Menty, this is where you learn of my ignorance:
I haven't read the series. I had owned the 1st TPB for many, many years, but didn't start collecting the individual issues until halfway through "Brief Lives." I didnt' want to ruin it for myself by starting that late in the tapestry, so my intention was ALWAYS to go back and read it from start to finish and just collect the individual issues from that point on. (Eventually, I just stopped buying the individual issues, somewhere during "The Wake" and planned to just pick up the TPBs, which is what I'm doing, although, NOW it appears I'll wait to purchase the Absolute editions.) That's one of the reasons I'm so enthused about doing this with you and TK, so that I CAN finally read it.
That having been said, I am aware of certain characers just from having read
about the series and have been interested in the characters and tales for a long time. Sandman has even inspired my own writing, significanly, and that's saying a lot considering I haven't really read the series, yet.
What I hope to bring to your discussion, other than enthusiasm, is a historical viewpoint regarding certain themes, characters, comic history, etc. that Gaiman might reference, but I'll be learning as I go, too.
I did find this for you, though:
"Matthew: Matthew the Raven started out as Matthew Cable. As a man, Matthew made his first appearance in Swamp Thing #1 (October-November #1972). In Swamp Thing #84, he makes his tranformation into a raven in the Dreaming. Matthew also has made some return visits to Swamp Thing. In Swamp Thing #118, he visits with Tefe'. In Swamp Thing #140 he visits Abby and manages to cast his old shadow.
http://www.hoboes.com/pub/Comics/Creators/Neil Gaiman/Sandman/1 Characters Plot Stories
Oh, and without having "met" or encountered the bulk of the Dreaming cast, I'd have to go with Merv as being my fave.