The Annotated Sandman comes in two large volumes (issues 1-20 and 21-39) and is worth every penny. Vertigo assembled an introduction from author Neil Gaiman and annotations from the rock star of research Leslie S. Klinger. Klinger gives just enough background, discussions with Gaiman, and research to flesh out Gaiman’s story without getting in its way. The large format black and white reissue breathes new life into familiar images and creates a stark contrast where Klinger’s notes and the comics reside bright white against a black frame. These editions assure that Sandman will have its place in the canon as the great work that it is.