Which Sandman volumes should I buy?

Depends on what you want. If you’re just a casual reader then the normal editions are fine, but if you’re the collecting type then the absolute editions look a lot nicer.

Woah. Best Question Time for me to return EVER.

The absolute editions are expensive, but gorgeous. However, for reading purposes, I would suggest the softcover smaller volumes. The absolute editions are REALLY heavy and REALLY bulky and do not lend themselves to curling up with a cup of hot tea and reading.

I currently have the originals, the Absolutes and a couple of the volumes. When I want to read one just for the pleasure of reading it, I usually go to the volumes so I don’t mind when they start looking….. extra well loved.

The extra content in the Absolute is wonderful, if you are particularly endeared towards that. Ultimately, though, if I were you, I would go on Amazon and get used copies of the volumes. Once you’re in love with them, then you can start collecting the pretty ones.

(Plus, there’s more than just Sandman to collect. There are multiple semi-connected things like Death: the time of your life, or Death: the high cost of living, or Sandman: Dreamhunters.)

All of them.

I would start at your local public library and see if they can get the graphic novels for you. If they can, read them through the library. If you like them, you should absolutely get the Absolute editions. They are gorgeous and kind of make sense as the purchase if you haven’t made it already.

If you cannot do this, then @delirium has it right—the novels make for easier reading, but the absolutes are beautiful and have extras. It all depends on what you value more.

to the original poster: get them from the library (through interlibrary loan if they don’t have them). then you won’t have to commit to anything. the newer editions have numbers indicating preferred reading order on the spines.