At Death's Door

by Jill Thompson

Book Overview

When Lucifer Morningstar abdicates, leaving the Key to Hell with Dream, Death and her sisters Delirium and Despair gather the escaped denizens of Hell in Death's apartment, while Dream decides the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1563899388
• ISBN13: 9781563899386
• Release Date: July 2003
• Publisher: DC Comics
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.4" x 7.5"

Customer Reviews

Great fun!!!

After reading the article about shoujo manga in Time, I went down to the local comic store that Saturday and bought this! I loved it, and I reread it every day! :) Basically, Death has to deal with zillions of dead people when her dear older brother, goes to Hell to rescue his one true love, and sending her there after a spat! The humor is quite sarcatic, and is similar to that seen in a Tim Burton movie. Death is really cool as a lead character, and this is a good manga to read! One caveat: Due to the fact that there is a good amount of blood and nudity, and references to religion, I would say that if you wanted to read this, you should be over the age of 16. Other than that, awesome comic!

Fun! Retelling

I'm not a big fan of manga, per se. I have read a few and found them enjoyable. I am a huge fan of Gaiman and Sandman, however, which is the only reason why I picked up this book. So I can't comment of whether this is a "good" Americanized version of manga. I can however say that the style perfectly suits the story. It's a fun retake on the "Seasons of Mists" Sandman storyline, from Death's point of view. The art is breezy and fun and comical at points. I can't emphasize FUN enough. Revisiting these old characters and themes are fun for the reader (though, maybe not for the characters), and I think that it's that essence that Jill Thompson was trying to capture. In my opinion, she did a magnificent job. Also, in response to those that say that this isn't a good intro, I'm letting a friend borrow both this and my "Seasons of Mist" hardcover as a way to get introduced to the Sandman world. I figure that the little red book is whimsical enough and a quick enough read to give a general idea of what it's about, and then Seasons can really grab them.

Finally! An American comic-turned-manga done right!

After other US comics have failed to be made into a decent manga, Jill Thompson finally succeeds with this little "miqual" to the DC Comics/Vertigo Sandman universe. In the world of the Dreaming, Dream is given the keys to Hell after Lucifer decides to retire from torturing the damned. Dream now has every other divine being coming to him bidding for the keys. Meanwhile, his sisters Death, Delirium, and Dispair have their hands full dealing with all the lost souls who were cast out of Hell now that its temporarily closed for business. So they're all crashing at a big party at Death's joint. Dream resolves the issue of who is Hell's new grand poobah, and life(or really the afterlife)returns to normal for Death. This is probably the best chapter in the Sandman storyline, mostly because its real fun and gives a whole new flavor to the supporting characters. Definately get this one, whether your a manga fan or not!

"Season of Mists" behind the scenes action!

Jill Thompson has applied her unique talents to this behind-the-scenes look at the events of Neil Gaiman's "Season of Mists." The story begins with Destiny's gathering af the Endless and proceeds through the release of the Damned from Hell. Then Thompson's narrative kicks in. Ever wonder what Death was up to when those souls were released? Well, apparently most of them showed up in her realm looking for something to do. Delirium and Despair have to keep the lost souls entertained to keep them from wandering off as Death goes scouting for the stragglers.The story is pretty light and breezy with Jill Thompsons trademark wit and penchant for Macabre-Cute. The most fascinating parts are the places the story crosses over with the "Season" storyline and Gaiman's original dialogue is used. Comparing the two books side-by-side reveals Thompson's respect for the original while adding a twist to the proceedings. If you're a Sandman fan I highly recommend this book. However, those who haven't read "Season of Mists" probably won't have a clue as to what's going on. Also, if any people are put off by Manga Style comics (and I know a lot are) this book might be a little much. It is done in a very cartoony, black-and-white, sketch Manga Style (down to the fangs and bloody noses)but comes across as very authentic. Energetic, well paced and fun!