Set Description:
It started with an impulse decision to bid on Sandman #1 CGC 9.8 in 2016. I ended up winning the auction and it went on from there.
I read the series years after it had finished. I found it to be brilliant, intelligent and unlike anything I'd ever read in comics. It established Gaiman and earned him numerous awards.
After I acquired the #1 I thought I might go for the first 10-25. But I found others outside of that range that I'd pick up while still looking for the initial group. Eventually my need to complete the set took over. With my recent purchase of Sandman #75 2nd print in 9.8 (SS), upgrading my 9.6 copy, I now have the complete set in 9.8.
Along the way I started buying signature series and sketch books. Something I had always avoided up until putting this set together. Now I count as friends several of the Sandman creative team and have worked with others as well.
Putting this set together has been fun, challenging, maddening, rewarding, etc. There have been highs and lows.
Biggest hunt/luckiest buy: Sandman #50 Platinum 9.8
Hindsight: Sandman #10 SS Dringenberg
Trade/International: Sandman #35
Shouldn't be this hard: Sandman 18A (everyone subs the 18B and the 18A gets overlooked)
First sketched purchase: Sandman #66
Iconic: Sandman #1 SS Dringenberg 'For Ebay'
Completion premium: Sandman 75 Second Print
Rare 9.9: Sandman: Facsimile Ed. #1 signed by Neil
I will now work on upgrading blues to yellow where I can. I'd also like to put together a mini-set of CGC 9.8 SS Dringenberg signed books for all of the issues he worked on.
I'd like to thank mschmidt for his early help both with books and knowledge. His sets are the Gold standard for Sandman.
Jiri and Sir James who probably contributed to at least a third or more of this set between their books.
Greatest thanks and appreciation though goes to Bchin22. A random purchase several years ago led to a friendship and some of the absolute crown jewels of this set.
Thanks for taking a look. If anyone is ever looking to sell or talk Sandman, then feel free to message me. It's always nice to meet fellow collectors.
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