Sandman Mystery Theatre

MATT WAGNER / STEVEN T. SEAGLE / GUY DAVIS /VERTIGO/DC

     Due to the fact that DC has not given one of the greatest comic series of the 1990s its proper due with a series of trade paper backs, Sandman Mystery Theatre is often underrated, if not overlooked, by fandom.  Considering the outstanding writing talent evident in comics today, it is understandable that many readers may have forgotten that there were several noteworthy titles soldiering on through the creative sludge of the ‘90s, titles consistently delivering the goods month after month.   Sandman Mystery Theatre not only defied the seemingly inexorable pull of mediocrity so pervasive in that decade, but helped set the standard for comics that elevate the medium today.  

     Writer Matt Wagner and artist Guy Davis (later joined by excellent co-writer Steven Seagle), revisit the long-dormant Golden Age hero, Wesley Dodds, who utilizes his technological ingenuity (exemplified by his anesthetic spray gun and eerie WWI gas mask), keen detecting skills, and hand-to-hand combat prowess to fight crime.  

     From that template, Wagner and co. render a character of great depth, a man of privilege and education, struggling to maintain that façade while he is both driven and haunted by ominous dreams of future crimes (a connection to Gaiman’s Sandman is introduced).  All the while, his alter ego roams the back alleys and slums of late ‘30s NYC, pursuing sociopaths who have committed heinous crimes.

     Fans of detective stories, old movie serials, romance (Wesley’s complicated, evolving relationship with perceptive, independent Dian Belmont is at the core of the title’s greatness), the Golden Age, and pulp fiction will all delight in this series.  From mesmerizing photo montage covers featuring models, period clothing and props, as well as a catchy, pulpy quote relating to the story (i.e.”…murmuring cold, heartless flirtations, she wet her lips…daring him to ever say no.”) to intricate, fully realized mysteries and a chilling rogues gallery (no costumed super-villains here), the book both entertains and challenges the reader.  The Golden Age is not disregarded or disrespected, but shown from the perspective of a brave, conflicted man patrolling its menacing shadows, and combating the ghastly crimes they produce.

Sandman Mystery Theatre enjoyed a 70 issue run from 1993 to 1999.  DC has finally begun reprinting the series in trade format.  3 volumes are currently available.