World's End

Last night I was reading the graphic novel The Sandman Volume Eight: World's End written by Neil Gaiman. The story revolves around a couple driving from Seattle to Chicago when they get caught in a "reality storm" and find themselves stranded at the mysterious World's End Inn where they encounter a selection of bizarre characters who are also sheltering from the storm. While they take refuge they tell stories to pass the time, and it's these stories that take up most of the book. Interestingly, like many of the one-off Sandman stories, the series main character, Morpheus, the personifciation of Dream, barely appears, and in a couple of the stories doesn't feature at all. The stories are scary, exciting, funny and like most of The Sandman stories have a genuine sense of wonder, and they are complemented by some great artwork. The thing with the Sandman graphic novels is that when I start reading them I am often genuinely shocked and surprised by what happens in them, which is great.

Later on I was watching a Doctor Who story on DVD called "Image of the Fendahl". basically, The Doctor (played by Tom Baker) lands on Earth to prevent the use of a dangeorus "Time Scanner". However it turns out that the scientists working on the Scanner have unearthed a twelve million year old human skull, which seems to have strange powers. As people start dying of some unknown force, The Doctor discovers the truth behind the evil reputation of the local area, as the scientists awaken a powerful and ancient alien force. It was an interesting story which came up with science-fiction explanations for old superstitions, supernatural phenomena and the occult.

I went into work today and it was very busy, there weren't many people in either. I only stayed for about six hours and then went home. The next time I go into work will be next Tuesday, when I start back properly.