I have hit a snag with Sandman: I galloped through the first book, slowed down through the second because I was revolting against what seemed to me to be some unnecessarily ugly artwork, and then was struck by an awful thought. Was it really good, or just "really good considering it's a comic book"? (Heretical thought, I know). So the Sandman and I have been eyeing each other warily while each of us wonders whether the other is worth the effort. I may flirt with the clockwork universe some more before considering a rapprochement.

And you don't really need me to tell you guilt is a useless waste of time for all parties, right?