Source: en.wikipedia.org
So, despite the last issue being rather meh, I decided to pick up the next collection in The Sandman. And I don’t regret it at all. This book is pretty unique in that the plotline is linear and each short story builds on the last one; We follow Delirium this time. She has a sudden urge to go on a family quest seek out Destruction (their brother, who, 300 years ago, ditched his role as a member of The Endless, to live on Earth). All Delirium’s siblings turn her away in attempts to respect Destruction’s privacy. All except, of course, Dream. Dream’s recent romantic endeavor went up in flames, and, being the wonderfully melodramatic character he is, made in rain in The Dreaming for a week (just so he could stand on his balcony and think about her, I told you he’s melodramatic). In an effort to distract himself, Dream agrees to join Delirium, but has no plans of actually finding his brother. My favourite sub-plotline has to do with the priests of Orpheus. Orpheus’ back-story is heavily alluded to but not thoroughly explained; According to Classic Mythology Orpheus was a legendary poet and musician. When his wife, Eurydice dies moments after their wedding, Orpheus ventures into Hades’ realm to retrieve her. Long story short, he fails and is ripped apart by beasts when he comes back up to the world of the living, but the nine Muses preserve his head so he can sing. This plotline looks at the modern-day temple of Orpheus, and the abilities he still possesses to help Morpheus.
All in all, Brief Lives was great! I especially enjoyed the portrayal of Destruction as a jolly red-headed fine arts fanatic and, of course, Dream’s hilarious melodrama. Can’t wait to dig into the next one!
