Paperback, 160 pages
English language
Published Sept. 1, 2004 by Vertigo.
The Sandman is a comic book series written by Neil Gaiman and published by DC Comics / Vertigo. This book is the fifth in the series, titled "Brief lives"
I am not sure why I didn't enjoy this book the first time I read it. I had all but forgotten the storyline and reading it now was a surprise. The characters are amazing, the ideas, the whole plot, the darkness and all the weirdness going on. What a rainbow of emotions!...
But for some critical mistakes this could have been my favorite sandman novel. But alas, it was not meant to be. For all of it's interesting CIS gender women characters and anti-princess plot, the diversity (race and trans) seemed forced and off balance.
Focusing in on our main character Barbie, I was a huge fan. I felt like Gaiman did a really great job turning the princess trope on its head. When we first meet Barbie we might be tempted to judge her as shallow. With blond hair, blue eyes, dull childhood and a name synonymous with obscene beauty standards she seems like the patriarchy's wet dream!
But of course as we get to know her and explore her dream kingdom we discover a strong, creative and intricate character! And seeing her supported and encouraged by all the interesting and mature ladies that live in her building - it was …
But for some critical mistakes this could have been my favorite sandman novel. But alas, it was not meant to be. For all of it's interesting CIS gender women characters and anti-princess plot, the diversity (race and trans) seemed forced and off balance.
Focusing in on our main character Barbie, I was a huge fan. I felt like Gaiman did a really great job turning the princess trope on its head. When we first meet Barbie we might be tempted to judge her as shallow. With blond hair, blue eyes, dull childhood and a name synonymous with obscene beauty standards she seems like the patriarchy's wet dream!
But of course as we get to know her and explore her dream kingdom we discover a strong, creative and intricate character! And seeing her supported and encouraged by all the interesting and mature ladies that live in her building - it was a breath of fresh air. Finally a man who understands woman and isn't afraid to write about them well!
That said, this story was not without its issues. For one, Maisie seemed a little too much like the "magical African American" trope For another, why on earth did Wanda need to die at the end?
It is rather unfortunate that a comic that speaks to my experience so strongly can be so divisive for other women. And while Wanda has been named in the top 10 trans characters by gay-nerds, a lot of the reviews I read by trans women said it felt pretty cliche. Some even found it offensively so. But everyone seems to agree that Wanda should not have died. Because even while the nightmare ends and everyone else gets to ride off into their respective sunsets, the trans woman is shipped back home to be buried as someone she never was.
Once again I am reminded how much I still have yet to learn.
