Dream snatcher

Neil Gaiman's dark fantasy set in the world of dreams comes to the screen...

NEW FANTASY DRAMA The Sandman From Friday 5 August, Netflix

Fans of fantasy writer Neil Gaiman have dreamt of seeing his epic comic-book series The Sandman on the screen for more than three decades and their wishes are finally granted this week with Netflix's adaptation of the saga.

Published by DC Comics between 1989 and 1996, the comic-book series runs to 75 issues and centres on Morpheus - AKA Dream - who rules over a land called the Dreaming, a fantastical world that waits for us all when we close our eyes and sleep.

CHANGING WORLDS

Netflix's series is based upon the opening eight parts of the tale and begins in 1916 with Dream being unexpectedly captured and held prisoner for a century. His absence sets off a series of events that will change both the dreaming and waking worlds forever. To restore order, Dream must journey across different worlds and timelines to mend the mistakes he's made during his vast existence.

A film adaptation of the stories has been talked about for over 30 years, but Gaiman, 61, has always refused to allow a screen version - until now.