The Kindly Ones, Part 1 of 13. At last it has come - a time long foretold, a conflagration of nightmarish proportions that will affect the future of the Endless and the fate of the Dreaming. The Corinthian, Lucifer Morningstar, the Three Witches, Cluracan and Nuala, Mervyn Pumpkinhead, all these and others - friends, foes and unexpected betrayers - return in 'The Kindly Ones,' the last major story arc of THE SANDMAN. Joining Neil Gaiman in this landmark storyline is Marc Hempel, creator of GREGORY, using the lush, sensuous style he employed in BREATHTAKER. Following the conclusion of 'The Kindly Ones,' THE SANDMAN will continue with several self-contained epilogues and stand-alone tales. THE SANDMAN #57 also features an 8-page preview of AMERICAN FREAK: A TALE OF THE UN-MEN, by Dave Louapre and Vince Locke, in lieu of interior ads. Painted cover by Dave McKean. Suggested for Mature Readers. New Format. Cover price $1.95.