Critically acclaimed, "The Sandman" was one of the first few graphic novels ever to be on the "New York Times" Best Seller list, along with "Maus", "Watchmen" and "The Dark Knight Returns". It was one of five graphic novels to make "Entertainment Weekly"s "100 best reads from 1983 to 2008," ranking at No. 46. Norman Mailer described the series as "a comic strip for intellectuals." The series has exerted considerable influence over the fantasy genre and graphic novel medium since its publication.