20 Essential Comic Issues You Must Read Before You Die

12. The Sandman #8

One of Neil Gaiman's finest creations is the dark fantasy world inhabited by the personifications of metaphysical concepts like Morpheus, Dream of the Endless.

There are numerous amazing stand-alone issues, but a personal favourite is #8. The issue sees Dream, unsure of his place in the world after a long imprisonment, consult with his sister over the nature of life and death. His sister being Death itself, a perky goth girl who wishes people didn't get so upset at her for just doing her job.

It's a story that can only be described as peachy keen.