John Dee calls into a diner and Dream demands the return of his ruby.

Written by Armeni Rozsa, and again directed by Jamie Childs, this chapter uses material from The Sandman comics #6 ‘24 Hours’ and #7 ‘Sound and Fury’ to complete the John Dee/ Doctor Destiny arc, and at times it’s an uncomfortably violent watch.

Having parted ways with Rosemary, John Dee sets himself up in a diner, but the Dreamstone begins to affect the occupants. Reminiscent of The Twilight Zone’s Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up, this chapter follows the disintegration of humanity as filters are list and truths are bared. Waiting staff and diners succumb to the power of the magical ruby, releasing pent-up frustrations, all while Dee sits in the corner and marvels at the chaos he has unleashed.

In the comic, the issue concludes with Dream’s appearance, but as this chapter also includes the following issue, we get to experience the confrontation between Dee and the Lord of Dreams. There’s one moment that genuinely feels like it’s has been ripped straight out of the comics – and it’s a welcome treat.

Verdict: The Sandman doubles up on its adult content in this terrifying look at how close humanity is to losing control. 9/10

Nick Joy