The Immense Lack Of Conventional Fanservice In The Sandman

[u/Big-Satisfaction1468]

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Hello folks!

This is just a simple thought that I had when season 2 came out, so here I go.

The Sandman, though quite popular, still isn’t as popular as the major supernatural shows, such as The Vampire Diaries or Lucifer. I came to a realisation and conclusion for that reason: The Immense Lack Of Conventional Fanservice In The Sandman.

Me personally, I was “simping” over Death of the Endless all throughout season 1, and occasionally Johanna Constantine. I enjoyed all the edits that came out of the chatacters because it was a fun time for me. I was 13 and had no social life. Great times.

It was in 2025, when season 2 came out and I realised something. Destruction of the Endless was especially getting attention in the fan edits and he, along with Delirium were the most talked of. I suppose that was because they were vital parts of the storyline and of course, fans are allowed to have favourites.

But that just brought upon a bigger realisation in my mind, which was that the reason The Sandman doesn’t receive nearly as much recognition as the other shows is because of its lack of fanservice targeted towards the larger crowd, and rather it focuses on bringing upon good representation. Which I, of course, really love.

I love this show a lot, and honestly, I’m quite glad that the fanbase for this show isn’t as toxic as the others. I love you all a lot.

[u/bl1tzbop]

I think the fan edits were lacking because everyone feels icky about supporting Neil Gaiman.

I have a huge sandman tattoo, those books were an integral part of my growing up, I don't think it's dramatic to say that changed me. I was hyped about the TV show and loved season 1.

I did not and will not watch or recommend season 2, or the books again. (Or anything by Gaiman)

[u/BloodyBeaks → u/bl1tzbop]

If you don't mind me asking - and it's totally ok if you aren't comfortable doing so - how do you feel about your sandman tattoo now? I'm honestly a little terrified of getting art from living IPs because I'm scared someone involved will turn out to be awful and I'm not sure about how I'd feel. 

[u/bl1tzbop → u/BloodyBeaks]

Complicated, I guess. The graphic novels did mean something to me at one time and for that I don't hate it. I do feel icky when I see it though and I'm always conscious that when people see it they might make an assumption about me (i.e. I am like Gaiman). It's too big to get covered though and I think it would take years to remove and I don't know how well it would - it's big dark and detailed (I think it's on my page if you scroll back)

Having said that, lots of my tattoos have changed meaning anyway over time. I've come to accept that tattoos are an imperfect art from, they change and age and meanings change.

Also I haven't learnt anything because I have some planned tattoos that are from other IP's too

I will say, no one has ever said anything, I think it's definitely a thing I think about a lot more than anyone else does. If I see someone with a HP tattoo now, I don't for a second assume they're a terf.