time, they feel completely contemporary. Writers like Wilson, and Si Spurrier before her, are perfect fits for writing The Dreaming. It takes absolute talent to bring something like the Dreaming, a realm that exists outside of time, into the present day without feeling forced. It has been a pleasure to see amazing writers breathe new life into such a classic series without feeling like a complete departure from the original run.

A major highlight of Waking Hours has been Nick Robles’ art. One of the best ways to describe it would be “dreamy,” which seems so appropriate. His art was able to shine even brighter in issue #8 when we are transported to Faerie. We are told that Faerie is one of the most beautiful places, while the landscape may be ravaged by war, Robles’ visuals are still stunning. Mat Lopes’ colors and Robles’ art are a perfect marriage, though I will forever be partial to Evely Bilquis and Mat Lopes’ run on The Dreaming. Lopes brings magic to the pages of The Dreaming and that magic is a major factor in what makes Waking Hours such a special standout in the Sandman Universe.