Lucifer #17

Lucifer issue 17, released in 2001, serves as the second installment of the 'A Dalliance with the Damned' story arc within the Vertigo Comics series written by Mike Carey. Following the character's departure from Neil Gaiman's Sandman universe, Carey was tasked with expanding the scope of Lucifer Morningstar's existential challenges. This specific issue builds upon the complex theological and philosophical underpinnings of the series, focusing on the intricate power dynamics between Lucifer and the divine entities that govern his reality.

The interior art for this issue was rendered by Peter Gross, a long-time collaborator on the title, whose atmospheric style was instrumental in defining the series' dark, refined aesthetic. The cover art was created by Christopher Moeller, who became the primary cover artist for the run. The design intent throughout the series was to move away from traditional superhero tropes, aiming instead for a tone that felt grounded in literary fantasy and epic tragedy, a stylistic choice that was met with consistent critical acclaim for its narrative consistency and visual cohesion.