The Sandman, Vol. 8: Worlds' End

The storytelling style felt layered and immersive, but I wonder if this structure was planned from the beginning or evolved during writing. What inspired this storytelling choice?

The themes of perception and truth kept me questioning what was real. Were there specific stories or moments that made others feel this way?

Gaiman's use of myth and folklore adds depth, but I'm curious about what sources or ideas influenced these particular stories.