insubstantial and very old-style, but fun. Merv has his charms, he dreams big, and it sheds a little bit of light on the nature of Neil Gaiman's Sandman world of The Dreaming. also interesting for its spotlight on Willingham and Buckingham as a team, just before their Fables series began. ( )

"The name's Pumpkinhead...Merv Pumpkinhead." Is Merv just a simple janitor or a super spy? According to "The Sandman" series, Merv seems to be in charge of the construction and demolition of the Dreaming, though he often complains that his job is superfluous since Dream can change any of it at will.

"When the Boss is away, Dreams will play." A renegade dream (Quivering Annie--one of the foremost of the erotic Dreams) breaks into Daniel's palace and steals some of the dream sand from his pouch.

Pumpkin-headed servant Merv, ever-willing to play the secret agent, volunteers to track the dream down and bring the sand back. Merv goes on a James Bond-esque adventure in which he attempts to foil the schemes of a would-be world conquerer, and along the way meets beautiful women and evil villains.

We'll get a chance to meet a Dream car (yes, literally--specifically a cherry-red Lamborghini who responds to the name Lam), Holly Daze, Mr. Flush who is known to the magical world as Gourdfinger (I kid you not!), complete with his personal bodyguard Mr. Kwa Z. Moto among others.

I love Willingham's brand of humor (check out the "Fables" series for proof) and partnered with Buckingham -- a totally winning combination.

Book Details:

Title The Sandman Presents: Merv Pumpkinhead - Agent of D.R.E.A.M.
Author Bill Willingham; Neil Gaiman(Consultant)
Reviewed By Purplycookie ( )