DC Comics' imprint Vertigo has just released the prequel cover art of Neil Gaiman's The Sandman: Overture. Illustrated by artist J.H. Williams III, Gaiman's highly anticipated graphic novel is scheduled to hit the shelves on October 30th.

"This is the one story that we never got to tell," the author told The New York Times. "In SANDMAN #1 Morpheus is captured somehow. Later on in the series, you learn he was returning from somewhere far, far away - but we never got to the story of what he was doing and what had happened. This is our chance to tell that story, and J.H. Williams III is drawing it. It's the most beautiful thing in the world."

Williams is also known for his works in other acclaimed graphic novels such as Promethea, Batwoman, Desolation Jones and Chase. "I ask him to do the impossible, and he gives me back more than I asked for." Gaiman said.

The Sandman: Overture #1 will also be published in digital format on the same day of its release. The graphic novel will be a bi-monthly publication.

In addition, a Special Edition series, which contains original scripts by Gaiman, concept art and sketches by Williams and other deluxe issues will also be released bi-monthly and alternating between the main Overture series starting this November.

Gaiman's Sandman is a critically acclaimed comic series, which won 19 Eisner and six Harvey Awards. It ran from 1989 to 1996.

More details about The Sandman: Overture will be announced at this month's Comic Con in San Diego as Gaiman and Williams is scheduled to appear for Vertigo's 25th Anniversary panel.

The San Diego 2013 Comic Con International will run from July 18-21, 2013.

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