So I just read the Sandman Vol.1 by Neil Gaiman and it was amazing. I first of all should state that I'm big Neil Gaiman fan. I am done American Gods. I have done Stardust. I have also read M is for Magic which led me to the Graveyard Book so I'm a big fan of his work and I know I still have lots more to read. However, in the Sandman Vol.1 -I did not know it was part of the DC Universe. So that is my question: Did the Sandman exist before Neil Gaiman and this is just his interpretation? Or did he create the Sandman and DC Comics said "he's like a cool character?" I'm going to do more research on that idea. I absolutely loved it even though it had a bit of a slow start...I was like "where's the Sandman?" "Where is the Sandman?" "When is he happening?" Grr! I don't understand... But, it was awesome and it was even made more awesome with all the DC characters. Even with my very limited knowledge of DC char...