I know the new show doesn't match the graphic novels exactly - and honestly I wouldn't expect it to since the GNs are incredibly complex and expansive in ways only comics can be - but dammit, this show is GOOD.

I don't care at all about the talk of the show being "woke" because they gender or race switched some characters. Mr. Gaiman's work was already inclusive and diverse, especially considering it was written in the late 80s-mid 90s. He's got characters of all genders, races, and orientations and the show is honoring that with their casting choices.

They streamlined some of the more complex storylines and expanded some of the side plots, and I don't mind. I've read The Sandman series start to finish enough times that I keep anticipating where the story will go, and I am pleasantly surprised when it diverges or goes in a newish direction. In particular, the Corinthian's story is much expanded but that is ok because they wove it into the rest of the plot very well.

The casting is spot-on, especially Lucifer and The Corinthian. They nailed Lucien and Morpheus of course, but Lucifer and Corinthian are complex characters that need to carry depth and weight and they crushed it. Just....crushed it. My personal favorite Sandman character is Hob Gadson and they did an amazing job telling his story and part of that was good casting.

I can understand how someone who has never read the graphic novels and has no connection to the stories might get confused. There are a lot of references that would fly right past, but I also think they did a good job making it so a casual watcher won't need all the backstory to be able to enjoy the show (Lyta and Hector Hall are good examples of this).

I say well done, Netflix. Well done.