Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country #2 is published by DC Comics, written by James Tynion IV and illustrated by Christian Ward and Lisandro Estherren.
Issue #2 is available 11th May 2022 either directly from DC Comics online or from your local comic book store, digital copies will be available to download from the usual content providers.
Synopsis
With the Corinthian loose in the waking world, it’s no surprise that people are turning up dead…although this time, they’re not the nightmare’s doing. (Well, most of them.) The Corinthian is following a trail of bodies to the mysterious Mr. Agony and Mr. Ecstasy…but what’s their game? And even more pressing-whose tracks are they trying to cover?
Review
In this issue the story of Nightmare Country continues, aspiring artist Flynn who has been painting this visions of the mysterious “Smiling Man” she claims to have seen but no one believes her, that is until a visit from Corinthian – the man with teeth for eyes – the visions become a bit clearer as Corinthian has been walking the earth on the trail of death trying to find answers, although you would normally associate such wrong doing with the man if nightmares on this occasion it’s not him. A trip to the library of dreams is needed as this is the place where all dreams are documented, good or bad finished or unfinished it’s all here, Corinthian needs answers and fast and find out the reasoning for Mr. Agony and Mr. Ecstasy to causing such destruction of lives.
When a story arc is entitled “Nightmare Country ” you kind of get an idea it won’t be all about sunshine and rainbows, but this isn’t just your average horror comic this is more of a psychological story that delves alot deeper, James Tynion IV has expertly crafted a deep and dark thriller that takes you beyond what is expected. An entrancing thriller that sticks with you even after you put down the book.
The artwork from the team of Christian Ward and Lisandro Estherren opens up your inner conscious and takes you to a darker dimension, the detail on the page is incredible each page although dark still adds a mystical feel to the story.
I am fully invested in this arc and can’t wait to see how it unfolds.
Verdict
A dark story arc that takes you into the deepest parts of the underground taking you on a psychological journey like no other. Captivating and thought provoking, an arc that stays with you even after you finish, wouldn’t say the best bed time reading.
⭐⭐⭐⭐