I started reading Neil Gaiman's "Sandman." As a huge Neil Gaiman fan, it is simply a pleasure to finally be reading what man consider to be the author's best work. I've only read 10 issues, so I can't say if that grand statement is true, but so far it has been very good. There are two stories of note that stick with me.
The first is a stand-alone issue wherein Dream's sister, Death, visits him. They wander throughout the world, Death taking those whose time has come. Death does not discriminate. Young and old are her targets. The story startled me when I thought about it. Death takes people with such nonchalance. There is no hatred or warmth, no smiles or frowns. Death has a duty to perform and she will do so.
There is comfort in this, I suppose, knowing that the final judgment in one's life will be devoid of bias. However, the story takes a disturbing turn when Death approaches a newborn child. She lifts the child's soul from its body and the child, sadly, I think, says,
"Is that all I get?"
To which Death responds, "I'm afraid so."
This single panel inspired me to attempt writing a story about Death. About this scene, actually. It will be fanfiction (Death is even female in my story), but I need to try. Gaiman is what I wish to write. His stories all take place in a world where myths are real. I have always wanted to write fantasy, but the idea of writing in the fantasy genre doesn't appeal to me as much as it once did. I still get ideas, and will one day finish a fantasy novel I have started titled Darkness Falls, but my strengths as a writer rests in other areas.
I'm writing a short piece to read aloud later this month. I'll post it here when I'm done.
