Corpse Pile # 2 (illustrated by John Carmine)

This is one of the weirdest characters within the Sandman universe…and I question whether it can be categorized as a single character or a group of single characters. I decided to approach this as a single character since there isn’t much definition for the individual characters and since there are multiple “corpse piles” within the series.

This particular corpse pile appears in Season Of Mists and is shown as Lucifer speaks to his minions and demons in Hell and proclaims that he is waiting for Dream to arrive in Hell, attempting to free Nada from torment.

The Corpse Pile appears in Sandman # 22, on page 21, in panel 4.

John’s portrait is equally as disturbing as the published comic. There is an element of sexuality in this portrait that makes it even creepier than simply the implication that this is a pile of corpses and tortured people.

Carrion (illustrated by Max Rugers)

In The Doll’s House, Rose and Gilbert find themselves in a hotel hosting a Cereal Convention, which is a convention for serial killers.

Carrion appears in Sandman # 14, on page 15, panel 6.

Carrion is part of a panel discussing getting the art of getting paid to reveal the location of the bodies these people have killed. He points out that if they are caught they won’t get any money and he is chided by Hello Little Girl, who reminds him that they don’t kill to make money.

Max did a fantastic job with this character. His portrait captures the wild energy that is apparent in the published comic. I love the contrast between the darkness and his blue hair. This is a great portrait of a very unique and memorable serial killer.

Roman Citizen # 143 (illustrated by Steve Rolson)

In Sandman # 30, Augustus Caesar and his friend Lycius sit on some steps near the marketplace dressed as beggars and discussing politics, power and dreams.

This Roman Citizen is one of the many citizens who pass through the market on this day.

He is barely visible in Sandman # 30, page 13, and in panel 4.

I like obscure characters like these because it gives each artist to interpret the characters that is not limiting them to drawing a specific character in the book. I really enjoy seeing what everyone brings to these characters. Steve did a fantastic job with this character. He basically created this character from his impression and expectations of what this Roman citizen would look like and I think he did an excellent job. I like that Steve gave this character curly hair. Even though it’s something seemingly simple and insignificant, to me it adds a neat feature to the character that is very distinctive and helps add to his personality.

Bar Patron # 21 (illustrated by John Carmine)

In The Doll’s House, we are introduced to Hob Gadling, who throughout the centuries, becomes one of Dream’s only friends.

Dream and Hob meet every century in a pub beginning around 1362-1370.

Around 1562-1570 Hob and Dream meet once again in a pub and discuss Hob’s current good fortune.

This Bar Patron is one of the many men who is in the pub during this meeting.

This Bar Patron appears in Sandman # 13, on page 9, in panel 3.

This is a great portrait from John. I really like how he interpreted this character. I love the details in his face and how John made him look. He definitely fits within the particular point in history and feels like he would be a regular patron of this pub.

Aurelian Palace Guard # 3 (illustrated by Max Rugers)

Cluracan is sent to Aurelia to prevent an alliance between the folk of the plain cities.

When arriving at the palace, he is greeted as an envoy and is offered food and a room in the palace.

There is a guard assigned to “protect” Cluracan, who stands outside his door. Cluracan wonders if the guard is to protect him or prevent him from leaving.

This Aurelian Palace Guard appears in Sandman # 52, on page 10.

I really like this portrait from Max. In the published comic we get a good sense of this character, but Max takes it to a new level with the detailed line work on his face. This definitely gives us more insight into the character. He now seems a more hardened and like someone who can handle themselves in a fight. I really appreciate the details that Max adds to these portraits. He really brings these characters to life.

Citizen Of Baghdad # 50 (illustrated by John Carmine)

Like many of the Citizens of Baghdad, in Ramadan, this character appears in the Baghdad marketplace while Haroun al Raschid takes Dream on a tour of his majestic city.

This character appears in Sandman # 50, on page 24, in the first panel. He is a very small barely noticeable character in the background in the middle of this panel.

This is an excellent portrait from John. This character is barely noticeable and not much more than a human shaped blob in the background of this panel, but John brought him to life. I like the realistic approach that John took. This is one of my favorite portraits John has done so far.

Here is Citizen Of Baghdad # 50…

Dead Man # 6 (illustrated by Steve Rolston)

In The Sandman Special # 1, Orpheus journeys to the Underworld to rescue his recently deceased wife. Before standing before Lord Hades and Queen Persephone he encounters a throng of the dead.

This Dead Man is one of the many dead men in the Underworld.

He appears in The Song Of Orpheus, on page 31, in panel 3. He is to the far left of the panel.

Steve did a great job with this portrait. I love that he used a blue pencil when drawing this character. The blue creates a coolness that is incredibly appropriate with someone in the Underworld. I think that this character’s facial expression is perfect.

Here is Dead Man # 6…