Maius Intra Qua Extra

No, I don't think you're wrong. I think the majority of people think that children should be entertained, not engaged, and that attitude is probably the core of the idea that TV rots children's brains.

Well, "Sandman" is considered horror, but it's honestly more dark and psychological. I don't like horror either, but I enjoyed it and consider it one of the best works of literature out there. If you do start it, when you read the first volume, which is called "Preludes and Nocturnes", just avoid reading the chapter called "24 Hours". It's set in a diner - that way you'll know which one as soon as it starts. That chapter is extremely disturbing. Dream (the main character) goes there to retrieve an item, and he gets it by the end - you just don't need to know what happens in the diner. There is no other scene in the entire series that is truly horrific (in my opinion, at least).