Kubilai Khan’s Guard # 2 (illustrated by Te’Shawn Dwyer)

In “Soft Places” Marco Polo accompanied his father Nicolo Polo and uncle to China and they were given audience before Kubilai Khan. They planned on converting Kubilai Kahn to Christianity.

As expected, when Nicolo Polo stands before the great Khan, there are palace guards at his side. This man is one of the palace guards. He is standing in the background near a tall pillar.

He appears in Sandman # 39, on page 12, in panel 2.

Dreamer # 111 (illustrated by Max Rugers)

In Dream Hunters, the Monk enters The Dreaming in hopes of saving the life of the fox who visits his small monastery and who, in turn, had saved his life from the dark dreams implanted by the Onmyoji.

As he walked through the dream realm he encountered many strange things, but perhaps the strangest was when he finally encountered the Lord Of Dreams.

When the Monk finally stood before Dream he implored him to save the life of the fox. The Monk noticed, within the robes of the Dream King, faces of the sleepers and dreamers flitted through the fabric.

This Dreamer is one of the faces that the Monk saw within the folds of the cloth.

She appears in P. Craig Russell’s Dream Hunters # 3, on page 19, in panel 2.

This portrait from Max is brilliant and beautiful and is one of my favorites that he’s done so far. In the published comic this character is a blob and it’s unknown if it was intended to be a man or a woman, but Max brought this character to life. I love the profile perspective of this portrait. I love the greens that he used and I love the textured backgrounds that really intensify the dream like feeling of this portrait. This is a perfect portrait of an incredibly obscure character.

Fireman # 4 (illustrated by Lars Brown)

In Brief Lives, Dream and Delirium travel through the mortal world in search of their missing brother, Destruction.

Along the way they stop at a hotel to rest and during their stay the hotel catches on fire. This Fireman is one of the men who worked to extinguish the blaze.

He appears in Sandman # 44, on page 24 in panel 1. He is on the ladder trying to put out the fire.

Ghost Boy # 19 (illustrated by Kai Martin)

When Lucifer decides that he is no longer interested in being the ruler of Hell. He empties Hell of all the tortured souls and locked the doors behind him. Some of them returned to where they died, which is the case for this young boy.

This Ghost Boy returned to St. Hilarion’s School For Boys.

He attends the assembly with the deceased Headmaster. He is sitting behind Charles Rowland.

This Ghost Boy appears in Sandman # 25, page 14, panel 1 and 10.

London Citizen # 15 (illustrated by Carl Sciacchitano)

Dian Belmont traveled to England in an attempt to avoid dealing with her boyfriend Wesley Dodds and his secret identity as The Sandman.

Her expectation of England was cricket fields and historic buildings and was shocked when she visited the East End. This area fill filled with poverty, drunkeness and brutality. She described the citizens have being poorly fed and that they have likely never taken a bath in their entire lives.

This man is one of the citizens of London that Dian Belmont encountered.

He appears in Sandman Midnight Theatre on page 14, in panel 3.

Serial Killer # 76 (illustrated by Andy Fish)

In Sandman # 14, a host of serial killers descend upon a quiet hotel for a convention for people who take pleasure in killing others.

This convention is eerily similar to other conventions, both professional and fan conventions in the sense that they have panels and discussions regarding a variety of topics relating to death and killing.

This particular serial killer is in the lobby of the hotel during registration. Nimrod is looking for The Family Man and this man is standing near him as he searches for the convention’s guest of honor.

He appears in Sandman # 14, on page 3 panel 1.

Man # 39 (illustrated by Max Rugers)

Unity Kincaid, suffering from the sleeping sickness, was sent to a nursing home when she was about 45, after her parents died. She would sometimes sit in the sun with elderly men and women.

This man is one of the old men who liked to sit outside when Unity would be ushered outside to sit in the sun. He likes to sit outside and read the newspaper.

He appears in Sandman # 1, on page 21 in panel 6.

I really like this portrait from Max. He did a very detailed pencil portrait with some slight touches of blue. I like the details of this portrait. This man’s forehead is exceptional. I also really like the lines beneath his eyes. It adds a lot of realism to this portrait.

Aurelian Citizen # 32 (illustrated by Lars Brown)

When Cluracan is sent to Aurelia to prevent an alliance between the people of the cities of the plains he expected to see a city of wonder and majesty. Instead he found a city in poverty and the citizens destitute.

This Aurelian Citizen is one of the men he sees as he enters the city.

He appears in Sandman # 52, on page 6, in panel 4. He is in the background following behind Cluracan’s horse.

The Black Guard # 5 (illustrated by Andy Fish)

In A Game Of You, Barbie is pursued by the Cuckoo’s elite army, The Black Guard.

The Black Guard were sent out to search of Barbie and her friends and to bring them to the palace of The Cuckoo.

At one point the Black Guard came close to finding them, but Barbie, Primando, Luz and Wilkinson hid under a snow drift and were able to avoid detection.

Eventually the Black Guard captured Barbie who was then delivered to the Cuckoo.

The Black Guard appears in several parts throughout the A Game of You Storyline. This particular member of The Black Guard appears in Sandman # 36 on page 7 in panel 4.

Dignitary # 48 (illustrated by Te’Shawn Dwyer)

Dream and his lover, Killalla Of The Glow, travel to a palace to attend the meeting concerning zones of responsibility and the merits of obligation for creation.

Dignitaries from various planets, realms and realities gather to be a part of this important assembly.

This Dignitary is one of many who gathered at the palace.

He is standing on the steps with a group of other Dignitaries in a large, and beautiful courtyard.

He appears in the background in Endless Nights, in the story, The Heart Of The Star, on page 7 in panel 1.

Sleeping Sickness Patient # 3 (illustrated by Ron Chan)

In 1916, after Dream is imprisoned, many people succumbed to the sleeping sickness.

Many were sent to Charity Wards to get care while they slept and sometimes they would be placed in large rooms filled with beds.

This woman is one of the countless victims of the mysterious sickness.

She can be seen in Sandman # 1, page 14, panel 4.

Tortured Man # 11 (illustrated by Carl Sciacchitano)

In Season Of Mists, once Remiel and Duma became the caretakers of Hell, the dead and demons returned to their regular routines and torture.

This man assumed this role as a tortured resident of Hell…waiting to be consumed for all eternity by this monstrous demon’s insatiable appetite.

This tortured man appears in Sandman # 28, on page 21 in panel 2.

This is one of my favorite portraits so far from Carl.

Worlds’ End Patron # 21 (illustrated by Te’Shawn Dwyer)

After listening to Mister Gaheris’ tale, Brant Tucker excuses himself to use the bathroom.

While there he encounters an unusual man named Klaproth. As they walk back to their respective tables, they pass several other patrons sitting at tables, drinking and telling their own stories.

This man is one of the people sitting at a table as Klaproth and Brant talk.

He appears in Sandman # 52, on page 2, in panel 1. He is easy to overlook, but I’d really like to know how he ended up in the Inn, as with most of the characters in this storyline.

This portrait reminds me a little of Hunter S. Thompson.

Village Negotiator # 2 (illustrated by Max Rugers)

In the Desire story in Endless Nights, Kara was in love with the son of the chief of the village.

The Chief and a group of village elders tried to negotiate grazing rights, for amber and for the ransom of prisoners between their tribe and the folk from across the river, but negotiations went badly and ended with the death of the village chief.

This man is one of the village negotiators.

This man appeared in The Desire story from Endless Nights on page 6 in panel 4.

Max did a fantastic job with this portrait. I really like the line work on his face is incredible and it helps show his age and the hardness of life in a village. This is an obscure and barely noticeable character in the Desire story, but Max has made him stand out more with this awesome portrait.

Strip Club Patron # 9 (illustrated by Kai Martin)

In Brief Lives, Dream and Delirium travel the waking world in hopes of finding their missing brother, Destruction. Their travels lead them to a strip club called Suffragette City, where the goddess Ishtar dances.

This man is one of the people who is at Suffragette City watching Ishtar, Tiffany and the other dancers perform.

He appears in Sandman # 45 page 21 in panel 1.

This is a wonderful portrait from Kai. I really like his approach to this portrait. In the published comic we do not see this character’s face and Kai took a similar approach. Instead of drawing his face he put him in perspective of the published comic. Instead we see the back of his head and we see the foot and ankle of one of the strippers he is watching. I really like this perspective. It’s completely unique and visually interesting.

Monk # 1 (illustrated by Anna Hybsier)

In Endless Nights, Alain’s and his court live a life beyond death because they locked their gates, preventing Death from visiting his island.

As time passes, Alain entertains his court with a variety of activities such as masquerades and letting his court watch him get squashed by a large bull elephant. Of course, on some days Alain announces that it’s a day of penitence and mortification.

On those days, a group of monks come to the palace and hear the confessions of the citizens of Alain’s court and after the confessions the penitents kneel and are flogged until their blood ran across the mosaic floor.

This man is one of the Monks of Alain’s island. He appears in Endless Nights, in the Death story on page 6 in panel 6.

This is a wonderful portrait from Anna. She approached this character as I would expect a monk to be. He seems calm and at one with God, wearing his brown robes. This is an interesting contrast to the Monks who visit Alain’s island with whips and leave only when blood is spilled upon the floor and penitence is complete.

Bacchante # 15 (illustrated by Andy Fish)

In Greek mythology, The Bacchante are crazy, wild women living in the forests. They are capable of tearing animals (and sometimes people) into pieces with their bare hands. They are sometimes called Maenads, but regardless of their name they are ferocious and insatiable in their desires and violence. In Roman mythology, The Bacchante are the female followers of Bacchus, the god of wine and intoxication.

In The Sandman Special # 1, Orpheus encounters The Bacchante.

Orpheus is sitting on a hilltop, still mourning the death of his wife when the Bacchante come upon him. He is torn apart by a group of women and his head is thrown into the ocean.

This particular Bacchante is one of the first that Orpheus encounters. She asks Orpheus if he will eat raw flesh with them. She can be seen in The Sandman Special # 1 (The Song Of Orpheus), page 44 in panel 4.

Nightmare # 2 (illustrated by Kai Martin)

When Dream confronts John Dee in order to reclaim his stolen ruby he is forced to take his battle into the realm of dreams.

John Dee encounters a group of Soothsayers who warn him to “Beware the Ideas Of March” and “Beware the Brides Of Frankenstein.” Every nightmare he encounters twists into a nightmare wearing the helmet of the dream king.

This is one of those Nightmares he encounters as he tries to tear the Dreaming apart in order to find Morpheus.

This Nightmare appears in Sandman # 7, on page 13.

This is a fantastic portrait from Kai. The amount of detail put into his helmet and cloak is exceptional. The highly detailed line work makes the mask feel very organic. I also really like the deep blacks. The darkness really helps create the dream-like atmosphere of this character.

Old Woman # 5 (illustrated by Te’Shawn Dwyer)

When Ellie Marsten wakes in 1988, seventy two years after she fell asleep, she is in a charity home for those suffering from the sleeping sickness. There are many other people in the same ward as she is.

This woman is one of the people in the hospital.

She appears in Sandman # 1, on page 33, panel 3. She is in the far background laying in one of the many beds in this charity ward.

Ghost Cat # 3 (illustrated by Lars Brown)

In Season of Mists, Bast tells Morpheus that she will tell him the location of Destruction in exchange for The Key To Hell. Ultimately this does not sway Dream’s decision and Bast leaves The Dreaming empty handed.

In Brief Lives, Dream calls upon Bast hoping to discover Destruction’s whereabouts. Dream and Bast meet in a dream, in her lost city. There are several ghostly cats wandering through the desert.

This Ghost Cat appears in Sandman # 46, on page 10, in panel 2.

Red Creature (illustrated by Max Rugers)

In Preludes and Nocturnes, when Dream goes to visit the three witches in hopes that they will provide him with the location of his missing helmet, ruby and pouch of sand, this poor creature becomes a snack for the Hecateae.

Mordred, the crone, snatches the creature.

Mildred, the mother, stuffs the creature into her mouth.

Cynthia, the maiden, swallows the creature and burps quietly.

This creature appears and is eaten in Sandman # 2 on page 20.

This is a creepy and awesome portrait from Max. He gave this creature a rodent appearance, which seems pretty realistic. In the published comic the creature does not appear to be as furry as Max’s creature, but I like how Max interpreted this character. This portrait also does not present this creature as an innocent creature. Its oversized mouth and sharp teeth definitely give it a more menacing appearance.

Baseball Fan # 33 (illustrated by Anna Hybsier)

Prez, no longer having the same excitement for his presidency after the death of Kathy, spent more time in the White House and did not attend as many events as he had previously.

One evening he was watching a baseball game and Boss Smiley appeared in his television, once again offering Prez anything he wanted, even the return of his deceased wife, if he would only serve him.

This Baseball Fan was one of many people watching the game at the stadium. He was on the television briefly prior to Boss Smiley hijacking the program.

He appears in Sandman # 54, on page 14 in panel 8

Party Guest # 5 (illustrated by Te’Shawn Dwyer)

Prez Rickard was elected President of the United States and in the third year of his presidency he attended a party.

While at the party Boss Smiley makes an appearance and approaches Prez. Prez admits that he bas been trying to uncover the identity of Boss Smiley, but can find absolutely no information at his disposal, including the FBI, CIA, IRS and Interpol files. There are no files relating to Boss Smiley anywhere Prez looked.

This man is one of the guests at the party and is in the room when Prez and Boss Smiley talk.

He appears in Sandman # 54 on page 11 in panel 5.

Heidi (illustrated by Kai Martin)

In 1939, Roderick Burgess threw a party, inviting many artists, actors and notable people.

Helga Eidechse is one of the people invited. She is happy to have received an invitation because Hitler thinks highly of Burgess and therefore he will be pleased with her.

At the party, Helga takes her lover Heidi, and they appear standoffish wanting to participate in “racially pure conversation.”

This is Heidi.

She appears in Sandman Midnight Theatre on page 40, in panel 3, but is mentioned on page 24, in panel 2 and on page 44 in panel 3.

Bar Patron # 29 (illustrated by Carl Sciacchitano)

Dream and Death visit a pub in England sometime between 1362-1370.

During this excursion into the waking world Death offers Hob the opportunity to never die and never grow old. He accepts and Dream agrees to meet him once a century to discuss his life, immortality and friendship.

This man is one of the bar patrons in the pub during Dream and Hob’s meeting in the late 1600’s.

This Bar Patron appears in Sandman # 13, on page 14, in panel 1. He is sitting at the table against the wall.