Annotated Sandman Vol. 1 HC
Annotated Sandman Vol. 1 HC
Cover Credits
Artist: Dave McKean

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Title: "Men of Good Fortune"
Pages: 24

Feature(s):
Sandman (Morpheus)

Writer: Neil Gaiman
Penciller: Michael Zulli
Inker: Steve Parkhouse
Letterer: Todd Klein
Colorist: Robbie Busch

Reprinted From:
Sandman #13 (1990)

Feature Character(s)

Supporting Character(s)

Guest Appearance(s)

Other Character(s)

  • Geoffrey, Edmund, and Crispin (1389; bar patrons; no further appearances)
  • Kit (1589; a companion of Will Shaxbard; no further appearances)
  • Michael and Tobias (1789; associated of Lady Constantine; no further appearances)
  • Lushing Lou (1889; a prostitute; no further appearances)

Flashback Appearance(s)

Comments:
The Doll's House Part 4

This story takes place across multiple time periods in 100 years interval beginning with 1389 and ending in 1989. Given the weather and clothing worn at each meeting, the time of year is likely late Fall.

In 1389, Dream comments on the faerie plan to abandon this plane of reality. The patron Geoffrey is undoubtedly Geoffrey Chaucer, though his last name is not given in this story.

In 1589, Dream strikes an unseen bargain with Will Shaxbard. Will's companion Kit is undoubtedly Christopher Marlowe.

Synopsis:
In the year 1389, Death convinces Dream to mingle with humanity by having a drink in a local tavern. While observing other people, the two members of the Endless overhear a patron, Hob Gadling, boast that death is a fool's game, and he declares that he won't do it. Intrigued, Death arranges for Hob to avoid death, so long as he choose. Dream informs Hob, while other patrons mock him. Hob vows to visit the same pub of the White Horse in 100 years time.

Exactly 100 years later, Dream and Hob reunite at the pub. Hob tells Dream of his life, mainly spent soldiering. He also comments on the advance of technologies. They agree to meet again in another 100 years.

In 1589, Dream and Hob visit the same tavern. Hob, now Sir Robert Gadlen, has done well for himself over the years. He has married and has an infant son. Financially, he has made shrewd decisions while reinventing himself by pretending to be his own son multiple times. During this meeting, Dream encounters Will Shakespeare, a struggling playwright. Dream and Will talk privately about writing some new plays.

One hundred years later, Dream waits in the tavern for Hob to arrive. Gadling is destitute and nearly thrown out, but Dream vouches for him. Over the intervening century, Hob's family died, and he was hunted as a witch. Despite his trauma and current state of affairs, Hob still wants to live.

In 1789, Dream and Hob meet again. This time Hob is back on his feet financially after having gotten involved in the slave trade. During their meeting, a woman and her companions ambush the two men. The woman, Lady Johanna Constantine, has heard tales of the devil and wandering jew meeting in this tavern. Both men deny her accusations. Dream then puts her to sleep. Before departing, Dream advises Hob to get out of the slave trade.

In 1889, the two men meet again. This time Hob has been more careful about appearances. He has left the slave trade and regrets ever taking part in it. He also reveals that he has met other long-lived men including Jason Blood and Mad Hettie. Finally he postulates that Dream continues to meet him because they are friends. Dream is appalled by the thought that he and a human could be friends. Gadling challenges him. If they meet again, Dream will be admitting that they are indeed friends.

In 1989, Hob waits in the same bar. Dream arrives on schedule. He admits that he didn't want to keep his friend waiting.

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