The Sandman #4

Published by DC Comics in 1989 as part of Neil Gaiman’s seminal The Sandman series, issue number four is titled A Hope in Hell. This chapter serves as a pivotal point in the opening story arc, Preludes and Nocturnes, following the protagonist Dream as he descends into Hell to reclaim his stolen helm. The narrative is widely regarded for its introduction of Lucifer Morningstar, a character whose depiction shifted the landscape of DC’s supernatural hierarchy and provided the foundation for his eventual expansion into his own long-running spin-off series.

The interior art was provided by Sam Kieth, whose stylized, expressive linework brought an otherworldly, gothic texture to the journey through the underworld. Mike Dringenberg contributed the inks, helping to establish the dark, atmospheric aesthetic that became a hallmark of the Vertigo imprint. The issue was received with significant critical acclaim, praised for its philosophical engagement with the concept of hope as a weapon, and it remains a cornerstone collectible for those documenting the transition of mainstream comic books toward more literary, adult-oriented themes.