Content Warning: The following article contains spoilers for the Netflix show The Sandman and the comics it’s based on, as well as discussions of suicide and sexual assault.
Netflix’s The Sandman premiered to critical acclaim earlier this year thanks to its faithful depiction of storylines from its source material, the legendary comic book series by Neil Gaiman. Its accurate portrayal includes disturbing story arcs from the comics like the issues, 24 Hours, Collectors, and, most recently, Calliope.
There are a lot more wild storylines, actions, and s from the comics that the Netflix series will likely steer clear of. Whether it’s because they’re too unsettling, have an art style that’s tricky to adapt, or are just too gruesome, these comic aspects will likely never make it to the adaptation or will at least be significantly different.
Calliope’s Horrific Imprisonment (Issue #17: Calliope)
Calliope’s storyline has already been depicted in the Netflix series, which understandably excludes some of the most horrific parts about her imprisonment. While it’s implied on the show that Richard Madoc rapes the muse for his own twisted inspiration, the scene is depicted without censorship in the comics.
In fact, unlike in the show, the first thing Richard does in the comics after taking Calliope to his home is to rape her. As difficult as it is to imagine, he’s much crueler in the source material compared to the Netflix series, which thankfully and tastefully leaves out portrayals of those comic s.
Element Girl’s Darkest Moments (Issue #20: Façade)
One of the comic moments that prove Death is the best character also happens to be a dark story centered on Element Girl and her inability to die. The DC hero is depicted as a tired loner who wants to end her existence, but physically can’t.
The Netflix series will probably never show all the graphic portrayals of Element Girl’s attempts to die by suicide. She describes her inability to bleed as a deterrent, as well as how she failed to die after inhaling carbon monoxide. These are matter-of-factly shown in the comics, but will hopefully just be mentioned in her conversation with Death if it’s ever adapted.
Entering Azazel (Issue #27: Season Of Mists, Chapter 6)
The show has already introduced the cunning but dim-witted villain, Azazel, who will soon be among the petitioners for the key to Hell after Lucifer Morningstar’s departure. Azazel is an arrogant antagonist who won’t hesitate to use Nada against Dream by baiting him into venturing into his lair to retrieve her.
In the comics, Dream quite literally enters Azazel, which is shown in a mind-bending way. Azazel’s form takes over the s until it’s all there is and Dream navigates the being until he finds Nada. This will certainly be challenging to adapt, as it will require impeccable CGI.
Thessaly’s Witchcraft (Issue #34: Bad Moon Rising)
Thessaly is far from being a slightly annoying neighbor, which the character proves for the first time by demonstrating some handy witchcraft. After murdering the spy sent by the Cuckoo, she skillfully cuts off his face and nails it to the wall, much to the horror of Wanda and their other neighbors.
As if that image isn’t gruesome enough, Thessaly calls upon the dead man (named George) and demands to speak with him about his master. It’s a gory and disturbing sequence that will likely be toned down in the show.
Wanda’s Corpse (Issue #37: I Woke Up And One Of Us Was Crying)
The likable Sandman character Wanda will, unfortunately, be a casualty by the end of Barbie’s story arc. Later on, when Barbie recalls what happened to her friend, she can barely talk about seeing Wanda’s corpse as it’s being carried out of their collapsed building.
It’s certainly not impossible for the Netflix series to show Wanda’s dead body, but if it’s anything like the unnerving depiction of it in the comics, it may raise some eyebrows. Wanda is bound to be a fan favorite character and showing her in that state may be too upsetting for some viewers.
Delirium’s Realm (Issue #46: Brief Lives, Chapter 6)
When compared to her siblings’ realms, Delirium’s stands out for being wild, with its constantly changing colors and shapes making it a dizzying mess for those who can’t navigate it. When it’s shown in the comics, it takes over entire pages and covers them with magazine cutouts, random sentences, and vibrant colors.
It’ll be interesting to see how the Netflix series could adapt this aspect of the comics, as the zaniness and chaotic nature of the realm are essential characteristics that may not translate well onscreen. It’s easier to depict the more stable parts of the location like the broken sundial and Delirium’s residence.
Descending The Caliph’s Palace (Issue #50: Ramadan)
Often cited alongside the best Sandman single storylines, Ramadan tells the story of the Caliph of Baghdad, who bargains with Dream to preserve the glory of his city. Before that, he’s shown descending his impossibly large palace, with each layer unveiling a new dangerous part of the structure.
From a room full of prisoners and a staircase haunted by ghosts to a treasure-filled area and a fiery door, they’ll probably have to cut out some scenes from the enchanting sequence if they want to fit the story in one episode. There are even more magical moments in the city itself (including a magic carpet ride) which could be hard to adapt.
Stuck In A City’s Dream (Issue #51: A Tale of Two Cities)
The first tale told in the World’s End Inn is centered on a man who stumbles upon an entrance to a city that looks much like his own. The critical difference is that the city seems to be daunting and full of shadowy versions of familiar buildings and roads. He later learns that he is lost in the city’s dream of itself and he spends a long time wandering the scary streets.
With its unique art style and vibe, it will be fascinating to see that story arc depicted in the show. It’s memorable in the comics because of how different it is and the way it manages to be creepy because of its atmosphere – these won’t be easy to recreate in the Netflix series.
Dead Bodies In The Necropolis Litharge (Issue #55: Cerements)
Fans of the comics know that the Endless aren’t immune from death and when they do meet their demise, it’s up to the Necropolitans from the Necropolis Litharge to provide their Cerements. The city is introduced in a tale told in the World’s End Inn and some graphic depictions of what the Necropolitans do to their “clients” are shown.
From disemboweling the corpses to feeding them to the birds, it will be difficult to fully show the grotesque images from that storyline. The show will likely have to omit some of the more disturbing portrayals of the city’s clients.
The View From The Worlds’ End Inn (Issue #56: Worlds' End)
An iconic moment that points to Dream’s demise takes place in the World’s End Inn towards the end of the reality storm. As the guests look out of the inn’s windows, they stare up to see gigantic and otherworldly figures in the sky. Destiny leads the procession, followed by Dream’s casket, mourners, and the rest of the Endless.
It’s an awe-inspiring sequence that will require a lot of build-up, as well as excellent CGI that can emphasize the mystical vibe of the towering characters. It’s also an important one to show before the events of The Kindly Ones, as it hints at the ending of the overarching narrative.
