Sandman 04

A Hope in Hell is issue 4 of The Sandman comic series. Created by Neil Gaiman, Sam Keith, and Mike Drigenberg it was originally released February 28, 1989.

Synopsis
Still tracking his objects of power, Morpheus travels to Hell itself in search of his helmet. It seems it's fallen into the hands of a higher demon, and there's a realm of devils standing between Morpheus and his property...

Summary
After the battle between Heaven and the Great Darkness, a civil war in Hell led to a change in leadership. Lucifer now says he rules in partnership with demons Azazel and Beelzebub. The triumvirate recieves Morpheus, and he informs them that a demon stole his helm of office, and he has come to Hell to reclaim it. They ask which demon is responsible for the offence, but Morpheus doesn't know his name. Mockingly, Lucifer decides to summon all of the demons of Hell together and asks Morpheus to point out which one has his helmet. Using his sand retrieved in the previous issue, Dream finds the one in possession of the artifact, a demon called Choronzon. Choronzon claims to have acquired the helm fairly, and has broken none of Hell's laws. If Morpheus wants it back, then he must challenge him for it. Morpheus agrees to the challenge, and after winning, takes back his property. Morpheus thanks the kings of Hell and prepares to leave. Lucifer, however, points out dreams have no power in Hell, and he wonders why the Dream Lord thinks he could just leave. Morpheus argued dreams are strong in Hell, saying, "What power would Hell have if those here imprisoned were not able to dream of Heaven?" With that, the mass of demons parts, and Morpheus leaves. Lucifer feels slighted, and vows that one day he will destroy the Dream King.

Featured Characters

 * Dream
 * Lucifer Morningstar
 * Azazel
 * Beelzebub

Supporting Characters

 * Cain
 * Etrigan

Antagonists

 * Choronzon

Other Characters

 * Nada
 * Agony and Ecstasy

Objects

 * Dream's Sand Pouch
 * Dream's Helm

Continuity Notes

 * Forthcoming

Trivia

 * Forthcoming

Collections

 * Preludes and Nocturnes