Adapted from Neil Gaiman's portfolio comes a new Netflix series, “Dead Boy Detectives.” A spinoff from the supernatural series “The Sandman,” it presents a compelling fusion of teen drama and paranormal adventures, featuring characters who take on intriguing forms of abstract concepts such as Dream and Death. The series scales down to a more intimate scope compared to its epic predecessor, offering a mixture of detective procedural and teen narrative, peppered with the unexpected twist of immortal monsters.

“Dead Boy Detectives” mirrors “The Sandman” being based on another of Gaiman's works. However, it stands apart as the creative project of Steve Yockey, known for “The Flight Attendant,” and is a product of the powerful production partnership of Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schecter. The series merges the fantastical with themes of teenage growth, resembling “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” a previous venture between Netflix, Berlanti, and Schecter.

The protagonists, Edwin (George Rexstrew) and Charles (Jayden Revri), diverge from standard teen characters being ghosts who died in different eras. Hiding from authorities seeking to send them to the afterlife, they offer their solutions to other spirits who require their help to elucidate unusual supernatural mysteries. The plot thickens when they cross paths with Crystal (Cassius Nelson), a psychic who brings them to Port Townsend, Washington to aid her.

The series links to “The Sandman” with a brief appearance by Death (Kirby). Yet, Edwin and Charles still seem more human and relatable than the Grim Reaper or her ethereal siblings. They embody a classic on-screen duo made up of seemingly opposite personalities, which is disrupted by Crystal's arrival. Nonetheless, they carry on with their spectral duties while juggling their own unique issues.

“Dead Boy Detectives” mingles a medley of mythological tropes and deftly sprints through its storylines without excessive exposition or worldbuilding. Its ambiguity adds to its charm, although its aesthetic could be underwhelming for those expecting the eerie, macabre artistry in Gaiman’s original work. Despite some imperfections, the mix of teen issues with supernatural narratives gives the series its appeal, making “Dead Boy Detectives” an entertaining blend of typical and paranormal. The series is now available for streaming on Netflix.