TCCDM Dig and Flip: "Sandman Mystery Theatre: Book Two" - Matt Wagner, Steven T. Seagle, Guy Davis (2016)

Sandman Mystery Theatre: Book Two
Matt Wagner and Steven T. Seagle
Guy Davis (Illustrator)
Vertigo (2016)
Graphic softcover, 384 pages    

It's the 1930s and Sandman is the wealthy, but unassuming, Wesley Dodds.  Dodds is a gentleman compelled to solve murders in the decadent streets of New York City.  His unique method of crime-chasing is by secretly donning a gas mask, carrying a sleeping gas gun, and slipping out during the late night hours to find answers.  As I have said in the past, the premise sounds big-time lame, but the writing and drawing pull you right in.

The 2nd volume is stronger than its predecessor.  This graphic novel has a dark noir-ish vibe making everything seamy and perfect for the telling.  Pages are filled with glittery decadence and gritty, sleazy shadows.  And neither the violence nor sex is sugar-coated.  The stories are probably not meant for the innocent.

Sandman Mystery Theatre: Book Two (inside)

Surprisingly, in Sandman Mystery Theatre: Book Two, the major protagonist is the young gal about town, Dian Belmont.  Belmont is the strongly independent young daughter of the police commissioner and regular dating companion of Wesley "Sandman" Dodds.   Dian Belmont is a cool trip.  Like Nancy Drew, but with a bit more swish in the dish.

The stories are as much about where the romance dance of Diane Belmont/Wesley Dodds is leading...as it is about the depraved and disturbing murders going on around them.  Both are equally fascinating.  Everything works.  The writing and drawing team on this golden age project is perfect.  This graphic novel includes three regular issue stories plus an annual.  Sandman Mystery Theatre: Book Two gets everything right and I can't wait to get my hands on the next one.

"Show Biz Kids" Steely Dan / (Rare) TV performance (1973)

Good stuff.

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