No Land Above the Law: Pulp Tropes from SANDMAN MYSTERY THEATER
This document discusses the comic book series Sandman Mystery Theater, which is based on the Golden Age character Sandman created by Gardner Fox. The series, written by Matt Wagner in the 1990s, draws influence from the crime fiction and pulp genres popular at the time. It explores the adventures of Wesley Dodds, portrayed as a Robin Hood-like gentleman thief. Dodds works alongside his partner Dian Belmont, depicted as a more equal partner than typical pulp female leads. The series also features Lieutenant Anthony Burke as an antagonist who represents corrupt police tropes. Overall, the document outlines how the series brought pulp influences like these characters and themes to the Sandman character through a noir-influenced lens set in 1930s
No Land Above the Law: Pulp Tropes from SANDMAN MYSTERY THEATER
- 1. No Land Above The Law: Pulp Tropes in SANDMAN MYSTERY THEATER Gordon Dymowski DePaul Pop Culture Conference 2021
- 2. HELLO! I am Gordon Dymowski, New Pulp author and past Conference participant You can find me at http://www.gordondymowski.com and my work at http://bit.ly/GDymAuthor 2
- 3. About SANDMAN MYSTERY THEATER Based on Golden Age character created by Garner Fox SMT started in midst of Gaimans SANDMAN run (1994) as DC/Vertigo Written by Matt Wagner, influence by then-renaissance in crime fiction and pulp literature 3
- 4. Our Lead: Wesley Dodds/Sandman Robin Hood archetype (Johnston McCulley Zorro/post-Zorro) Gentleman Thief (Frank L. Packard Grey Seal) Driven by internal forces (Norvell Page the Spider) Relationship with Morpheus (Gaimans Sandman) 4
- 5. Dian Belmont Co-Lead Resembles many pulp female leads - more equal partner than simple romantic interest (Thin Man/Hammett) Maturity to relationship (unlike classic pulp) SMT explores Dodds actions on their relationship and self/other perceptions 5
- 6. Lieutenant Anthony Burke Antagonist Reflects corrupt cop noir trope (including racism) Ally and enemy (Arsene Lupin/LeBlanc, Wayman- Jones/The Black Bat, McCulley/post-Zorro) Uneasy acceptance of Sandman and his role 6
- 7. Highlights of Series Exploration of sins of the family as well as themes around sexuality, race, and gender Backdrop: Pre-WW2 New York (series takes place 1938 New Years Eve 1939) Middle of run exploration of Golden Age DC Characters (Hourman, Starman, Crimson Avenger) through pulp/noir lens Sandman Midnight Theater one-shot (written by Gaiman and Wagner) kicks off exploration of Morpheus/Dodds relationship towards end of run 7
- 8. How Can I Learn/Read More? Reimagining the Golden Age paper First seven arcs are available in trade Two larger collections (Books) available Email: Gordon.Dymowski@gmail.com 8