[.ca] Death: The Time of Your Life (ISBN 1563893339)

Not Gaiman's best...:
It is a fun read, but not as thought provoking as Gaiman's other Endless stories. I agree with an eariler review stating the character of Death suffers in this story. I kind of took my impressions of this book and swept them under a rug and treat it as a separate entity. I know it's just self deceit. I'd say it's still worth buying.

If you like Sandman, well...:
If you've read Sandman, you're familiar with Gaiman's character, Death. If you've chose to read Death: The Time of Your Life to learn more about Death, you may have to consider a couple of things. One reviewer said that Death is not like the character that we know from Sandman, simply because she gave Alvie a few more weeks to live. This is true, partially. However, in the four Sandman trade paperback, Death lets dead Charles roam about with Edwin until she has more time and energy to come back and get him. In essence, she lets him have his way about death for a little while, which is the same thing she did with Alvin. We see that Death can be a little human-like, showing mercy or even just being tired. So, if you're worried about reading this because you think it may hurt your perception of Gaiman's writing or just of the character Death, I'd say it's safe to read it. Another thing: Death appears in The Time of Your Life about as often as she appears in the fourth Sandman trade paperback. That's not too often, though it is a little more than she appears in most of the others. You may be a little disappointed if you just want to read something that focuses on Death. If you want to read Death: The Time of Your Life to learn more about Hazel and Foxglove, then, by all means, pick this up. The Time of Your Life focuses on them. You'll probably be satisfied.

I had bagels and hot dogs..:
This is definitely not the best Gaiman work, nor is it even close to the standard of Sandman. While it is quite a good read, it is very quick with little depth, with a completely bizarre introduction from Tori Amos, and the character of Death is not quite the powerhouse woman I imagine from Sandman. Lets not forget the unusual end section regarding unsafe sex..of all things. The graphics are generally below the standard of Sandman, and the supporting cast are very poorly explored. Both she and Sexton are quite cute characters, and her brief offering of life is nice touch. Cute again, even. This is what Death; the cost of living remains...one of the shallower cuter parts of the Sandman. I am suprised Gaiman did not expand the story, it definitely had the potential.

Fantastic art, average writing:
You see, it's not that this is a mediocre work - it's definitely above average (hence the 3 out of 5 star rating) - it's just that we've been spoiled silly by the brilliant standard of writing, plotting, philosophy and character that Neil Gaiman so generously gave us through the epic run of his, 'Sandman,' series and when we come across a spin-off graphic novel that doesn't quite live up to that standard, of course we're going to be just a wee bit disappointed. With that being said, if you were a fan of the, 'Sandman,' series then you certainly dug the character of Death, and with that of course you have to read this volume as well. While the artwork is brilliant throughout (almost taking on a japanese manga look at times) the writing, sadly, just isn't quite up to snuff. Still, it's a slim enough book to make breezing through quite an effortless and pleasing experience.

At least Death isn't as dumb in this sequel:
I wasn't particularly impressed with "Death: The High Cost Of Living", which is the prequel to this book. The only reason I read this sequel is that I purchased both at the same time. Actually, I wound out liking this "Death" book better than the first, though it is less about Death and more about living. Death has a little more power in this book, and is not as silly or giddy as before. Taking the side characters Foxglove and Hazel from "THCOL" and centering on them, this book continues with Foxglove's career taking off at a phenomenal pace. Hazel's baby Alvie is now born, and Hazel stays at home while Foxglove is out making appearances and records. On top of which, Foxglove has been advised by her manager not to reveal the nature of her lesbian relationship with Hazel. But unknown to Foxglove, Hazel has made a deal with Death in her attempt to save Alvie's life. Foxglove is now not only going to have to choose between her family and her career, but also between life and death. Three stars is still as high as I can go for this tale, and that is purely out of respect for Neil Gaimen. In all honesty, I dislike "touchy-feelie" books and this one has "syrup" written all over it, along with more cheesy song lyrics to be subjected to trying to finish the storyline. Gaimen's other works are much better, and if you like his books and his Sandman series, save these little "Death" graphic novels for last. They are not worthy of his other works and should be purchased only to fill in the holes in your collections.