Sandman: 10 Best Relationships In The Comics

Content Warning: The following article contains spoilers for the Sandman comics and discussions of suicide.

The Netflix adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s legendary Sandman comic book series has already depicted some important relationships from the source material. These include the one between Dream and Hob Gadling, as well as the alliance between the Endless siblings, Desire and Despair.

The best relationships from the comics influence the plot in significant ways or are just unforgettable because of what the well-written characters go through together. These aren’t necessarily romantic connections and are actually often friendships, familial relations, and even bonds that form from duties. As fans eagerly wait for news about a potential second season, it’s the perfect time to explore the relationships that have been and will likely be explored in the Netflix series.

Dream & Matthew

Matthew is already one of the most likable Sandman characters, but the wise-cracking sidekick would have nothing to complain about if it weren’t for Dream’s stubbornness. As his raven, Matthew is incredibly loyal to Morpheus, even when the Lord of Dreams doesn’t want him around.

Their bickering and Dream’s occasional kindness make their bizarre friendship a heartwarming one. Like several of Dream’s acquaintances, Matthew isn’t always sure that he is actually friends with the member of the Endless, but their conversation a few moments before Morpheus’ death proves just how close they’ve become over the course of the series.

Desire & Despair

The younger members of the Endless, Desire and Despair, have formed a sort of alliance that isn’t exactly healthy for either of them. Their friendship is rooted in hatred for their other siblings, who Desire claims underestimates and neglects them.

The duo like to play games, which Dream, Death, and Destiny tend to ignore. Sometimes, though, Dream is roped into one of their schemes, like with Norton I. It’s later revealed that Despair isn’t always honest about what she really thinks, as she shows up after Destruction leaves and regrets not looking for him with Delirium because of Desire’s opinion about the matter.

Dream & Nada

Dream has had numerous love interests in the comics, but Nada stands out because he made a huge mistake with her. She has already been depicted in the show in a comics-accurate scene portraying her in Hell and asking if Dream has finally come to free her.

Their tumultuous love story ended in disaster, as any romantic relationship between the Endless and mortals always do. Nada dies by suicide after learning that her city has been ruined because of her relationship, which Dream takes as a rejection of him. He cruelly condemns her to Hell, but eventually rescues her and shows that he has changed. It’s an important part of his character’s development.

Dream & Hob Gadling

The Netflix series displays one of the best Sandman comic book storylines through Hob Gadling’s arc. While his relationship with Dream starts out as an experiment, Hob proposes that the two of them have become friends after meeting at the same bar every hundred years numerous times. This offends Dream at first, who dramatically storms off.

The heartfelt moment where Dream apologizes for being late because he heard that one should keep his friends waiting is unforgettable. This cements Dream and Hob’s friendship, which sadly ends with Hob’s realization that the only constant friend he has in his life has passed away.

Barbie & Wanda

The show has hinted at Princess Barbie’s magical storyline with the appearance of Martin Tenbones. Their friendship isn’t the highlight of that arc, though, as it’s Barbie’s reliable best friend Wanda who plays a critical role in her life.

Despite Barbie being a mess, Wanda makes sure to help her in whatever way she can, which includes making sure she’s eating properly and maintaining her home. Of course, Wanda also loses her life while guarding Barbie as she ventures into The Land. Barbie’s heartbreaking farewell to Wanda is something she knew her friend would have wanted, as she crosses out the letters on Wanda’s gravestone and draws her friend’s real name.

Dream & Delirium

It will be fascinating to see Delirium’s counterpart in the Netflix series, as the Endless sibling is going to be difficult to perfectly capture. Her relationship with Dream is an important aspect of her story arc, as although the two are total opposites, they go on a crucial quest together.

Delirium is the youngest member of the Endless, which is why she’s a bit intimidated by her older brother. Watching the two of them work and travel together is amusing, as Dream is obviously annoyed by his sister more than once, but he patiently goes with what she wants. Delirium also plays an important role in Dream’s storyline, as it’s her mission that causes Morpheus to violate a divine law.

Dream & Lucien

Lucien is more than a wise librarian, which is already implied in the Netflix series. Originally Dream’s first raven, Lucien has taken on more responsibilities over the years, which is the only way he managed to keep the Dreaming intact during Morpheus’ absence.

While Dream is initially hardheaded and unable to show him any appreciation, he soon admits that Lucien is one of his closest friends. Lucien also happens to be one of his most loyal subjects, always doing what’s best for the Lord of Dreams even when he’s not recognized for it.

Destruction & Delirium

While every relationship between any members of the Endless is interesting, the bond between Destruction and Delirium is particularly special. Delirium’s insistence on looking for him is rooted in their past, as she was closest to him when he was still around. Destruction was always protective over her.

What’s more, Destruction had an unbreakable bond with his sister when she was still Delight. There’s an iconic panel that shows the two of them talking about change, which they’ll both experience soon enough, albeit in completely different ways.

Cain & Abel

The biblical brothers, Cain and Abel, are portrayed in a wacky way in the comics. Cain is the short-tempered and murderous brother who lives in the House of Mystery, while Abel is the gentle and fearful sibling who lives in the House of Secrets. Dream designated these houses to be right next to each other.

It’s eventually revealed through small actions (like gifting Goldie) that Cain does genuinely love and care for his brother, but, for some reason, is unable to stop killing him. Abel, for his part, has accepted that his brother will maim and murder him for the rest of their lives, which is just a price he pays to be near his only family.

Dream & Death

Without a doubt, the most important relationship in the Sandman comics is that between Dream and Death. The Endless siblings are incredibly close with each other, with Death often berating Dream when he’s being unreasonable (like with Nada) and then giving him sound advice as his older sister.

There have also been moments where Death asks for Dream’s help with her business, like in the case of Prez Rickard. The two of them know they can rely on each other, especially when it comes to their duties as members of the Endless. Indeed, it’s Death who takes Dream’s hand towards the end, because as frustrated as she is about the situation, she knows him well enough to understand that there is no other way.

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