I am in a state of shock.

You know that feeling after you've read a really good book, one that makes you think, except that you can't because for the moment you just have to stand back in awe of the masterpiece? That's how I feel right now, after finishing The Sandman graphic novel series, by Neil Gaiman (who is, by the way, a literary god, and possibly the earthly incarnation of Dream himself). For those of you that have read it, I'm sure you know where I'm coming from when I say that I'm not sure when I'll be able to bring myself to read something else, since nothing could possibly match the artistry and brilliance of The Sandman. Not to mention that I'm still reeling from the tragedy at the end of The Kindly Ones, although it was inevitable, and the only way for the series to end.

If you haven't read it, stop what you're doing, forget about whatever books you might be reading, and go get Preludes and Nocturnes (the first volume). Now. And don't even think about stopping because it gets exponentially better with each chapter.

I have read many of Neil's other works, and love them all, but The Sandman is completely mind-blowing.

I'm going to go wander off in a daze, now. Good night.