A Subtle DCEU Connection in The Sandman You Might Have Missed
Fans have been asking Neil Gaiman about how The Sandman is connected to the DCEU since way back. And back in 2020, the writer's response was, "Wait and see." So, we've all waited, but how many of us have seen?
There are certainly some links between the new Netflix series and the wider DC universe – but they're kinda subtle and may have been missed if you're not an eagle-eyed viewer.
The major instance of these broader links is at the beginning of episode 8. Jed, Rose Walker 's brother, is being held in a superhero fantasy world. I mean, he's not, but in his own mind he absolutely is.
Now, in the control room where we find the nightmare that appears as Jed's mum, there are several old DC action figures. Not obvious, but they're definitely there in the background.
(2).jpg)
Look closely and you'll see Wonder Woman, The Flash, and two Batman figures. Ok, so it may not be the cameo you were hoping for. You might even argue that it's not really a link to those characters. Nonetheless, it's a nice little nod to the fact that Sandman's background is firmly rooted in DC.
And it's not just those heroes that feature in this particular nightmare.
Each monitor in the room is like a roulette wheel that Jed's 'mom' spins to choose which enemy he should face next.
One of these is Captain Cold, who some fans might remember from Legends of Tomorrow. But others get a mention too. In fact, at one point, Jed asks, "Which one of my enemies is it this time? Johnny Sorrow? The Phantom of the Fair? Or is Doctor Death back for more?"
And this reveals another link to the legacy of The Sandman in DCEU. The whole nightmare thing is a throwback to the original Sandman created during the Golden Age.
Back then, his real name was Wesley Dodds. Donning a green suit, fedora, and gas mask, as The Sandman, he would sedate criminals humanely. Since then, he's undergone several transformations – including the recent Morpheus character.
So, The Sandman has been around for quite some time. And there is no doubt that he is firmly embedded in DC canon. Which makes it perfectly acceptable to see a few subtle links scattered throughout the series that just reminds us of that historical connection. All you need to do is 'keep 'em peeled'!