Last night, we had our Comics Experience Book Club.  Once again, it was a great experience, which I highly recommend for both fans and aspiring comic's creators.  This month's book was Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman.  Not only did we discuss Gaiman's history and the elements of the story.  But, we also delved into the story structure, art framing, and creative choices made by Gaiman.  For example, we discussed the fact that Morpheus really doesn't behave as a typical protaganist since he is not the one who brings about the climax of the book.  I won't say more for fear of spoiling the story.  It is exactly this type of insight that makes these monthly book clubs a joy to take part in. 

More after the jump.

Next month, we do Walking Dead.  I'm looking forward to this for two reasons.  First, I love Walking Dead.  The book delivers each and every month without fail.  the author, Robert Kirkman perfectly understands that a good zombie story has nothing to do with zombies.  Rather, a good zombie story is really about the survivors and how they adapt to their new situation.  Second, Robert Kirkman will actually be joining us to discuss the book.  Not only am I big fan of his work, but this offers a rare opportunity to pick his brain on his creative choices and get advice on writing comics. 

If you would like to join the club, you can go to Comics Experience and join. 

For my part in the club, I discussed the history and creation of the Vertigo Line and discussed the crossovers between DCU proper characters and Vertigo characters, in general, and Gaiman's use of superheroes in Sandman, in specific.  For pure entertainment,  I included the following two (poorly made) artist interpretations that show 1) what would have happened if the Disney's Touchmark/Vertigo merger had ended up differently and 2) what would happen if the DC/vertigo was taken to it's extreme.  I have also added links to buy the books.  Enjoy.

Hope to see you at the next book club, which is scheduled for March 9, 2010.