This volume collects issues 21 through 28 of the graphic novel series. It presents a rather complicated story that mixes Gaiman's Endless mythology (seven siblings each representing universal aspects) with many of the ancient mythologies of mankind.
Basically, Morpheus travels to Hell to free a lover who spurned him thousands of years ago and whom he condemned to Hell. Expecting to have to fight Lucifer, Morpheus is surprised by Lucifer giving up Hell, banishing all the demons and damned, and turning the keys over to Dream to do with as he wishes. Dream is in turn holds a grand banquet in his Dream Realm to hear the pleas of Norse, Egyptian, Japanese, Faerie and many other gods and their representatives, all who have offers and arguments for taking Hell as their own. Dream must make a decision, a task that weighs on him greatly.
Eventually a choice is made that satisfies nearly all and many future storylines are set in motion.
Although this volume took several chapters to provide the background to start the story proper, I really enjoyed it. A lot to think about, especially the question of the theoretical purpose of Hell and punishment in general. ( )

I recently read "Sandman Vol. 4: Season of Mists - 30th Anniversary Edition" by Neil Gaiman, and I really liked it. This graphic novel is part of the "Sandman" series, and it is well written with great artwork. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes graphic novels or the "Sandman" series. ( )

In the Season of Mists, the Dream Lord deals with the succession of hell after Lucifer has quit his job. A great volume that introduces many concepts and ideas, and is also quite important if you ever consider reading the Lucifer spin-off... ( )

This might be my favorite volume so far. Neil Gaiman thrives when he writes about mythology - Norse Mythology and American Gods are standouts. Here - he takes Western mythology for a spin - with Lucifer handing over the keys to hell to Dream. When Lucifer abdicates the throne of Hell, sending the damned back to earth, and turns the keys over to Dream. Dream doesn’t really want the property—he just wants to make amends with Nada - but a lot of other beings want hell, including demons, angels, fairies, and a ton of gods: Odin, Thor, Loki, Anubis, Bes, Bast, the Shinto storm god Susano-o-no-Mikoto, and the personifications of Order (a cardboard box carried by a genie) and Chaos (a little girl dressed like a clown). All the beings make their bid. One of these offers interests Dream greatly: a chance to rescue his lover Queen Nada from the consequences of his youthful anger. In the end, Dream goes with the choice that restores order, and what this order says about Western Christianity is horrifying.

And of course, in the end, Dream gets to reconcile with Nada. I still think he is a jerk for what he did to her but at least Nada has a chance at life again in the end. ( )

Season of Mists gives you a complete multi-issue storyline within a full and complex world. You're introduced to the heaven and hell, well mostly the hell, of the Endless universe. The hell concept presented is fascinating and examines the morality of humanity and the power of belief. The story itself takes a harder look at the somewhat ambiguous morality of the Morpheus. ( )