Omnibus 1
Sandman Mystery Theatre Book One
Written by comics legend Matt Wagner and illustrated by acclaimed artists Guy Davis, John Watkiss and R.G. Taylor, this first volume of the complete SANDMAN MYSTERY THEATRE collects issues #1-12 of the classic Vertigo series and features an insightful introduction by author and pop culture historian Dave Marsh.
The year is 1938, and the world is holding its breath-mesmerized by the onrushing storm that will soon engulf it in fire and steel. In New York City, one man's sleep is filled with tormenting visions of the evils that mankind visits upon itself, compelling him to act. And so, by night, Wesley Dodds lays aside the trappings of his inherited wealth to roam the shadows as the Sandman, armed with a tranquilizing gas gun and driven by an unrelenting sense of justice.
Haunted and obsessed, the Sandman moves through a decadent, post-Depression landscape, stalking the predators who hide themselves beneath society's callous indifference to the weak and vulnerable. No one sees him at his work until he chooses to reveal himself-no one, that is, except the woman who is destined to be the light to his darkness.
Omnibus 2
Sandman Mystery Theatre Book Two
NONE CAN ESCAPE THE SANDMAN'S DARK DREAMS
The year is 1938, and the world is holding its breath—mesmerized by the onrushing storm that will soon engulf it in fire and steel. In New York City, one man's sleep is filled with tormenting visions of the evils that mankind visits upon itself, compelling him to act. And so, by night, Wesley Dodds lays aside the trappings of his inherited wealth to roam the shadows as the Sandman, armed with a tranquilizing gas gun and driven by an unrelenting sense of justice.
Haunted and obsessed, the Sandman moves through a decadent, post-Depression landscape, stalking the predators who hide themselves beneath society's callous indifference to the weak and vulnerable. No one sees him at his work until he chooses to reveal himself—no one, that is, except the woman who is destined to be the light to his darkness.
Written by comics legends Matt Wagner and Steven T. Seagle and illustrated by acclaimed artists Guy Davis and Vince Locke, this second volume of the complete SANDMAN MYSTERY THEATRE collects issues #13-24 of the classic Vertigo series and also includes the never-before-reprinted SANDMAN MYSTERY THEATRE ANNUAL #1, featuring stunning guest artwork from Alex Ross, David Lloyd, John Bolton and more.
Issue 1
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #1
The Tarantula, Act One." The film-noir-style series kicks off with an opening arc following Wesley Dodds as he tracks the Tarantula, a mysterious kidnapper who wants the last dance on every young woman's card!
Issue 2
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #2
His first victim dead, the Tarantula has caught another in his web. While the police try to untangle the kidnapper's plot, Dian Belmont tries to unravel the threads linking the murder, the masked stranger she cornered in the ladies' room at the police precinct, and the increasingly intriguing Wesley Dodds. 'The Tarantula, Act Two.'
Issue 3
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #3
As another illustrious debutante falls prey to the killing web, the Sandman finds the first link in the chain of clues that will lead him to the lair of the murderous kidnapper. Meanwhile, Dian collects information about another mysterious character—Wesley Dodds! 'The Tarantula, Act Three.'
Issue 4
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #4
The finale of the SANDMAN MYSTERY THEATRE's opening act, 'The Tarantula!' Sordid secrets that curse the Goldman family are brought to light, while the Sandman waits in the wings to unmask the murderous kidnapper!
Issue 5
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #5
The Face' Act 1! A new murderer makes his mark, and Wesley Dodds must again don his mask...or confront dark dreams. The mysterious villain the Face takes only heads, and Chinatown gangs will take to the streets if the Sandman doesn't find the killer first.
Issue 6
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #6
Wesley Dodds assumes his alternative countenance of the Sandman and begins his pursuit of the enigmatic assassin, while Dian Belmont ponders the resumption of an old relationship with Jimmy Shan. 'The Face' Act 2!
Issue 7
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #7
The third act of 'The Face!' More heads tumble free of shoulders as Dian becomes enmeshed in the Face's machinations and Jimmy Shan begins to fall apart, all as Wesley unearths more clues about the identity of the master assassin.
Issue 8
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #8
Dian confronts the Sandman, and the mask is peeled off the malicious murderer known as the Face. Who lies underneath? Find out in the final act of 'The Face!'
Issue 9
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #9
The Brute,' Act One. Wesley Dodds's dark dreams grow more intense, as a retired boxer gets pulled back into the ring. His efforts there are meant to save his child, and he draws the Sandman into a complex conspiracy involving child abuse and boxing scams.
Issue 10
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #10
Wesley Dodds delves deeper into the ugly world of illegal boxing, while Dian finds an unwanted child. 'The Brute,' Act 2.
Issue 11
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #11
Even as Wesley Dodds continues his probe into the horrifying history of the Brute, twin tragedies strike the Ramsey family. 'The Brute,' Act 3.
Issue 12
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #12
Dian, the victim of a brutal assault, struggles for her life while the Sandman brings to light the hideous truth of the boxing scam and learns the horrifying secret of the Brute! 'The Brute,' Act 4.
Issue 13
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #13
The Vamp' part 1! Just as his relationship with Dian Belmont ignites, Wesley Dodds must contend with dark dreams of brutal murders—handsome young socialites found completely drained of blood. The Sandman's latest case begins!
Issue 14
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #14
The Sandman continues to seek the truth behind the Vamp's bizarre murder spree, while Dian and Wesley are drawn further into a beguiling web of intrigue. 'The Vamp' part 2.
Issue 15
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #15
As Dian's friend Carol is drawn further into a web of murderous intrigue, the seductive Vamp sets her sights on Wesley Dodds, unaware that he is the Sandman. Can Wesley put this mystery to sleep before it's lights out for him? 'The Vamp' part 3.
Issue 16
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #16
The Vamp' concludes. Lives are shattered and left in ruin as the Sandman reveals the identity of the elusive Vamp. Meanwhile, the course of Dian Belmont and Wesley Dodds's relationship takes an unexpected turn.
Issue 17
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #17
The Scorpion,' Act One. The latest case raises the stakes higher than ever for the Golden Age Sandman when Dian becomes the target of the Scorpion, a serial killer who wields a poison-tipped whip!
Issue 18
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #18
The whip-wielding madman's homicidal crusade continues and Wesley Dodds, the Golden Age Sandman, is about the feel the sting of the Scorpion as his next intended victim! 'The Scorpion,' Act Two.
Issue 19
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #19
After a close encounter with the Scorpion, the Golden Age Sandman begins to put the pieces of the puzzle together and track his adversary's bloody trail. 'The Scorpion,' Act Three.
Issue 20
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #20
The Scorpion' concludes! The Golden Age Sandman collides with the whip-wielding Scorpion who then pays a lethal price for his greed for power. But before the curtain closes, a significant change occurs in Wesley Dodds's life!
Issue 21
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #21
Dr. Death' act 1! The elderly in Manhattan are dying under mysterious circumstances. The Golden Age Sandman suspects foul play, but in seeking the killer, Wesley Dodds may end up exposing his secret identity to Dian.
Issue 22
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #22
Dr. Death continues to issue lethal prescriptions to Manhattan's elderly citizens, even as Dian and Wesley's relationship comes to a crossroads. 'Dr. Death' act 2.
Issue 23
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #23
More of Manhattan's geriatric citizenry is slain while Dian, sleuthing and seducing, turns up the heat for the Golden Age Sandman. 'Dr. Death' act 3.
Issue 24
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #24
As the Golden Age Sandman comes closer to learning the identity of Dr. Death, Dian closes in on Wesley Dodds's secrets until all stands revealed! 'Dr. Death' act 4.
Issue 25
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #25
Night of the Butcher' act 1! He feeds on human flesh, brutally dismembering victims to satisfy his obscene hunger, and he is but the newest nightmare facing the Golden Age Sandman!
Issue 26
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #26
As the Butcher's insatiable appetite continues unabated, the Golden Age Sandman's dreams become violent nightmares. 'Night of the Butcher' act 2.
Issue 27
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #27
Without the help of his precognitive dreams or the sustaining love of Dian, Wesley Dodds may well become the Butcher's next meal. 'Night of the Butcher' act 3.
Issue 28
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #28
Lt. Burke and his men descend into the depths of an urban hell, while Dian gives the Golden Age Sandman the final clue he needs to stop the city's most grisly killer! 'Night of the Butcher' act 4.
Issue 29
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #29
The Hourman' act 1! A new vigilante comes to town, one the Golden Age Sandman will eventually know rather well: his future JSA teammate the Hourman Rex Tyler!
Issue 30
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #30
The Man of the Hour is wounded in an effort to help an abused family, and the Golden Age Sandman's quest for Rex Tyler proves less than fruitful. 'The Hourman' act 2.
Issue 31
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #31
A mysterious assassin from the past arrives with a scheme involving decapitation, while Wesley Dodds and Rex Tyler get ready for a masquerade ball—in their original Golden Age costumes. 'The Hourman' act 3.
Issue 32
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #32
The Breezy Boys make their final move at a lavish masquerade gala, forcing the Golden Age Sandman and the Hourman to dodge bullets. Thankfully they're already dressed for the occasion. 'The Hourman' act 4.
Issue 33
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #33
The Python' act 1! The Golden Age Sandman's dreams return and warn him of a new killer stalking the streets, ready to squeeze the life from the sinful and the corrupt.
Issue 34
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #34
As the Golden Age Sandman hunts the mysterious Python, Dian continues her new exercise regimen at Jake Bonoir's fitness classes. 'The Python' act 2.
Issue 35
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #35
The Python's grip continues to tighten on the city and provides lots of trouble for the Golden Age Sandman—both with respect to the case and his relationship with Dian. 'The Python' act 3.
Issue 36
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #36
It's Sandman versus animal as Wesley Dodds confronts the Python! But in his obsession, has the work of the Sandman suffocated the personal life of Wesley Dodds? 'The Python' act 4.
Issue 37
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #37
The Mist' act 1! With the decade coming to a close and war apparently looming ever nearer two inventors travel to New York to pitch their ideas—one of those inventors being Ted Knight, also known as the Starman!
Issue 38
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #38
Mysterious accidents continue to occur all across the city and the Golden Age Sandman heads out to investigate—in his brand-new costume! 'The Mist' act 2.
Issue 39
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #39
The Golden Age Sandman teams up with Ted Knight—the original Starman and future JSAer—to discover the secret behind the city's recent slew of accidents and deaths! 'The Mist' act 3.
Issue 40
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #40
Witness the birth of a classic Starman villain as the Golden Age Sandman and Ted Knight search for answers behind the mysterious mist-related crimes. 'The Mist' act 4.
Issue 41
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #41
Phantom of the World's Fair' part 1! It's 1939 and the New York World's Fair is in full swing when the butchered bodies of several young men are found around the fairgrounds. The blood scent from these murders filters into the dreams of Wesley Dodds, drawing in the Golden Age Sandman.
Issue 42
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #42
Wesley Dodds's dreams are besieged by images of brutal crimes plaguing the 1939 New York City World's Fair. Thus, the Fair becomes the hunting ground of the Golden Age Sandman—and a cop named Jim Corrigan, who will one day become the Spectre! 'Phantom of the World's Fair' part 2.
Issue 43
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #43
Tragedy strikes the life of Wesley Dodds as the sinister Phantom of the Fair claims the life of someone close to him. Meanwhile, Lt. Burke and his team of detectives continue their relentless investigation into the unsavory murders. 'Phantom of the World's Fair' part 3.
Issue 44
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #44
Phantom of the World's Fair' concludes at the 1939 World's Fair, which has become a carnival of horror when a serial killer leaves his mutilated victims strung up on the fair grounds. When a friend of Wesley's becomes the latest victim, the Sandman closes in on the shocking truth behind the killer!
Issue 45
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #45
The Blackhawk' part 1! As Hitler and Mussolini forge a 'Pact of Steel' in Europe, the Golden Age Sandman finds himself drawn into international intrigue when a brash and passionate young Polish pilot petitions Wesley Dodds and others to finance Resistance efforts overseas. But a string of murders seems to follow this pilot—whom the Sandman will come to know as Blackhawk!
Issue 46
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #46
Arrested by the New York police for the murder of a young coed, Polish pilot Janos Prohaska—the Blackhawk—faces certain death unless the Golden Age Sandman can help prove his innocence and find the real killer without revealing Prohaska's secret mission in America. 'The Blackhawk' part 2.
Issue 47
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #47
As Wesley Dodds races to prove the innocence of Polish pilot Janos Prohaska—known as the high-flying Blackhawk—another murder is committed, one that enrages the European Resistance! 'The Blackhawk' part 3.
Issue 48
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #48
The Blackhawk' finale! An investors' group committed to supporting the European Resistance flies into an uproar following a murder in their ranks. Polish airman and Blackhawk Janos Prohaska is again the prime suspect, but the Golden Age Sandman plots to spring the young pilot from jail in a last-ditch effort to uncover the truth.
Issue 49
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #49
The Scarlet Ghost' part 1! Truth is stranger than fiction in the seedy world of pulp magazines, as one publisher becomes a target for sabotage and murder and the Golden Age Sandman sets out to learn who's trying to stop the presses!
Issue 50
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #50
Murder again hits a shady dime-novel press, but the gruesome methods are being foretold in their own books—and the police want to know why. Behind the scenes, the Golden Age Sandman delves deeper into an increasingly dangerous situation. 'The Scarlet Ghost' part 2.
Issue 51
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #51
A mysterious crime wave in the seedy pulp publishing business has turned horrendously personal for Wesley Dodds. As the love of his life, Dian Belmont, lies in a coma following the bombing of a shady publisher's office, the Golden Age Sandman verges on brutality as he hunts the culprits! 'The Scarlet Ghost' part 3.
Issue 52
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #52
The Scarlet Ghost' concludes, and thrills and shocking twists run nonstop! The Golden Age Sandman stands off against a gang of thugs hired to destroy a publishing company, unaware that, across town, an assassin stalks his loved ones.
Issue 53
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #53
The Crone' part 1! Manhattanites are riveted to their radios for the exciting new serial drama 'The Coming of Night.' But as tensions flare in the real lives of the show's cast, its outrageous plots take second stage to the shocking murders that befall its performers!
Issue 54
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #54
The cast of the hit radio drama 'The Coming of Night' has been decimated by the grisly real-life murders of two actors. As his investigation sheds light on the twisted relationships among the show's stars and producers, the Golden Age Sandman learns there's far more drama behind the scenes than anything that happens on air. 'The Crone' part 2.
Issue 55
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #55
As a string of murders expands its reach from actors to executives, Wesley Dodds realizes that the killer seeks the complete downfall of America's young wireless industry. Suspects abound, but it's a midnight visit to an uneasy ally that provides solid clues. 'The Crone' part 3.
Issue 56
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #56
The Crone' concludes! Four employees of radio station RBC have died at the hands of a murderous old woman, and the Golden Age Sandman's investigation stalls—until he decides to offer himself as bait. Meanwhile, Dian Belmont makes a momentous decision about her unborn child.
Issue 57
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #57
The Cannon' part 1! Coin collectors descend upon New York for a convention, and the police follow, suspecting a market for illegally smuggled gold from Nazi Germany. One collector's craving for ill-gotten gold proves fatal, and Lieutenant Burke and the Sandman immediately compete for clues.
Issue 58
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #58
The New York police thought they were prepared for the coin collecting convention, but the lure of Nazi gold brought in a criminal element they couldn't have anticipated! 'The Cannon' part 2.
Issue 59
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #59
In his everyday persona as the Reverend Hawsley, the Cannon cuts a high-profile deal within a gold-fencing ring—a development unknown to the Sandman as he joins the Cannon's nighttime investigation of a freighter with a remarkable cargo. 'The Cannon' part 3.
Issue 60
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #60
Dreams of gold come to Wesley Dodds's waking world in the final chapter of the thriller 'The Cannon.' England's man of mystery, The Cannon, and the Golden Age Sandman race to find the link between the rarest coin in America and a string of gangland-style killings. And how will Dian Belmont come to terms with Wesley's newfound jealousy?
Issue 61
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #61
In 'The City' part 1, four self-contained stories focusing on 1939 New York City begin. The Golden Age Sandman crosses the bridge to the Bronx to find out why protection-racket enforcers are disappearing on the job, but he could get burned by the answer.
Issue 62
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #62
The Golden Age Sandman's paramour, Dian Belmont, journeys to the borough of Staten Island in search of a legendary author who has vanished without a trace. 'The City' part 2.
Issue 63
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #63
Wesley Dodds has always considered his manservant Humphries to be his family, but Humphries has family of his own, and when a tragic fate threatens his closest relative, the quiet butler must become a detective in his own right. 'The City' part 3.
Issue 64
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #64
Lieutenant Detective Anthony Burke—the foul-mouthed, hot-tempered, tough-as-nails cop—often plays reluctant foil to the Golden Age Sandman. But what does he do in his down time? In a journey to the brownstone borough of Brooklyn, Burke learns that, for a homicide detective in New York, there's no such thing as time off. 'The City' part 4.
Issue 65
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #65
The Goblin' part 1! He comes to them in the grey of twilight and takes from them all they hold dear. He is the grotesque known only as...The Goblin! Wesley Dodds may be powerless against this new evil as his prophetic dreams threaten to draw him further and further within himself, while Dian Belmont's recent accomplishments threaten to blind her to her beau's plight.
Issue 66
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #66
Wesley Dodds feels powerless in his attempts to stop the Goblin and its nightmarish nighttime missions. And while Wesley's paramour Dian Belmont might be the one person who could intervene in his personal hell, another man has drawn her attention away from heart and home. 'The Goblin' part 2.
Issue 67
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #67
Wesley Dodds has imprisoned himself within his Golden Age Sandman garb. Is this strange decision a result of his determination to solve a string of child kidnappings and related murders, or is a deeper schism within him to blame? 'The Goblin' part 3.
Issue 68
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #68
He's attacking his loved ones and speaking in tongues. Has the Golden Age Sandman lost his mind? Meanwhile, the sordid link between two orphanages and the shocking secret of the murderous little Goblin are revealed. 'The Goblin' part 4.
Issue 69
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #69
The Hero' part 1! 1940. The New Year brings new surprises to Wesley Dodds, as word of a long-lost brother arrives. But not all surprises are good. Dian Belmont's unexpected new role in her household leaves her questioning her love, her life, and her future; meanwhile, a rogue soldier commits a personal apocalyptic assault against the minions of Manhattan.
Issue 70
Sandman Mystery Theatre (1993-1999) #70
The world stands on the brink of a new decade and a new World War—and Wesley Dodds stands at a personal crossroads of his own. Drawn to the need of a family member trapped in Europe, he makes a risky request of Dian Belmont and chooses a shocking way to solve the mystery of a military madman. 'The Hero' part 2.