The long wait for The Sandman Universe #1 is almost over. Today, DC Comics released the first preview story pages for the one-shot set in the mythic world of Neil Gaiman's The Sandman comic book series.

The art reveals a startling situation for anyone who is acquainted with the Dreaming. The story pages center on Dream’s librarian, Lucien, who tends to a collection of every book ever conceived (even if it was never written). Lucien is quickly pulled away from the revelation that one of his books is missing by Mervyn, the Dreaming’s janitor, who alerts him to an even more pressing problem: The Dreaming itself is cracking.

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The Sandman Universe #1 features a story by Neil Gaiman, which was written by Si Spurrier, Nalo Hopkinson, Dan Watters and Kat Howard. Art for the issue was provided by Bilquis Evely, Dominike "Domo" Stanton, Max Fiumara, Seba Fiumara and Tom Fowler. Colors were done by Mat Lopes, with lettering by Simon Bowland. Jae Lee illustrated the oversized issue’s cover.

The Sandman Universe #1 is the kickoff point for four more Sandman stories --The Dreaming, House of Whispers, Lucifer and Books of Magic -- all of which will debut in September. The Sandman Universe #1 goes on sale on Aug. 8.