Changes: Sandman Vol 2 4

Revision as of 02:07, 7 February 2020

"A Hope in Hell"

Cover

"A Hope in Hell"

Editors

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Sandman (Volume 2) #3	Sandman (Volume 2) #5

I have always been solitary, but here on the nightward shores of dream, loneliness washes over me in waves, lapping and pulling at my spirit.

— Dream

Sandman (Volume 2) #4 is an issue of the series Sandman (Volume 2) with a cover date of April, 1989.

Synopsis for "A Hope in Hell"

Dream's next task is to reclaim his missing helm. This will prove a most dangerous endeavour, as it means that he must pass the gates of Hell itself to find it.

At the gates, Dream meets resistance from a guard named Squatterbloat. Dream warns him that he is considered a guest and that Lucifer would be very upset if Squatterbloat refused him. Fortunately, the demon Etrigan appears, and offers to take Dream to see Lucifer. He takes Dream through the Wood of Suicides, and then past a prison of souls entombed to pity. Dream has an encounter with a woman he knew long ago - Nada. Nada begs his forgiveness for a prior betrayal, but Morpheus refuses. He tells her, "It has been ten thousand years, Nada. Yes. I still love you. But I have not yet forgiven you".

They eventually arrive at Dis, the Hellcity where the palace of Lucifer Morningstar stands. At the top of his tower, Lucifer greets him. Dream is surprised to learn that Hell is no longer a monarchy, but is now a triumvirate. After the battle between Heaven and the Great Darkness, a civil war sparked in Hell which led to a change in leadership. Lucifer now rules in equal partnership with fellow demons Azazel and Beelzebub.

The triumvirate convenes before Morpheus, and he informs them that a demon stole his helm of office many years ago, 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 magic sand, Dream eventually finds the one in possession of the artifact - Choronzon. Choronzon claims to have acquired the tool 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, unsure that he has the strength to win.

As the challenged, Choronzon decides upon the rules and setting of their duel. He chooses a contest of wits, in which all of reality is their battlefield. The game involves taking on the identity of an item or animal and using the properties of that item to trump the opponent. After several turns, Dream realizes that taking a defensive approach might serve him better. He manipulates Choronzon into choosing a universe-destroying force, which he believes will leave Dream with no recourse. In response, Dream explains that he will be hope - the only thing that can remain after all is destroyed. With that, he wins the challenge.

Taking back his property, Morpheus thanks the kings of Hell and prepares to leave. Lucifer warns, however, that dreams have no power in Hell, and he has no intention of letting the Dream Lord leave. Morpheus counters that the power of dreams is very strong in Hell. Addressing the entire demon congregation he says, "What power would Hell have if those here imprisoned were not able to dream of Heaven?" With that, the sea of demons parts, and Morpheus is allowed to leave. Lucifer vows that one day he will destroy the Dream King.

Elsewhere, at Arkham Asylum, John Dee receives a gift from his dead mother.

Appearing in "A Hope in Hell"

Featured Characters:

Dream

Supporting Characters:

Demons
- Satanic Triumvirate (First appearance)
  - Azazel
  - Beelzebub
  - Lucifer (First appearance)
- Template:Apn
- Squatterbloat

Antagonists:

Choronzon (First appearance)
Template:Apn

Other Characters:

Agony
Ecstacy
Ethel Cripps (Behind the scenes)
Nada (First appearance)

Locations:

Items:

Vehicles:

None

Notes

This issue is reprinted in Essential Vertigo: Sandman #4, Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes and Sandman: Absolute Edition, Volume 1.

Dream addresses a tortured prisoner of Hell named Nada who begs his forgiveness. Nada's crime, and the reason why Dream won't forgive her are revealed in greater detail in Sandman #9.

First actual appearance of Choronzon. He made a behind-the-scenes appearance in Sandman #1 and a behind-the-scenes flashback appearance in issue #2.

This issue reveals that Dream's name in African culture is Kai'ckul.

Hell became a triumvirate as a result of a civil war which was sparked by the appearance of the Great Darkness. The events that led to this war culminated in Swamp Thing (Volume 2) #50

The demons Agony and Ecstacy make cameo appearances in this issue. They were last seen in Hellblazer #12, where they were first introduced.

Links and References

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 | Month               = April
 | Year                = 1989
+| PreviousIssue       = {{C|Sandman Vol 2 3}}
+| NextIssue           = {{C|Sandman Vol 2 5}}
-| Executive Editor    = Karen Berger
+| Executive Editor    = Dick Giordano
 | CoverArtist1        = Dave McKean
-| PreviousIssue       = [[Sandman Vol 2 3|Sandman #3]]
-| NextIssue           = [[Sandman Vol 2 5|Sandman #5]]
-| Quotation           = I have always been solitary, but here on the nightward shores of dream, loneliness washes over me in waves, lapping and pulling at my spirit.
-| Speaker             = [[Dream (New Earth)|Dream]]
-| StoryTitle1         = "A Hope in Hell"
-| Synopsis1           = Dream's next mission is to reclaim his missing helm. This looks to be his most dangerous endeavor as it means that he must pass the gates of Hell itself to find it. As he approaches the gates, he rings a massive gong and is received by a guardian named [[Squatterbloat]]. Squatterbloat calls [[Morpheus]] a clown and refuses to grant him access. Dream warns him that he is considered a guest and that Lucifer would be very upset if Squatterbloat refused him. The demon Etrigan appears, and acts much more respectful to Dream, who notes that he is now a rhyming demon. Etrigan offers to take Morpheus to see [[Lucifer]], which Dream accepts, even though he suspects Etrigan of some malevolence. He takes him through the Wood of Suicides and Morpheus has an encounter with a woman he knew long ago - Nada. Nada begs his forgiveness for an unexplained sin, but Morpheus refuses. He tells her, "It has been ten thousand years, Nada. Yes. I still love you. But I have not yet forgiven you".
-Etrigan eventually brings him to Dis, the Hellcity and the palace of Lucifer Morningstar. Morpheus goes to the top of the tower and Lucifer greets him. He is surprised to learn that Hell is no longer a monarchy, but now a triumvirate. Lucifer rules in equal partnership with fellow Hell Lords Azazel and Beelzebub. The remaining members of the triumvirate appear before Morpheus. He tells them that a demon stole his helm of office many years ago and he has come to Hell to reclaim it. [[Beelzebub]] asks him which demon is responsible for the offense, but Morpheus doesn't know his name. Spitefully, Lucifer decides to summon all of the demons of Hell together and asks Morpheus to point out which one has his helmet.
-Using his magic sand, he eventually finds the one in possession of the artifact - [[Choronzon]]. Choronzon claims to have acquired the tool fairly, and has broken no laws of Hell. If Morpheus wants it back, then he must challenge him for it. Morpheus agrees. As the challenged, Choronzon decides upon the rules and setting of their duel. The two engage in a contest of wits with all of reality as their battlefield. The game involves taking on the identity of an item or animal and using the properties of that item to trump the opponent. After several turns, Morpheus ultimately wins the duel when Choronzon hesitates to counter Morpheus' last move.
-Taking back his property, Morpheus thanks the kings of Hell and prepares to leave. However, Lucifer tells him that he has no power in Hell and has no intention of letting the Dream Lord leave. Morpheus counters, citing that the power of dreams is very strong in Hell. Addressing the entire demon congregation he says, "What power would Hell have if those here imprisoned were not able to dream of Heaven?" With that, the sea of demons parts and Morpheus is allowed to leave. Lucifer vows that one day he will destroy the Dream King.
 | Editor1_1           = Art Young
@@ Line 33: / Line 20: @@
 | Letterer1_1         = Todd Klein
+| Quotation           = I have always been solitary, but here on the nightward shores of dream, loneliness washes over me in waves, lapping and pulling at my spirit.
-| Appearing1 =
+| Speaker             = [[Dream (New Earth)|Dream]]
-'''Featured Characters:'''
-* [[Dream (New Earth)|Dream]]
+| StoryTitle1         = "A Hope in Hell"
-'''Supporting Characters:'''
+| Synopsis1           = [[Dream (New Earth)|Dream]]'s next task is to reclaim his missing helm. This will prove a most dangerous endeavour, as it means that he must pass the gates of [[Hell]] itself to find it.
-* [[Azazel (New Earth)|Azazel]]
-* [[Beelzebub (New Earth)|Beelzebub]]
+At the gates, Dream meets resistance from a guard named [[Squatterbloat (New Earth)|Squatterbloat]]. Dream warns him that he is considered a guest and that [[Lucifer Morningstar (New Earth)|Lucifer]] would be very upset if Squatterbloat refused him. Fortunately, the demon [[Etrigan (New Earth)|Etrigan]] appears, and offers to take Dream to see Lucifer. He takes Dream through the Wood of Suicides, and then past a prison of souls entombed to pity. Dream has an encounter with a woman he knew long ago - Nada. Nada begs his forgiveness for a prior betrayal, but Morpheus refuses. He tells her, "It has been ten thousand years, Nada. Yes. I still love you. But I have not yet forgiven you".
-* [[Etrigan (New Earth)|Etrigan]]
-* [[Lucifer Morningstar (New Earth)|Lucifer]] {{1st}}
+They eventually arrive at Dis, the Hellcity where the palace of Lucifer Morningstar stands. At the top of his tower, Lucifer greets him. Dream is surprised to learn that Hell is no longer a monarchy, but is now a triumvirate. After the battle between [[Heaven]] and the [[Great Darkness (New Earth)|Great Darkness]], a civil war sparked in Hell which led to a change in leadership.
-* [[Squatterbloat (New Earth)|Squatterbloat]]
+Lucifer now rules in equal partnership with fellow demons [[Azazel (New Earth)|Azazel]] and [[Beelzebub (New Earth)|Beelzebub]].
+The triumvirate convenes before Morpheus, and he informs them that a demon stole his [[Dream's Helm|helm of office]] many years ago, 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.
-'''Villains:'''
-* [[Choronzon (New Earth)|Choronzon]] {{1st}}
-* [[John Dee (New Earth)|Doctor Destiny]]
+Using his magic sand, Dream eventually finds the one in possession of the artifact - [[Choronzon (New Earth)|Choronzon]]. Choronzon claims to have acquired the tool 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, unsure that he has the strength to win.
+As the challenged, Choronzon decides upon the rules and setting of their duel. He chooses a contest of wits, in which all of reality is their battlefield. The game involves taking on the identity of an item or animal and using the properties of that item to trump the opponent. After several turns, Dream realizes that taking a defensive approach might serve him better. He manipulates Choronzon into choosing a universe-destroying force, which he believes will leave Dream with no recourse. In response, Dream explains that he will be hope - the only thing that can remain after all is destroyed. With that, he wins the challenge.
+Taking back his property, Morpheus thanks the kings of Hell and prepares to leave. Lucifer warns, however, that dreams have no power in Hell, and he has no intention of letting the Dream Lord leave. Morpheus counters that the power of dreams is very strong in Hell. Addressing the entire demon congregation he says, "What power would Hell have if those here imprisoned were not able to dream of Heaven?" With that, the sea of demons parts, and Morpheus is allowed to leave. Lucifer vows that one day he will destroy the Dream King.
+Elsewhere, at [[Arkham Asylum]], [[John Dee (New Earth)|John Dee]] receives a gift from his dead mother.
+| Appearing1          =
+'''Featured Characters:'''
+* {{a|[[Dream (New Earth)|Dream]]}}
+'''Supporting Characters:'''
+* {{A|[[Demons]]}}
+** {{a|[[Satanic Triumvirate]]}} {{1st}}
+*** {{a|[[Azazel (New Earth)|Azazel]]}}
+*** {{a|[[Beelzebub (New Earth)|Beelzebub]]}}
+*** {{a|[[Lucifer Morningstar (New Earth)|Lucifer]]}} {{1st}}
+** {{apn|[[Etrigan (New Earth)|Etrigan]]|Action Comics Vol 1 641|Swamp Thing Vol 2 86}}
+** {{a|[[Squatterbloat (New Earth)|Squatterbloat]]}}
+'''Antagonists:'''
+* {{a|[[Choronzon (New Earth)|Choronzon]]}} {{1st}}
+* {{apn|[[John Dee (New Earth)|Doctor Destiny]]|Sandman Vol 2 #2}}
 '''Other Characters:'''
-* [[Agony (New Earth)|Agony]]
+* {{a|[[Agony (New Earth)|Agony]]}}
-* [[Ecstacy (New Earth)|Ecstacy]]
+* {{a|[[Ecstacy (New Earth)|Ecstacy]]}}
-* [[Ethel Cripps (New Earth)|Ethel Cripps]] {{BTS}}
+* {{a|[[Ethel Cripps (New Earth)|Ethel Cripps]]}} {{BTS}}
-* [[Nada (New Earth)|Nada]] {{1st}}
+* {{a|[[Nada (New Earth)|Nada]]}} {{1st}}
 '''Locations:'''
-* [[Hell]]
+* {{a|[[Hell]]}}
-* [[Gotham County]]
+** {{a|[[Dis|City of Dis]]}}
-:*[[Arkham Asylum]]
+* {{a|[[Gotham County]]}}
+**{{a|[[Arkham Asylum]]}}
+* {{A|[[Dreaming]]}}
 '''Items:'''
-* [[Dream's Helm]]
+* {{a|[[Dream's Helm]]}}
-* [[Dream's Sand Pouch]]
+* {{a|[[Dream's Sand Pouch]]}}
 '''Vehicles:'''
 * None
@@ Line 68: / Line 74: @@
 | Notes               =
-* This issue is reprinted in [[Essential Vertigo: Sandman 4|''Essential Vertigo: Sandman'' #4]], ''[[Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes]]'' and ''[[Sandman: Absolute Edition, Volume 1]]''.
+* This issue is reprinted in [[Essential Vertigo: Sandman Vol 1 4|''Essential Vertigo: Sandman'' #4]], ''[[Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes (Collected)|Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes]]'' and ''[[The Absolute Sandman, Volume One (Collected)|Sandman: Absolute Edition, Volume 1]]''.
-* [[Etrigan (New Earth)|Etrigan]] appeared last in [[Action Comics 641|''Action Comics Weekly'' #641]]. He appears next in [[Detective Comics 602|''Detective Comics'' #602]].
 * Dream addresses a tortured prisoner of Hell named Nada who begs his forgiveness. Nada's crime, and the reason why Dream won't forgive her are revealed in greater detail in [[Sandman Vol 2 9|''Sandman'' #9]].
@@ Line 78: / Line 82: @@
 * This issue reveals that Dream's name in African culture is Kai'ckul.
-* Hell became a triumvirate following a demon civil war. The actions that led to this war culminated in [[Swamp Thing Vol 2 50|''Saga of the Swamp Thing'' #50]].
+* Hell became a triumvirate as a result of a civil war which was sparked by the appearance of the [[Great Darkness (New Earth)|Great Darkness]]. The events that led to this war culminated in {{c|Swamp Thing Vol 2 50}}
-* The demons Agony and Ecstacy make cameo appearances in this issue. They were last seen in [[Hellblazer 12|''Hellblazer'' #12]] where they were first introduced.
+* The demons Agony and Ecstacy make cameo appearances in this issue. They were last seen in {{C|Hellblazer Vol 1 12}}, where they were first introduced.
 | Trivia              =
-* The reality game presented in this issue is essentially a verbal contest of wits. Each opponent addresses himself as an animal, item or idea and follows it with a series of adjectives in the form of a poem. The other player then counters the actions of the first by taking on the properties of a more powerful idea. Example: Choronzon opens with "I am a dire wolf. Prey-stalking, lethal prowler." Morpheus counters with "I am a hunter, horse-mounted, wolf-stabbing. Choronzon responds with "I am a horsefly, horse-stinging, hunter-throwing". Choronzon's final bid was "I am Anti-Life, the Beast of Judgment. I am the dark at hte end of everything. The end of universes, gods, worlds... of everything". Morpheus replied with "I am hope". At this, Choronzon hesitated and thus lost the duel.
 | Recommended         =
-* [[Comics:Dreaming Vol 1|Dreaming (Volume 1)]]
+* [[The Dreaming Vol 1|Dreaming (Volume 1)]]
-* [[Comics:Sandman Vol 2|Sandman (Volume 2)]]
+* [[Sandman Vol 2|Sandman (Volume 2)]]
-| CustomSection1      = Related Articles
-| CustomText1         =
-* [[1989]]
-* [[Endless]]
-* [[Sandman Characters]]
-* [[Dream (New Earth)/Gallery|Dream image gallery]]
-* [[Dream (New Earth)/Appearances|Dream appearances list]]
-* [[:Category:Dream (New Earth)/Quotes|Dream quotes page]]
 | Links               =
 * [[Wikipedia:The Sandman (Vertigo)|Sandman article at Wikipedia]]
 * [[Wikipedia:The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes|Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes article at Wikipedia]]
-* [http://www.comicbookdb.com/title.php?ID=376 Sandman series index at Comicbookdb.com]
+* [https://www.comicbookdb.com/title.php?ID=376 Sandman series index at Comicbookdb.com]
-* [http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=3817 Sandman series index at the Grand Comics Database]
+* [https://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=3817 Sandman series index at the Grand Comics Database]
-* [http://www.arschkrebs.de/sandman/annotations/ Sandman Annotations]
+* [https://www.arschkrebs.de/sandman/annotations/ Sandman Annotations]
 }}
-{{DEFAULTSORT:Sandman Vol 2 04}}

Changes: Sandman Vol 2 4

Revision as of 02:07, 7 February 2020

Contents

Synopsis for "A Hope in Hell"

Appearing in "A Hope in Hell"

Notes

See Also

Recommended Reading

Links and References